Speeding ticket while on probation. (Arlington, Plano: insurance, lawyers, live)

[London29]

I have never been pulled over in my whole life until 3 months ago

The cop gave me a first ticket for driving at 42 in a 35 zone and a second ticket for driving with a driver license that had a restriction which I was not aware of.
Long story short I was driving with a provisional license and not a permanent driver license.

I went to the Plano municipal court, payed the fines and chose the deferred option. Everything was going well and 3 days before the end of my probation, I got pulled over by the same cop!! Driving at 41 in a 30 zone.
He was in a moving vehicle driving on the other side of the road. He recognized me and even pointed out at the fact that I corrected my address on my driver license. I mean what are the chances to be pulled over by the same cop!! It is really bad luck

I went to the Plano court and asked to go in front of a judge. I am scheduled for Mid July.
I still have to figure out what I am going to tell him...

Any advise will be really appreciated.Thanks.

[wxf848]

Were you actually going 41 in a 30? That's pretty bad. I make it a point to obey the laws as much as feasible, but I'd be doubly and triply careful if I were on probation. I'm not trying to judge you, especially since I don't know the circumstances, but after nearly 20 years of driving without a single moving violation, just by obeying the law, I think it's a good course to recommend.

Tell the judge the truth. You'll swear an oath to do so, and maybe the judge will accept your sincerity. Still, 35% over the speed limit is pretty bad, so if you have to pay the fine and get the license points for both violations, consider it a lesson learned and do better in the future.

[bluescreen73]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but since you got busted during your probationary period for the previous violations odds are high that you'll end up losing your deferred status and will be penalized for all the infractions.

[BigDGeek]

Sorry man...what you did was not prudent. Take your lumps and learn your lesson.

[Trae713]

I think you should be okay. On probation, they are more worried about being caught with more drugs, dwi, etc. Not really speeding tickets. Depends on the judge. And going 41 in a 30 just depends on the area. Some roads are built for speeds like 40-50 (especially in Plano), but just have artificially low speed limits so cops can get their quota. You just met an ahole cop. I had that happen to me once on Black Friday when I lived in Arlington traveling on pleasant ridge just after Bowen. He was in the median making a uturn, and I guess I looked at him suspiciously, in his opinion. I was going 42 in a 40, as one of my friends in the car even checked my speedometer because he saw him too. Pulled me over for "speeding", checked my license and asked where we were going (said Best Buy) gave me my stuff back and walked away. Perfect case of driving while Black. My two white friends in the car with me even joked they I should be happy they were there with me.

[Johnhw2]

I would get an attorney involved. They know how to best handle your unusual situation. Using one is the best way to minimize impacts on your driving record and usually save in fines what they charge too.

Getting the right attorney is more about finding one who works that particular jurisdiction than anything. I have chosen one from the letters sent to me when the ticket happened, although if you know someone who used an attorney with that court that is the best way to select one.

I do not know any in plano to recommend to you. Good luck and give me a buzz if you want to discuss

[London29]

In my post I asked for advise not for moral lessons. People who have nothing insightful to say should refrain from replying.

Bluescreen, Trae and John, thanks for the ADVICE

I have already paid for the first 2 fines. My plan is to get an attorney and hope that the judge agrees to keep two of the infractions off my record. Especially the one for driving with a restricted license which was a mistake from the DPS.

[DFWgal]

The same thing happened to me. First I got a speeding ticket. Then, there was a stop sign and I did stop but, according to the cop, "not enough time" (...). The difference is that I requested defensive driving and then deferred adj. I do not know if you could request defensive driving in this case because, as other people have already mentioned, you were supposed to avoid any other infractions while on probation.

Well, try with one of those lawyers that mail people after infractions and see if you can do anything about it. Good luck!

And wow, the amount of moral lessons here! :-/

[pharpe]

Originally Posted by London29

In my post I asked for advise not for moral lessons. People who have nothing insightful to say should refrain from replying.

You picked the wrong forum then. A lot of people here love to add their high horse no value posts when people ask a question. You just have learn to skim over it.

You could go the attorney route and probably get it reduced to a non insurance impacting violation with a fine. You will also obviously have to pay the attorney. You will pay more upfront but it's probably you best chance of getting out with anything on your record.

Or you could go yourself and plead your case. It's a crap shoot but you would probably be ok. It's not like you were breaking any major laws and the speeding was minor. I assume you corrected the provisional license issue right away? That combined with a 40+ year clean driving record puts you on pretty solid ground if you want to roll the dice.

[wxf848]

Originally Posted by London29

In my post I asked for advise not for moral lessons. People who have nothing insightful to say should refrain from replying.

I hope my reply didn't come across as judgemental. I intended for it to be practical advice, not a vague moral lesson. Following the rules is the best way to avoid trouble. Now that you have trouble, tell the judge the truth and be ready for the consequences. It's my hope that, whatever the outcome, you'll learn from the experience.

Consulting a local attorney is obvious. The only thing I can add is that trouble is the logical outcome when breaking rules, and that experiences, even unpleasant ones, are opportunities to learn lessons and for resolutions to do better. I wish you the best, both in court and in your pursuit of peace.