why do some poeple go to court to argue their traffic ticket when most of the time it is the police officers word against yours, and the judge finds for the officer 99% of the time?
2007-01-22 13:26:30 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I was actually advised by the ticketing officer to go to court. I was doing 20 over and he told me if I went to court I could get it reduced to 10 over because I have a good record. He said he had to write it according to what the radar read.
When you go to court in a larger city the officer isn't there. You just speak to an assistant DA who makes the decisions.
It is always advised to go to court. You just fill out the back of the ticket and show up on the date. I don't know anyone who was refused a drop in the charge. The fine, however, stays the same.
If it's a parking ticket or other moving violation it's often fairly easy to get it reduced or completely removed. My husband received a parking ticket and thought he was unfairly ticketed so went to court. They voided the ticket.
Unless it's a horrible violation you don't go to trial and speak to the judge only to agree to the change. The whole thing takes literally a few minutes unless there are a whole bunch of people there.
2007-01-22 13:37:04 · answer #1 · answered by janisko 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because, when they are in front of the judge and admit to the infraction - then the judge (depending on your record) may reduce the fine.
If you decide to fight it and go to court - then the judge must take your statement plus ask the officer (unless the officer does not show up). If the officer does not show up and you make your argument really conviencing - then the judge may just throw it out.
I had a friend who decided to fight the ticket and go to court. He did some research (before the trial date) and knew the law.
He received a ticket for not wearing a shoulder harness seat belt. The officer stated that my friend was not wearing a seat belt according to the law. My friend had his research in his hand and read from it. The law states you must wear a seat belt but if the vehicle was manufactured with only a seat lap belt then it is legal as a seat belt. My friend proved he was not guilty and the officer lost. The judge was quite upset that the officer was not aware of this.
2007-01-22 15:39:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people can't accept the fact that they are wrong! And some never will.However, there are some courts and precincts that are run by "the good ole boys".And who really wants to pay excessive insurance premiums?There is also comradery among judges and police officers.
In my case, there was no point in arguing my case.My car was under a semi tractor trailer and there were witnesses.And I don't recall and still do not recall exactly how it happened!
2007-01-22 19:38:02 · answer #3 · answered by prettycoolchick38 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you should generalize. I know someone that got a Diamond Lane ticket (traveling in the fast lane with just one occupant during rush hour in California). He beat it because his watch had just been repaired and set three minutes slow by the jeweler (no his car did not have a clock); he was careful to show both the receipt and the watch's time to the Highway Patrolman who nonetheless wrote the ticket. The judge dismissed it.
2007-01-23 21:11:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do people play roulette or craps? The odds are about the same.
If you don't go to court, you're guaranteed to be found guilty. If you do go, you've got a chance that the cop won't show or he won't have his equipment records. At least there is a chance. Besides, most people go because they don't have the money and know they can get another 30 days to pay if they show up.
2007-01-22 13:34:20 · answer #5 · answered by normobrian 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As i seen many times. If you go to court they usually still charge you with the total fine. However, they will not deduct as many points off your license. Always go to court for your traffic tickets.
2007-01-22 15:04:02 · answer #6 · answered by brewer82 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean, I read something about this. Seems you have to be someone of good moral character before you can become a police officer. So who is the judge going to take sides with? Since he doesn't know you, he will take sides with the officer.
2007-01-22 13:37:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is always a chance that the officer doesn't show, then the case is dismissed. Plus there is still a small chance you could win it, regardless. Worth the time. You don't want your insurance to skyrocket.
2007-01-22 13:35:44 · answer #8 · answered by yolkyolk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I agree with you. Who is the judge going to believe? The "sworn" officer...which just may be his fishing buddy, or your testimony...which is also sworn in court. I hate the idea of getting a ticket...because that is judge, jury and hangman all at once.
2007-01-22 13:34:17 · answer #9 · answered by cajunrescuemedic 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I go to court because .the ticketing officer mite not appear,and the ticket will be thrown out.And it cost the courts money when you go to Court and fight it. thy claim it save lives .i agree but mostly is a money racket.and if i fight it, their profit margin for the county or state goes down ..tee hee
2007-01-22 13:49:46 · answer #10 · answered by tdwatch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋