Just got a speeding ticket - need help (lawyer, transfer)

[MysteryMT]

Some buddies of mine just came down to the Outer Banks and were ticketed by State Troopers doing 86 in a 70. Since I just moved in Saturday, I'm not real familar with the traffic laws, but they're saying that there is a mandatory court hearing in 1 month (long after they planned on staying).

Does anyone have any advice on how I should have them proceed. Is it best just to get a "traffic lawyer" or is there a way just to plead guilty and pay a fine?

Any help is appreciated. Thank you all in advance.

[cball75]

Hire an attorney because they can represent their client in court and they may not need to even come down again. Hiring an attorney might get them a reduced violation. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

[Carolina_native]

If the top of the citation it is written "District Court" you must personally appear, with or without an attorney. It is a misdemeanor charge. Anything 15mph and over in NC is a misdemeanor, anything less is an infraction.

Call the Clerk of Courts office in the county the ticket was given and speak with them and they will give all the information you need.

[movingnahurry]

Ok. I think pretty much anytime you go fifteen over the limit you have to go to court. If anything you could get a lawyer to represent you and get the fine reduced or thrown out completely. For future reference here if you get a ticket and just pay it you're basically pleading guilty and getting points against your license.

[Metallisteve]

Hopefully, you haven't transferred your DL to an NC one yet. If you have, you may be subject to losing your license for 30 days. As far as I know, it only applies to NC drivers...so if you still have an out of state license, you're immune to that nasty bit. They do have a once in a lifetime forgiveness called "prayer for forgiveness" to keep the 30 day suspension from happening.