after a snow storm the officer said I was speeding in a area where many of the signs had been frozen over and it is a back country part with no lighting 10 over. in any case is it ever worth it to fight speeding tickets in court what are mine or anyones chances of winning.
2007-02-07 07:59:05 · 13 answers · asked by J G 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
If the ticket will raise your insurance rates, it is sometimes worth it just to show up in court. If the officer who issued the ticket doesn't show up, which sometimes happens, a lot of times the judge will dismiss the ticket. If the officer shows up, as they usually do, you are screwed.
It may be worth your time if you are under 25, have a lot of tickets in the past 3 years, or are in danger of losing your license due to point violations.
2007-02-07 08:07:24 · answer #1 · answered by chimpus_incompetus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is not a game. These are people's lives you are risking.
The law defines a speed limit for unmarked roads which is almost certainly lower than the real limit on that road. If you go to court to try to claim that you couldn't read any of the speed limit signs, you just talked yourself into a bigger ticket. And if the judge is wondering why you were going 10 over the limit when there was so much ice, you'll end up with a reckless driving charge added on.
Yes, you can fight the ticket. But be prepared to be taught a lesson that you're trying very hard not to learn.
2014-09-26 21:18:30 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With the conditions you list: (after a snow storm, signs frozen over, back country, no lighting)...you could actually be convicted of a speed offense even if you were going the posted limit. If the officer presents evidence that your speed was not reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions, he may win. For example: if the posted speed limit is 55 and the road is covered by ice, driving 55 would not be reasonable even though you are not exceeding the posted limit. It's a common-sense issue.
If you feel strongly about your case, plead it in front of a judge. That's what courts are for. It won't cost any more to plead not guilty than it would to plead guilty. Good luck.
2007-02-07 18:36:51 · answer #3 · answered by Hootiesplace 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO, it usually come down to your word against the officer who issued you the ticket. Most of the times you will lose, and have to pay court costs in addition to the ticket cost, when you lose your case.
2007-02-07 19:24:04 · answer #4 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hardly ever worth fighting. At least in California if you mail in the money they used to let you take off 10 or 15 %.
2007-02-07 16:13:37 · answer #5 · answered by pedohunter1488 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have the time to go to court, it is worth it. Sometimes the cop won't show, and then you're off. Sometimes you can get your points or fine reduced by arguing your side of the story.
2007-02-07 16:07:32 · answer #6 · answered by Vakari 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've done both. It takes a lot of time and effort to fight a traffic ticket and is your word against the officer's word.
2007-02-07 16:02:54 · answer #7 · answered by beez 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you could have also gotten a citation for driving in unfavorable conditions. Even if you were going the speed limit if the conditions prove to be dangerous you can also get a citation.
2007-02-07 16:04:26 · answer #8 · answered by Michael R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it is not worth it, but you could call and talk to the court about probation or see how much you could pay not to have it on your record.
2007-02-07 16:16:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. Take photos of covered signs. cop may not show up, and the fine is nothing....but your insurance is going to explode!
2007-02-07 16:08:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋