Call PETA...I just screwed the pooch!

That sucks man, I just got my first one ever in my car about 3 weeks ago. Indiana has a deferral program but it is up to the counties to implement and set the rules. Here is a link to what I just went through, maybe you can find out about it in your area.

Deferred Prosecution

I had to pay $191.50 and have to stay ticket free for six months which isn't a problem before since this is only the second time I have ever received a ticket and I'm 25.

It is a well known fact that in the USA that MOST traffic cops are more revenue generators than they are LEO's. I say most because there are some out there are have a heart and understand we make mistakes. With the economy like it is and how many people are drawing unemployment, states and counties are looking for ways to generate more revenue and this is one way they are going to do it. Getting a judge to to take it easy on you in this economy isn't going to be easy which is why I went with the deferral. Otherwise I would have tried to fight it since the cop said I was doing 75 in a 60 despite me having my cruise set at 67 and I was being passed.

 

I drove from Philly to Syracuse and back this past weekend. I have driven and ridden this route many, many times. I could not believe the number of state troopers, sheriff's police, and local cops I saw. They were everywhere looking to pounce on speeders. Literally one every ten miles or so. I've never seen anything like it. Really slowed me down and made the trip longer.

 

I never had to appear before a judge, the attorney negotiated the deal, I went to the clerk's office, paid the fine, and have to be good for at least another six months.

 

be glad you dont live in MB, motorcyclists get nailed to the wall if a ticket is issued, I just got a warning on a 145km in a 100km zone. I got off with a warning but should have had to pay 400$ for the ticket and 2months no bike (they take it at my expense) plus my insurance company(gangsters) would up my insurance from over 2000$/yr to around 2900$/yr for the next 5yrs.

and no i didnt ask why i was let off, just took the paper and got out of there.

I say call your court clerks office and see what they can do for you, sometimes they can give good advise on how to handle this kind of thing

 

I always use an attorney and have not been convicted of a moving violation in 16 years. My local guy told me years ago to not provide a license, insurance or registration to give him something to work with in court. Works like a charm, pay fine on non moving violations, cheaper and no points. $500 ,dollars but I do not have to go to court and have a clean record, pay's for itself really. I do try very hard to avoid the problem in the first place.

 

A thousand thanks to NCB and Tink for your good words. I think what I'll do is hold out for one of these deferred/suspended sentence pleas that Scotty, Keager, and Meat talked about. Not too sure I can get anything like this due to a history of lesser speeding charges that have already been reduced to non-moving status. Going a year without a speeding infraction should be easy enough when compared to the potential insurance consequences of this particular violation. The only real problem is that, like so may others on this site, I don't ride sportbikes so that I can SLOWLY drive around in some city, doing my best to look cool. Fast cars and motorcyles have been a way of life for a long time and taking a minute to stop and smell the roses is not in my nature, big adjustments will need to be made. So be it, I guess.

 

I just adjust my routes so that my play time is out away from where you are likely to be busted.

 

in Wisconsin, it is a pay on site and they take personal checks. 3 people I know got busted there, one for 50 over, the others for 30 over. the two got fines of about 300 each, where she had a 600 fine. Luckily, Wisconsin does not talk to other states. 1200 for 3 tickets. Ouch!

 

Honestly, I never thought to ask. I've never heard of any sight regulations. In explaining to the LEO that I don't look at my speedo while passing, he mentioned that he witnessed me passing the cars rather quickly. I can't imagine he saw me the whole time as the road twists and goes up and down in elevation. Plus I frequently check mirros and he just appeard. As far as myself actually being the one who was gunned, it had to be me. There were a couple of cars that tucked in behind me with the same thoughts of getting through the traffic group, but by the time all the passing was complete, they were all a good distance behind me. So I was definately the fastest guy in the group, I think.

I do see what you're saying, I'm just not too confident that it will work in this case. I think I was a little too obvious.

 

we were taught not to lose sight, if we did we had to call "no joy" but check with an attorney about your options...thats the best option ...good luck

 

DUDE!!!!!! I am not riding with you anymore......Your a bad influence
I got nailed once in Arizona while riding well above the posted limit (87 in a 35) I was ALOT younger and dumber then. The only smart thing I did was pull over and wait for the LEO to catch up. I got off pretty easy considering.
I hope your defense goes well.

 

Yeah, I think I'll have to tone it down for the summer. Unless I can tuck in about 1/4 mile behind you guys! What was the outcome on your thing?

 

Thanks Crusty, I will definately be asking.

 

If I remember right it was a 200 dollar fine and traffic school. I forget what he actually wrote the ticket for, this was back in the early 90's. He went easy on me, as I was already pulled over and had my helmet off by the time he made it to me.

 

So this ordeal has finally come to a conclusion. A grand total of five days lost, two of which were a level 3 "responsable driving" class and the remainder being court appearences. $390 in class, court fees and fines. The Ticket was reduced from a twelve point speeder to a four point careless driving. All things considered, including the fact that the initial ticket could have been worse, I'm feeling pretty damn good about the outcome. I'm sure that the insurance sting will be worse than normal, but what the hell, I'll chalk it up to bieing part of the price I pay to ride the way I ride. Although I think that I can reasonably say that my days of excessive speed on the interstate are done, at least for the next year or two.

 

OMG! Tink's pop was "The Worlds Fastest White Guy."

 

glad its over with..it could have been worse..the second you showed up the traffic cop could have stood up pointed a finger at you and said"there he is your honor!!!!!! the no good motorcycle hooligan!!!!!!! " and the judges reply" I have a nice cell waiting for you with a cell mate named bubba who is perfect to teach you how to go slow..."