Traffic court suggestions? (I know I was wrong!)

loco · 04-28-05, 10:07

I'm hoping someone on here who's maybe had some experience in traffic court can give me some tips or suggestions on how to act, what to say, how to plead, etc. I've never been before.

Last week, I was driving up to Washington, DC for a concert. I was in central VA at the time on a 4-lane road and was not speeding. A state trooper pulled up beside me in the left lane, pulled slightly ahead of me, then slowed back down and turned on his lights. I pulled over and he asked me why I did not have a front plate on my car. I panicked and just told him it had fallen off and was in the trunk. He asked me to show him and I did. He asked me how long it had been, and I said about two weeks. He said that's long enough to fix it and wrote me a ticket.

The fact is I have not had a front plate on my car for much longer than that because I do not like the way it looks. I knew eventually it would come back on me and it has now. Some of you will say I got what I deserved and I kind of agree. But I've learned my lesson, the plate's on the car now and staying, and I'm hoping someone will take pity on me and give me some advice.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Should I just plead guilty when I go in and then ask for leniency? Or if I plead guilty, will they just automatically give me the regular penalty? This is a three point offense in Virginia. I have no points on my record now and have never been in any kind of trouble with the law. Is it true that if the trooper doesn't show up in court, the charges are dropped?

I would really appreciate any advice anyone might have. Thanks in advance.

And again, I know I made a mistake and I realize I might just have to eat this one.

Jngrbrdman · 04-28-05, 10:50

See if any of this info applies. Its pretty handy stuff.

I know a couple options you can try. You are going to have to buy your way out of this situation, but there are ways to keep the points off your insurance and driving record. Defensive driving can be an option to keep the points off your record. Check into entering a plea in abeyance as well. That may not be an option in all courts, but its basically entering a 'no contest' plea and then going on a sort of probation for 90 days. You pay the fine, but if you get a ticket in the next 90 days then you will get the points too. Drive safe for a couple months and nobody will ever know about this last ticket. There is usually an officer of the court who can advise you of your options. They don't care about nailing your record with points. They just want money. You'll find that the traffic courts are fairly flexible with your punishment as long as they are getting money out of the deal.

loco · 04-28-05, 11:00

Wow, that's very helpful info. It at least helps me to know what to expect. Thanks for the link!

I will check into the 'plea in abeyance' thing as well. Many thanks, jngrbrdman.

NewOwner FL · 04-28-05, 11:29

Usually with ticketed type infractions like yours, you can opt to fork over the cash and then attend a DD school like "Strongbad" said in his post. The class will be silly and take up some time, but if it keeps the points off of your record, its worth it.

Free coffee too.

loco · 04-28-05, 11:45

Yeah, I guess I need to look into the def. driving school. Do I make the offer to the judge in court to do the class and pay the fine, or how is that handled?

Thanks!

Jngrbrdman · 04-28-05, 11:52

There is usually a number on the ticket that you can call. They usually give you your options. Sometimes they can work it out prior to seeing the judge and sometimes its just something the judge does for you. It varies depending on the judge's preference.

NewOwner FL · 04-28-05, 12:24

Since you were not cited for a DUI, speeding, wreckless driving, etc. you may find some favor with the Judge in that you weren't putting anyone in danger, you were just driving w/out a front plate. Just hope that he doesn't ask you what happened to the plate that needed fixing. They might not like to hear that you needed to find 2 screws to put it back on.

Seriously though, you wont need F. Lee Bailey for this one, just apologize to the judge and contribute to the "city beautification program" with your fine money. You probably wont get anything more than a lecture.

loco · 04-28-05, 01:00

OK guys, thanks again for your help. When I get home tonight, I'll check to see if there's a number on the ticket and ask them about the procedure.

I do feel a bit re-assured about this. Anything to keep those points off. If nothing else works, I can at least take a "driver improvement" class and get rid of the points.

az57chevy · 04-28-05, 06:46

"points" usually only go against you for a moving violation. An equipment citation should not normally be points and risk higher insurance rates but check with your state's MVD.

Move to AZ where we only get one plate and that will solve your problem.

General Lee · 04-28-05, 10:13

I can't believe a non-moving violation like that carries 3 points.

Although Virginia does not play when it comes to their laws.

How much was the fine? Also find out for sure if it does carry points.

If not take into consideration the fine amount, court costs, and taking off work and possibly losing a days pay (depending on your job) and see if it really is worth going to court.

loco · 04-29-05, 05:23

It definitely is a 3 point violation in Virginia, which is assinine I know. The fine is $81. I don't know about court costs, but having the points will result in about $300/year in additional insurance expenses. It would certainly be easier to just pay the fine and not worry about it, but that's a pretty big chunk of change to eat. I think it's worth it to go to court and see what happens.

I never thought this would be a points violation either. Definitely should've checked before. duh