I got a ticket for running a red light. I know I didn't run it, but it's an $81 three point moving violation. Why didn't I stop? Too close to intersection on a wet road with no shoulder. I didn't feel that I could safely stop. (aside from the fact that I was the only car on the road) my car doesn't have ABS, and i could have easily slid sideways and caused a collision.
Anyway, a lawyer costs like $90 which I don't have. Has anyone attempted to defend themselves in court for a traffic ticket? moreover, any been successful?
TwoPiMinus100th wrote: Has anyone attempted to defend themselves in court for a traffic ticket? moreover, any been successful?
Yes............No.
I'm just playing devil's advocate here, but what they'll probably say in answer to your excuse for not stopping i that you were driving too fast for conditions.
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Yeah, they will always get you got that too fast for conditions thing.
could also try playing the 'where was the cop' game. If he was beind you and had a clear view of the light... you are screwed. If he was at any other point in the intersection and did not have site of your light you might have a chance. Also depends how bad you ran it. If it was yellow then you might sneak by, but if it was indeed red and the officer saw that green light for the other direction, then you are gonna have to find that $81
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You're probably stuck with the ticket. If you have an otherwise clean or relatively clean driving record it's totally worth your time to go in and at least try to get something out of it. If that's the case and you did it, don't deny it. Just explain your story about the conditions... I felt I couldn't stop safely... and maybe I was going to fast for conditions... but I am a safe driver as my record will show... and I'm just hoping for a chance to keep these points off my license... and someone told me to ask for a "withhold" of adjudication but I'm not really sure what that is....
Do you see where I'm going there. If your record is good you might just get the withhold and no points right there - you pay the fine but your license and probably your insurance will stay out of it. They may offer you the chance to go to traffic school too and keep it off your record that way.
These are some typical scenarios here in Florida. Could be very different where you are, so hopefully a local with some experience can help you out.
In RI if it is your first moving violation you can get the ticket droped. I don't know if it is the same where you are. Also if you fight the ticket the cop has to show up, if he doesn't the ticket is droped. That might work if you live in a large town or city. Good luck with the ticket.
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no, I have a horrendous driving record. Mind you I drive a yellow Focus with a body kit and rims, which automatically stereotypes me as "hardcore street racer".
But I have no points on my liscense, and i'd like to keep it that way.
