School Zone Ticket Advice (insurance, lawyer, DMV)

[fscottfitz]

Hello, I got my first speeding ticket today in a school zone, going 39 in a 25. I actually went back to the area to double check the signs because I always adhere to school zone times, but could not see the times posted this morning. It ended up being from 6:45-9:45 and he got me at 8:45, so I am trying to figure out my best option.

I have been advised many things by multiple folks. People have told me to show up and use my prayer for judgement, show up and ask for a reduced speed of 34, don't show up but hire an attorney and said improper equipment, hire an attorney and ask for a reduced sentence... The ticket is for $441...this is a huge amount for us. What is my cheapest option while preventing my insurance from increasing? If it is dismissed using pjc, do you still pay court costs of $191 (what my paper says)?

Also, could I use e-courts for this? I was reading that this is being piloted in Wake County.

[Myghost]

I know you said money is an issue, but if you can, get a lawyer. The system is sadly stacked against those who can't afford good legal advice. It's wrong, but it is what it is. People with Lawyers get better results. (Ugh!)

If you can't do that, then go in, show up with full respect (Dress respectfully, yes sir / no sir, etc.) and if you have an otherwise clean driving record, print it out.

I am pretty sure that if you get a PFJ, you still have to pay court costs, but others may know better....

Good luck.

[fscottfitz]

Originally Posted by Myghost

but if you can, get a lawyer.

if you have an otherwise clean driving record, print it out.

Thank you. I should have mentioned I have a clean record. How do you print out your record? If I decide to hire an attorney, is that going to cost me the $441 plus attorney fees? Do you have a recommendation for an affordable attorney? I'm sure my mail box will be flooded with solicitations soon, but I'd rather have a legitimate referral.

[Sherifftruman]

I'd say get a lawyer. Yes it will be an extra $100-150 but you have a much better chance of getting a better outcome that saves you , money over the next 3 years.

Also, as someone who recently got my first ticket in some time, e-courts is absolute trash. It has been just about 4 weeks since my lawyer settled the case and I still cannot pay my fine. I went to the public safety center last week (and e-courts says pay at the courthouse which is wrong) and they cannot do anything either until the feed comes over. My lawyer’s website said it was problematic and the clerk said it was terrible and they are right.

[JackieRTP]

Originally Posted by fscottfitz

How do you print out your record?

At the bottom of this page under Forms, there is an official driver record request that you can mail in with payment. It also has an option for ordering it online.

https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/offices-se...g-records.aspx

[fscottfitz]

Thank you, JackieRTP.

I just phoned one lawyer who was recommended online and he charges $175, said my only option is a prayer for judgement which would reduce it to court costs of $191 and I would most likely have to take a driving course $75 or volunteer work.

[wizard-xyzzy]

Originally Posted by Sherifftruman

e-courts is absolute trash

Seems to be the unanimous view. I wonder if they'll still implement it in Mecklenburg County in a few months, per the original plan, or if they will defer Mecklenburg until they've straightened out the bugs.

[inner_outer_440]

You NEED a lawyer for this. School zone tickets are heavily stacked against your favor in Wake County. The “fast track” reduction to improper equipment that applies to speeding tickets does not apply to school or work zones. Same for the “freebie” 9 over reduction that you can get once every 3 years without counting against your insurance… that doesn’t apply to school zones either.

Chances are you will have to do community service and/or driving school. Your lawyer will advise you on your options there. Don’t cheap out on this or you can expect you insurance to rise 30-45% per month for the next THREE YEARS.

Good luck with everything.

[loveautumn]

Do whatever you need to do so this does not show up on your driving records, I think it would be 3 years and your insurance will go up way more than the costs you are facing now. I think Driving school is for minor infractions such as seat belt, expired tags, etc. If you have an attorney, should be representing you in court. Best of luck.

[fscottfitz]

Thanks to all. I do not have an attorney. I've never needed one before. I spoke with one, but I don't have any prices to compare him to yet. Does $175 sound like a reasonable attorney fee for this?