(no subject)

[regala_electra]

Er, so let me tell you about yesterday.

Yesterday was my first time getting pulled over by a cop.

Yesterday, I apparently didn't stop properly at a stop sign.

Yesterday, I was issued three tickets. One for 'disobeying the stop sign,' one for a faulty brake light (which I didn't know about), and one because my fucking insurance card was missing, so it says on it, 'no insurance.'

What? Oh, I'm really trying not to freak out. My brake light is fixed, I'm going to call my insurance company to get them to send a letter verifying that I indeed do have insurance, I found my extra card and it is now put where it belongs, and oh yeah, fuck.

That still leaves one fucking ticket for not stopping properly. And according to my parents, I'll get points on my license.

Well, fucking fantastic.

Comments

[a2zmom.livejournal.com]

Go to the hearing. No matter what, go to the court date. Tickets are issued mainly because it's an easy way for the city (or town or whaterver) to make money. Normally, the DA will be happy to knock the offense down to no points (or lesser points) as long as you pay the money.

It's a legalized form of extortion for the most part.

[zeenell]

uea, he's right, go to the court date... that's what my law in american society teacher (sounds impressive, eh?) says.... the courts want the money, so you show up, PLEAD INNOCENT, the judge will tell you, okay, you pay this fine you won't get any points...

[wing-broken.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

Regarding the not-stopping-properly thing - the same thing happened to my mom about a year ago. I don't know if things are run differently in the States (I hail from Toronto, baby!), but basically we contested those charges in court. Now (and this is kind of evil), we arranged for an evening session because officers need to be present for the hearing to commence. The officer never showed up because heck, after working all day the last thing he cares about is whether or not we get ticketed. So there endeth our tale with us getting off the hook.

No clue if that helps you, but I hope it doesn't knock points off your licence!

[mshepnj.livejournal.com]

A2zmom is right, it's a way to make money.

Definitely go to court, talk to the prosecutor. Bring your insurance card as proof that you had insurance. Be polite. Tell him/her honestly that you were not aware about the brake light. You'll probably get a chance to plead to a lesser charge (unsafe driving, or something) and probably have to pay a fine, but it may reduce your points.

[eleniangel.livejournal.com]

You could also get them on a diversion, if possible. It costs a little more, but no points will be added to your record.

Also? That cop SUCKS. They're supposed to give warnings or "fix-it" tickets for tail lights like that first. What an ass...