I received a speeding ticket for 77 in a 55. I was told by a friend that my best option is pleading no contest. If i plead no contest, what happens next? Does the judge question me right there on the spot? Do I have to prove to the judge that I have unusual circumstances (obstructed view, heavy traffic, etc)? Is there a way to have the fine/points reduced if i plead no contest?
Any advice would be great!
2007-03-28 12:38:27 · 7 answers · asked by danmoore1023 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I have been told its best to fight every speeding ticket for a few reasons.
1. Most times the officer will reduce the speeding ticket to a non points violation. Meaning you will not have points assigned to you license.
2. sometimes the officer will not show. Without the officer the judge will through the ticket out. You get no fine and no points, and it will not show on your driving record.
3. The officer may request no points be assigned. In most cases the judge takes his cues from the officer.
ADMIT NOTHING, DENY EVERYTHING!
2007-03-28 13:09:15 · answer #1 · answered by elacledus 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Pleading No contest means you aren't contesting the facts on the citation. It's the same as a guilty plea. The Judge may listen to your explanation, but they've heard it all so don't expect him/her to be very understanding. The fine is probably on a set scale so the Judge may have very little room to reduce that. You might be able to get the points reduced. I'm assuming this is a mandatory court appearance instead of just paying the ticket bail.
Good luck
2007-03-28 12:46:02 · answer #2 · answered by chuck_junior 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is to ask for trial by declaration in your situation. Pleading no contest is not admitting guilt but no denying guilt but is seen as a guilty plea and will be charged as such. If you plead no contest then you will not have a chance for a lesser fine / sentence. Or you can submit a plea of guilty with explanation and then describe to him the circumstances right then and there where as requesting a trial by declaration, you must submit in writing your side of the story along with all explanation and the issuing officer will have to do the same there you will also submit any evidence you have in your favour. No contest just says that you are guilty but your plea can't be used against you in case you were sued or in a law suit pertaining to the incident at hand. It would just be like saying you were guilty. Ask for trial by declaration. Hope this helps!
2007-03-28 13:01:03 · answer #3 · answered by NoFXer 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When you plead no contest it goes down as a guilty plea. You will still get the points against your license unless they offer you traffic school.
I want to warn you that no judge is going to listen to " obstructed view or heavy traffic" as a reason for going 22 miles over the speed limit.
2007-03-28 12:58:18 · answer #4 · answered by nana4dakids 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you plead no contest, you are neither admitting anything or disputing the charge. You will immediately be found guilty and sentenced. You sentence will be similar to what you would have got if you plead guilty. The main advantage is that it can't be used against you in civil court. If you were involved in a collision, this is often useful. For a speeding ticket, it doesn't matter.
2007-03-28 14:13:48 · answer #5 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
No contest is the SAME as pleading guilty.
2007-03-29 00:41:10 · answer #6 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you plead no contest that just like pleading guilty pretty much.You gotta plead not guilty If you wanna fight it & provide evedance to back up what your saying.
2007-03-28 12:47:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋