Ticket

Evil 330ci · #1 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 06:58 PM

Ok, i got a ticket about 3 weeks ago. The cop took my PBA card and still gave me a ticket for having an extra person in my car ( I have an NJ Provisional License). The cop was tryin to play a nice guy and distinctly said "THis is a no point ticket, a court appearance is not required, you can pay the ticket at the violations bureau." So i did, within a week of the ticket. Yesterday, i got the ticket returned along with my payment, saying a court appearance is required....
I gave the "nice" people at Warren Municipal Court a phone call, i calmly explained to the woman on the other line what the problem was, that the ticket did not require a court appearance, and my payment was promptly. However, the woman on the other line was not as nice, she quickly asked for the ticket number, and minutes later told me that i have to appear in court. I asked her why, and she interrupted me "Sir, i dont know what you dont understand, you have to come to court, and thats it!" I was trying to find out exactly why i have to appear, and she interrupted me by saying that i have to come to court, and thats it, and hung up the phone.
Anyone know why exactly i have to go to court with this? It's a $100 fine for any infraction of the GDL (graduate license) which i had paid within a week. Maybe someone here can explain it to me. Thanks.

Kompressor · #2 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 07:52 PM

My suggestion is to forget about it and go to court, and further problems might cause some bad stuff to happen. Be a nice lil fella and go to the court. Plus you can tell them that the cop said you didn't have to come, and they can do somethign about it.

DukeBoy27 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 08:18 PM

If you can afford a new bimmer at your age, you can afford a lawyer. Seriously, if you are willing to spend the money... as long as you did not run over anyone or let the cop chase you for 200 miles... lawyers will take care of pretty much anything.

But, if you want to do it the proper way (and teach yourself a lesson in driving responsibly), then do as Kompressor say and go to court. Be honest and tell the judge/DA what happened, and most likely you will just pay a fine. If the ticket is just for having extra people in the car, I would think it is a non-moving violation? If it is, just pay the fine and be on your merry way, the insurance company would never know about it.

Evil 330ci · #4 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 08:22 PM

Thats the weird thing. I did pay the fine, but they sent it back. I just don't understand

DukeBoy27 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 10:03 PM

does your parents know any traffic lawyers? never hurts to ask about it

Evil 330ci · #6 (**permalink**) 08-02-2003, 08:03 AM

Ya, they know a couple. But i've decided taht i'm gonna go alone, and if worse comes to worse, i'm gonna appeal it, i mean, i did everything the ticket told me to do, ahead of time. I'm sure the court is gonna look at that.

illegalprelude · #7 (**permalink**) 08-02-2003, 10:49 AM

yea for sure go to court and just talk it out. Be calm and just state all the facts and hopefuly they willbe civil and understand to you. If you have to pay more in fines, then look for some legal action but then here is the question, is it really worth paying so much for a lawyer for a extra $100 fine?

crazyvovlo · #8 (**permalink**) 03-26-2005, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evil 330ci

Ya, they know a couple. But i've decided taht i'm gonna go alone, and if worse comes to worse, i'm gonna appeal it, i mean, i did everything the ticket told me to do, ahead of time. I'm sure the court is gonna look at that.

97% of traffic cases are lost without a traffic lawyer. Traffic lawyers know the judge and probably the officer so they use their conections to fix it

thestimp · #9 (**permalink**) 03-26-2005, 03:57 PM

The only reason you would have to goto court is if you were on a suspended license or driving in a careless situation deemed by the DMV and blah blah.. worst to worst you get a slap on the hand.. Unless theres more to your story, in that case a lawyer is mandated.

GhostRider · #10 (**permalink**) 03-27-2005, 06:08 AM

Dont miss the court date. That will get you a bench warrant issued for your ass.

Go. Get there early. Generally there is a check in and you may have the opportunity to speak with the prosecuting attorney who can explain why you are there. They will NOT give you advice, and no matter how nice they are they will be telling you whatever makes their job easier so take alot of what they say about your options with a grain of salt.

This part may just be arraignment where you get to choose"guilty/not guilty/no contest". If thats the case and you dont want to goto trial plead no-contest(if the option is given). If the date you have to show is the trail if the offiver is not present you can ask to have the charges dismissed since no one in the court can testify to the events of your case. Things vary slightly from state to state but those are the basics.

Good Luck