Two Speeding Tickets

MarylandVW · 02-27-02, 12:00

Ok, I know the first rule of driving is not to speed, or at least not to get caught speeding. I have now gotten two speeding tickets in a two week period. I was pulled over on I-95 for doing 80+ in a 65, and the other ticket was for doing 50+ in a 30.

I have come to the conclusion that I drive way too fast, and now I am in an interesting situation. My first concern is the points that could possibly put on my record due to my little speeding problem. I have never been in a situation like this. I figured that I might have a bit of bargining power if I took the initiative, and went to the 2 available driving courses that the MVA typically associates with moving violationis. So, I am going to be taking the 2 courses in the next few months.

What should I do about this. I am going to postpone the first two dates, as I need to take the driving courses before I go to court. Should I hire a lawyer? The insurance hike (if I got the points) could break me financially. So, I am willing to do whatever necessary to keep the points off of my driving record.

Any input is always appreciated.

Thanks,
Led Food MarylandBimmr

Guess My Name · 02-28-02, 11:57

Hmmmm.

In my state we do not have points.

I would try to find someone else from your state who had a ticket and discuss with him. Or even ask the Motor Vehicle Dept or the local Districty Attorney.

Jngrbrdman · 02-28-02, 02:19

I have a service called prepaid legal. Everytime I get a ticket that I don't think I can get out of I can fax it to them and they make the arrangements for me. It is sort of like lawyer insurance. Really great stuff. Anyway, they usually tell me to call the court house and see if there is an officer of the court that I could talk to. Usually what happens is they give me a reduced fine and keep it off my record. The secret to keeping a clean record is to keep a clean record.

I've had a couple times where my lawyer has come to court with me and talked to the DA and made a deal for me. The DA is the one prosecuting you, not the judge. They can usually cut you a deal where you take the defensive driving course and you are on sort of a mini probation for 3 months where you don't get any tickets or else the one you are fighting gets put on your record with the other one. It is a tricky process but it has saved me more than a thousand dollars in fines on just one night. I can't even count how much money it has saved me all together.

Call the court house and see if you can get in touch with an officer of the court that can make a deal with you. That will probably be your best bet. You have a lead foot. That isn't a bad thing. I have one too.

Look into prepaid legal so just in case you get pulled over again you will have someone to make your deals for you.

Good luck with your tickets.

Short Cut · 02-28-02, 08:30

Were they radar tickets? Do you use a good radar detector like the www.valentine1.com ? Mine has saved me so many tickets I've lost count. In CA you can take your traffic safety class online.

Don2000g · 03-03-02, 04:33

In my state of Texas, you can only take one Defensive Driving course in a 12 month period to help you avoid getting the violation posted on your driving record. If you get two in a twelve month period, you're pretty much up the river. Laters

MarylandVW · 03-06-02, 09:19

Well, I contacted the court, and tracked down an attourney who gave me some advice. First, I found out that I should not put both of my tickets on the same day (that could be a bad thing). The next thing was that I have to appeal to the Judge.

I think that I can get out of the big ticket, and I am believing that I will be able to get out of the smaller ticket. Man, this whole situation just stinks. I am much madder at myself, that I got into this situation.

Thank you all for your input, and your comments. They have helped me a great deal!

Best regards,
Josh