I got a speeding ticket for going 101MPH in Fresno, CA. It was really early in the morning and I had been taking a road trip. No alcohol or anything involved substance wise. I have zero tickets before this and I am over the drinking age. The cop didn't say anything to me, he simply handed me the ticket and sent me on my way. 2 months later or so, I just got my notice in the mail that I have to go to the Fresno court before October, on a tuesday only in the morning. The notice did not have a ticket price on it, or a ticket, just a small notice that I have to go to court there on a Tuesday. Also, that court is pretty far away from my home, like 200 miles or so. What could happen to me, and what should I do? Anything specific with this area would really help to... Thanks!
2007-08-11 18:17:38 · 10 answers · asked by George J 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
200 miles? That's only a 2 hour drive! (Sorry, cheap joke.)
Driving at over 100 mph is a violation of Vehicle Code section 22348, subdivision (b), and that is probably the charge. This is an infraction (you cannot go to jail). The state-wide schedule calls for a fine of $760 (including penalty assessments). A court appearance is mandatory. One of the reasons is that the hearing officer CAN (but does not have to) suspend your license for up to 30 days (you want to be very presentable and very nice). It is also 2 points on your record (4 in 12 months can result in suspension).
Given that your speed was only 2 mph over 100, I tend to think the best result for you would be a reduction of the charge to a violation of Vehicle Code section 22348, subdivision (a) (exceeding the maximum speed limit). (It could be that this is the charge already.) That would reduce the fine to $380, and would be only one point. If you were lucky, you might even get traffic school, but you'd have to ask.
I could not hurt to contact an attorney in Fresno who specializes in traffic matters to see whether it would be to your benefit to hire an attorney. (For one thing, the attorney could probably appear for you, so if you would lose wages if you traveled, this could be a reasonable idea.) You could probably find one on the 'net.
BTW, do NOT call the court clerk. The clerk will not be able to help you. And the reason there is no fine listed on the ticket is because NO California traffic citations list a fine. I am sure that you are not charged with reckless driving (mere speeding is not reckless driving in Californi) or any other misdemeanor.
2007-08-13 08:02:19 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is only one thing to do. Show up, on time, for Court. No excuses. Dress appropriately for the hearing, and speak respectfully to the Court. Own up to what you did, and accept the consequences. You'll still get the fine, but since it's your first offense, if the Court has any discretion with regard to pulling your license, your appearance and attitude in Court will make all the difference.
If you have hardship issues... such as being the sole support for your family and working more than an hour from your home, or if you are the only way an ailing parent or grandparent has to get to the doctor, the court MAY consider those issues as well.. but you have to show up in court, with proof of those matters.
Don't beg. Just explain the situation to the Court and do what the Court tells you to do.
And don't expect a magic solution to this problem. The Court takes a VERY dim view of kids who drive the way you did that night.
2007-08-12 02:18:28 · answer #2 · answered by Amy S 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your lucky they didnt throw you in jail and confiscate your license. The reason there isnt a ticket price on it is because you are being charged with a misdemeanor probably for reckless endangerment, or something along those lines. And though the court is like 200 miles away, you best plan to get a days worth of driving lined up and go to court, because failure to appear will have a warrant issued for your arrest. And your claim that the court is pretty far away is not gonna hold any water with the judicial system.
2007-08-12 03:25:01 · answer #3 · answered by woodchipper890 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I doubt you can go to traffic school for a ticket exceeding 90mph. Be grateful that you didn't get arrested for reckless driving.
I would contact the court to see if you can protest (fight) the ticket by mail. Some counties allow you to do this. You give your side, the cop gives his side. You will lose (sorry, just being honest - most judges hang out with the very same cops they are supposed to be neutral with - it is the problem we have with the criminal justice system)
2007-08-12 02:38:56 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. PhD 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
WoW your lucky you didn't get arrested! thats reckless driving!
I would say call the court and find out if you can deal with this through the mail. If you dont show up you'll get a warrant, so you need to call asap in case you need to make plans to go back out there.
btw, I really hope you wont be driving that fast anymore, for your safety as well as everyone else on the road.
good luck
2007-08-12 03:25:26 · answer #5 · answered by Kmmv 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
An article on increasing number of tickets over 100 mph, particularly in the corridor where you were caught. http://boards.eesite.com/board.cgi?boardset=ExpoLine&boardid=caltrans&thread=35&spec=4875360
"Judges take a dim view of cases over 100 mph," said J. Michael Welch, presiding judge for San Bernardino County. "Fines tend to be $500, and they may take the license."
Here's some information on dealing with a speeding ticket in CA: http://www.speedingticketcentral.com/California-speeding-ticket.html
2007-08-12 01:24:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think I would contact a lawyer, and have the lawyer go with me when I have to go to court. In my state, anything 25 mph over the limit can be cause to lose your license. That's why I would have the lawyer.
I hope that you can get traffic school out of this, being it is a first offense. good luck.
2007-08-12 01:28:07 · answer #7 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It probably will be about your license, fine, or traffic school. I doubt they will arrest you. I'm surprised the cop didn't have you arrested on the spot/ If you won't show up in court on that day, you will have a warrant.
2007-08-12 01:34:25 · answer #8 · answered by OC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should pay the ticket.....
But, really just call and ask the clerk of the court, number is in the phone book, or on the ticket.
2007-08-12 01:25:47 · answer #9 · answered by in pain 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just make sure you don't have two strikes for anything else. California law is a mess.
2007-08-12 01:24:52 · answer #10 · answered by yo yo dog 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋