First Speeding Ticket- Pay or go to court? (Welcome: insurance, attorney) - City-Data Forum

mikealialex · 01-12-2012, 10:18 PM

I received my first NC speeding ticket a couple of weeks ago, and was wondering about thoughts on going to court, or just paying the ticket. I know in Florida (not sure about here), if the Officer doesn't show up, the charges are dismissed. Is it the same here? The ticket was for a minimal fee, but it's the court costs that are expensive.

Jeepchic · 01-12-2012, 10:27 PM

Well you're going to have to pay the court costs regardless of if you show up or just pay the ticket. If it's minimal speeding you can ask to have the ticket negotiated down to a prayer for judgment or improper equipment.

This Meck County traffic ticket negotiation website was just started recently where you can negotiate or pay your ticket and you don't have to show up for court. It's endorced by the DAs office and Meck County PD so I'd start there first just to see. I haven't used it, but it looks like a convenience, especially since you can negotiate online. If you do use it, can you come back and tell about the process?

https://mecktraffictickets.mecklenbu...e/Welcome.aspx

mikealialex · 01-12-2012, 10:36 PM

Thanks Jeepchic, I forgot to mention that the ticket was in Iredell County.

Charlotteborn · 01-12-2012, 10:41 PM

The worst thing is the increase in your insurance. I have been told it may take a year or two for your insurance to go up but it eventually will and I think it stays up for 3 years. I would hire an attorney and try to get your ticket reduced to improper equipment.

About 4-5 years ago I got a ticket and was able to take a class that kept the ticket from showing up on insurance. I believe the deal was if I got another ticket within a 3-year time span this ticket would 'reappear'. I still had to pay the ticket and the cost of the class and probably should have hired an attorney (it would probably have been about the same cost) to fight the ticket instead.

thestem · 01-13-2012, 06:20 AM

Hiring one of the atty's who advertisments you are about to be bombarded with in the mail...I had 2 tix reduced to non moving violations and just paid court costs. No points, nothing!

mikealialex · 01-13-2012, 06:55 AM

So from what everyone is saying, is that I should get an atty? Has anyone had the experience where you don't get an atty, the Officer doesn't show, and the charges are dismissed? The only speeding ticket I ever got in Florida, that is what happened.

topchief1 · 01-13-2012, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikealialex

So from what everyone is saying, is that I should get an atty? Has anyone had the experience where you don't get an atty, the Officer doesn't show, and the charges are dismissed? The only speeding ticket I ever got in Florida, that is what happened.

I've always done the whole, you show up on your day, plead not guilty, come back when they tell you to, meet with the asst. DA, or whomever, they agree to lower the ticket to a non moving violation, so they keep the money, instead of it going to the state, you go before the judge who confirms it, don't forget to pay the lady, and then go on your merry way. BUT, this is in NY, and I don't know the ins and outs of NC.

Also, please be careful on what you admit, round these parts, they treat speeding tickets somewhere between rape and 1st degree murder

Charlotteborn · 01-13-2012, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikealialex

So from what everyone is saying, is that I should get an atty? Has anyone had the experience where you don't get an atty, the Officer doesn't show, and the charges are dismissed? The only speeding ticket I ever got in Florida, that is what happened.

I have heard of that happening but I wouldn't bet on it. Chances are that the officer will show up.

sam177 · 01-13-2012, 08:29 AM

Go to court. DA might reduce your points...which is better than paying high insurance for years.

metswin1 · 01-13-2012, 10:06 AM

Go to court yourself. No need for an attorney. You will have to pay court costs but they should reduce the penalty which will stop your insurance from going up. Just went through this last year myself. Just let the DA know that this is your first speeding ticket and you have not had any problems before this.