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So I'm 23. I've had my license about 2 years now. I have a valid Pennsylvania license and I'm pretty new to North Carolina. However, I am a resident here now and I got a speeding ticket for going 51 in a 35 (16 over). I got a ticket for $240 and a court date in a few days. I know some people suggest getting a lawyer but I can't even afford the ticket itself so I definitely can't afford a lawyer. I should also mention that I did get pulled over once before for also going 16mi over but that cop let me off with a warning. I've read about the Prayer for Judgement option but I don't know if that's a good route to go or not. I'm still on the insurance with my dad and sister (who live in different states). Anyway, any suggestions or advice on this process?
if a previous cop let you off with a warning, then there's nothing on your record. Of course, that cop tried to do you a favor, and let you off for doing the same thing you just got nabbed for ....
You should know that a Prayer for Judgement/PJC (Prayer for Judgement/Continuance) is only good 1 time every 3 years for ANYONE on that insurance policy (in NC at least). Should you get pulled again, there won't be any warning - just a double ticket.
You can get a reasonably-priced but qualified attorney to get you off the ticket most likely (or at least a PJC) . The difference between the attorney's cost today, and the increase in insurance rate, should easily pay for itself. If you're on your dad's insurance, then I would think he'd be happy to front you the money.
You might also ask that attorney what NC law requires as far as obtaining your valid NC driver's license. I *think* you must do this within 90 days of establishing residency, but I'm not an attorney.
Ask your dad for money for the lawyer. 16 over is bad news bears and if you have a habit of going that fast, you'll get screwed the next time you're pulled over if you use your prayer.
If it's your first offense and you show up, act polite and dress relatively nice they will knock it down to 9mph over the limit which means no points - TRAFFIC LAW
Do whatever you can to hire an attorney. I can understand a judge being more understandable for 15 mph over on the highway, but in a 35 mph zone probably not so much.
I thought the 15+ over issue was only applicable to roads with speed limits of 55 mph or over?
Here's what the NC driver's guidebook says:
Quote:
Your driving privilege will be revoked for at least 30 days if you are
convicted of:
• Driving any vehicle more than 15 miles per hour over the speed limit, if
you are driving at a speed higher than 55 mph.
So since he was going 51, he won't have to worry about suspension of his license at least. It's 55+mph regardless of speed limit. So if you were going 75 in a 55, your license is suspended and if you're going 61 in a 45, your license is suspended. That said, you're still looking at points being taken off your license and I doubt any judge is going to be lenient for going 51 in a 35. That is WAY too fast, especially if it had been in a residential area.
I hate to be brutally honest, but if you can't afford the ticket or the lawyer, you can't afford to be driving a car. This suggests that you also can't afford insurance. You also waited too late to get a lawyer, sounds like you procrastinated until the last moment to even ask for advice here.
I just came on this forum to ask the same question sort of. Should I make my own post or piggyback? All I want is the name of a good traffic lawyer in orange county? Please
Forget what "TheBigKahunaNC" said. They don't know your situation about if you can afford to drive or not. For all we know you are 23 and could be in college just barely making it by each month.
The best advice I can give is already posted. Get a lawyer like yesterday.
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