Traffic Court

2

Comments

  • stickfig13
    stickfig13 Posts: 1,532
    audiodave wrote:
    I'm not try to be an arsehole here, really i'm not. But here's the but.

    Whatever you had on that day is irrelevant. We've all had exams. We've all been late for things. Chances are a lot of us have been late for or missed things such as these, and that we sped to get us there faster. Everyone does it, and it is against the law, but if you get caught, you get caught.

    The fact that there is a hill is irrelevant as far as I see it. As a driver in control of a vehicle, it's up to you to brake to account for things like that. Doesn't matter if the speed of the car was from your pushing down on the accelerator, or gravity. The fact is you were speeding, and unless your brakes weren't working, I don't think there's any way out of it, and I don't think there should be.


    So people that know they were speeding should take the "moral highground" and admit guilt?
    Sacramento 10-30-00, Bridge School 10-20 and 10-21-01, Bridge School 10-25 and 10-26-01, Irvine 06-02-03, Irvine 06-03-03, San Diego 06-05-03, San Diego 07-07-06, Los Angeles 07-09-06, Santa Barbara 07-13-06, London UK 06-18-07, San Diego 10-9-09, San Diego 2013, LA 1 2013
  • Jeanie
    Jeanie Posts: 9,446
    audiodave wrote:
    I'm not try to be an arsehole here, really i'm not. But here's the but.

    Whatever you had on that day is irrelevant. We've all had exams. We've all been late for things. Chances are a lot of us have been late for or missed things such as these, and that we sped to get us there faster. Everyone does it, and it is against the law, but if you get caught, you get caught.

    The fact that there is a hill is irrelevant as far as I see it. As a driver in control of a vehicle, it's up to you to brake to account for things like that. Doesn't matter if the speed of the car was from your pushing down on the accelerator, or gravity. The fact is you were speeding, and unless your brakes weren't working, I don't think there's any way out of it, and I don't think there should be.


    I'm with you dave. :) If I get caught and I know I was driving the car and I know I'm guilty then why the hell would I bother going through all this rigmaroll to try to make it better for myself? If I did it I did it, I just cop it on the chin and am thankful that my bad driving didn't result in the death or injury of myself or anyone else. I guess if you don't want the drama of getting caught speeding the only way to ensure that is to always be vigilant when driving that you don't speed. :) It's really not that difficult once you start being aware of it. :)
    NOPE!!!

    *~You're IT Bert!~*

    Hold on to the thread
    The currents will shift
  • prytocorduroy
    prytocorduroy Posts: 4,355
    audiodave wrote:
    Whatever you had on that day is irrelevant. We've all had exams. We've all been late for things. Chances are a lot of us have been late for or missed things such as these, and that we sped to get us there faster. Everyone does it, and it is against the law, but if you get caught, you get caught.
    Well I wasn't speeding to make it to class on time. I actually had no idea I was speeding until he flagged me down.
    audiodave wrote:
    The fact that there is a hill is irrelevant as far as I see it. As a driver in control of a vehicle, it's up to you to brake to account for things like that. Doesn't matter if the speed of the car was from your pushing down on the accelerator, or gravity. The fact is you were speeding, and unless your brakes weren't working, I don't think there's any way out of it, and I don't think there should be.
    I agree that I am in control of the vehicle and responsible, but the hill is relevant. Not taking in account the extra 10mph that I didn't know I was accumulating makes a difference in how fast I was "speeding" intentionally or not.
  • audiodave
    audiodave Posts: 1,623
    danny72688 wrote:
    Well I wasn't speeding to make it to class on time. I actually had no idea I was speeding until he flagged me down.

    I agree that I am in control of the vehicle and responsible, but the hill is relevant. Not taking in account the extra 10mph that I didn't know I was accumulating makes a difference in how fast I was "speeding" intentionally or not.

    If you are responsible, you should be aware of the speed. Have you driven down a hill before? Or ridden a bike down one? Surely you've noticed that you gather speed...?
    ~AKA Dave-of-the-dead~

    I don't wanna think, I wanna feel

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  • prytocorduroy
    prytocorduroy Posts: 4,355
    audiodave wrote:
    If you are responsible, you should be aware of the speed. Have you driven down a hill before? Or ridden a bike down one? Surely you've noticed that you gather speed...?
    Of course I'm aware of that.....but I wasn't aware that it was between 8 and 11 mph. I thought it was an insignificant increase so I didn't give it a second thought. That's why I went back and tested a bunch of times because I knew I wasn't going that fast on my own. I was going 10 miles over at best (had I considered gravity then) in which the cop wouldn't have bothered to pull me over. Not around my area anyway. Now I know though.
  • Jeanie
    Jeanie Posts: 9,446
    danny72688 wrote:
    Of course I'm aware of that.....but I wasn't aware that it was between 8 and 11 mph. I thought it was an insignificant increase so I didn't give it a second thought. That's why I went back and tested a bunch of times because I knew I wasn't going that fast on my own. I was going 10 miles over at best (had I considered gravity then) in which the cop wouldn't have bothered to pull me over. Not around my area anyway. Now I know though.

    danny that's just it though. You are supposed to drive taking those things into consideration. Of course none of us manage it all the time because we are human and flawed but the bottom line is you're supposed to be driving at the speed limit or under taking the conditions into consideration. As a driver you are supposed to be keeping an eye on the speed limit signs and adhering to them, that's part of driving. So I guess the bottom line is, it sucks that you were caught out but you were caught out not adhering to the road rules and as far as I can see you just have to cop it on the chin and try to do better in the future.
    NOPE!!!

    *~You're IT Bert!~*

    Hold on to the thread
    The currents will shift
  • prytocorduroy
    prytocorduroy Posts: 4,355
    Jeanie wrote:
    danny that's just it though. You are supposed to drive taking those things into consideration. Of course none of us manage it all the time because we are human and flawed but the bottom line is you're supposed to be driving at the speed limit or under taking the conditions into consideration. As a driver you are supposed to be keeping an eye on the speed limit signs and adhering to them, that's part of driving. So I guess the bottom line is, it sucks that you were caught out but you were caught out not adhering to the road rules and as far as I can see you just have to cop it on the chin and try to do better in the future.
    All good points, and I don't expect anything out of going to court. A PBJ would be nice since I have a good record, again not guaranteed. Like I've been saying all along, I know I'm at fault and am hoping for a sympathetic judge (doubtful).
  • Jeanie
    Jeanie Posts: 9,446
    danny72688 wrote:
    All good points, and I don't expect anything out of going to court. A PBJ would be nice since I have a good record, again not guaranteed. Like I've been saying all along, I know I'm at fault and am hoping for a sympathetic judge (doubtful).


    Well I guess the only thing you can do is be respectful as other posters have mentioned. Appearing seems to go in your favor as opposed to not turning up. Court is nerve wracking but hopefully the judge will see that you're trying to do the right thing and will make the judgement accordingly. It's odd you know because it's very different here. We have speed cameras and as JamieUK mentioned usually the first you know about it is when the fine turns up in the mail, which you pay and they deduct demerit points from your licence. I don't think you have to go to court until you're outta demerit points and even then they probably just cancel your licence. I don't really know what would get you to court for traffic infringements here because as soon as the fine turns up and I lose demerits I get so shitty with myself I drive like an old lady in a bowls hat! :D It's been a long time since I was done for speeding.

    Good luck with it. :) I'm sure it will turn out ok. :)
    NOPE!!!

    *~You're IT Bert!~*

    Hold on to the thread
    The currents will shift
  • prytocorduroy
    prytocorduroy Posts: 4,355
    One other question: Do I wear a dress shirt and tie, or is it less formal since it's just traffic court? My bet is the shirt/tie combo but I could be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time.
  • Jeanie
    Jeanie Posts: 9,446
    danny72688 wrote:
    One other question: Do I wear a dress shirt and tie, or is it less formal since it's just traffic court? My bet is the shirt/tie combo but I could be wrong. Wouldn't be the first time.


    I'd go with the shirt and tie. :)
    NOPE!!!

    *~You're IT Bert!~*

    Hold on to the thread
    The currents will shift
  • g under p
    g under p Surfing The far side of THE Sombrero Galaxy Posts: 18,237
    Jeanie wrote:
    I'd go with the shirt and tie. :)

    If the judge is in a shirt and tie then it might be best that you dress that way too. I don't believe I did I'm not the shirt and tie kind of a guy. Besides this was a small town court out in the country but whatever edge you you can get, USE IT!

    Quick story a week ago I was at Sunfest Festival, FL and went back stage with George Clinton and Michael Franti and Spearhead and while driving recalled the shows in my head. Well I came back to reality with the flashing lights and me being clocked from a stop light at 61-45. I turned on ALL the inside lights (it was nightime), I gave the officer what he wanted I even read clearly my insurance info. I was asked if I had any weapons, drugs and if I had been drinking, I said NO of course and most importantly I made serious eye contact.

    For some reason unknown to me he let me go from a $245.00 ticket. I couldn't believe it, I had to give him a second look and a thank you. I don't know if this will help but it pays to be g under p....Graceful Under Pressure. :)

    Peace



    Peace
    *We CAN bomb the World to pieces, but we CAN'T bomb it into PEACE*...Michael Franti

    *MUSIC IS the expression of EMOTION.....and that POLITICS IS merely the DECOY of PERCEPTION*
    .....song_Music & Politics....Michael Franti

    *The scientists of today think deeply instead of clearly. One must be sane to think clearly, but one can think deeply and be quite INSANE*....Nikola Tesla(a man who shaped our world of electricity with his futuristic inventions)


  • iluvcats
    iluvcats Posts: 5,153
    am I missing something?

    I thought you already graduated. And if you get all cleaned up for court, please take a pic for davanita.

    and shave off your dirty moustache, lol...
    9/98, 9/00 - DC, 4/03 - Pitt., 7/03 - Bristow, 10/04 - Reading, 10/05 - Philly, 5/06 - DC, 6/06 - Pitt., 6/08 - Va Beach, 6/08 - DC, 5/10 - Bristow, 10/13 B'more
    8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
    10/10 - Brad in B'more
  • catwoman
    catwoman Posts: 256
    Listen to us cat people -- get dressed up for court (shirt & tie). It shows your respect of the judicial system. Don't read a book, do a crossword puzzle, or talk to the guy sitting next to you during court. Traffic court is usually packed, so it may take an entire morning or afternoon. Don't let it annoy you. You don't sound like the type who would get an attitude, though. Think of it as a learning experience. And enjoy the other people's stories. Sometimes the excuses are really funny.
  • Hinny
    Hinny Posts: 1,610
    As far as I'm concerned, there's really just 3 excuses to get out of a speeding fine:

    - woman in labour
    - life-threatening medical emergency
    - to prevent imminent harm to someone, somewhere

    Pleading guilty is the obvious answer.
    Binary solo..000000100000111100001110
  • catwoman
    catwoman Posts: 256
    The problem, Hinny, is that in our country a conviction on a speeding ticket can lead to points on our driver's licenses, which gives the insurance companies the ability to jack up our insurance rates. If it were just a question of admitting that we made a mistake & taking responsibility for our actions, and paying a fine, I'd agree with you. But it's ridiculous that our system allows insurance companies to deem people who speed (and haven't caused an accident) as risky drivers, and to charge them more money.
  • iluvcats
    iluvcats Posts: 5,153
    if the judge is a young woman, you'll have no problem once she sees the Ashton Kutcher resemblance
    9/98, 9/00 - DC, 4/03 - Pitt., 7/03 - Bristow, 10/04 - Reading, 10/05 - Philly, 5/06 - DC, 6/06 - Pitt., 6/08 - Va Beach, 6/08 - DC, 5/10 - Bristow, 10/13 B'more
    8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
    10/10 - Brad in B'more
  • prytocorduroy
    prytocorduroy Posts: 4,355
    iluvcats wrote:
    if the judge is a young woman, you'll have no problem once she sees the Ashton Kutcher resemblance
    Unfortunately my good looks, stunning personality, and desirable qualities can't save me this time. I'm being judged by Ben C. Clyburn (Chief Judge). Unless of course he's into that then maybe.... And to answer your earlier question, I was short a culture class, so I'm officially graduating in a few days.




    It's funny looking at my notice:
    State of Maryland VS. Me

    Sounds like I did something extreme like murder some people.
  • iluvcats
    iluvcats Posts: 5,153
    danny72688 wrote:
    Unfortunately my good looks, stunning personality, and desirable qualities can't save me this time. I'm being judged by Ben C. Clyburn (Chief Judge). Unless of course he's into that then maybe.... And to answer your earlier question, I was short a culture class, so I'm officially graduating in a few days.




    It's funny looking at my notice:
    State of Maryland VS. Me

    Sounds like I did something extreme like murder some people.

    are you calling the cashier at the court house? you better find out what we discussed. I am not bailing you out of jail. I need my money for beer and hot dogs at pearl jam shows.
    9/98, 9/00 - DC, 4/03 - Pitt., 7/03 - Bristow, 10/04 - Reading, 10/05 - Philly, 5/06 - DC, 6/06 - Pitt., 6/08 - Va Beach, 6/08 - DC, 5/10 - Bristow, 10/13 B'more
    8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
    10/10 - Brad in B'more
  • catwoman
    catwoman Posts: 256
    Danny -- What county did you get your speeding ticket in? I think Judge Clyburn's name is on your notice of the hearing date because he's the chief judge of the District Court of Maryland -- not because he's going to hear your case. It's unusual to know the actual judge until you get to traffic clerk that day. So you may get a young female judge (or even an older one who likes Ashton Kutcher types). Did you happen to call the clerk's office to see who the judge will be? Sometimes you can luck out & they'll tell you ahead of time. Just remember humility & resepct for the judicial system, and you should make out fine. A speeding ticket is not the end of the world!
  • prytocorduroy
    prytocorduroy Posts: 4,355
    Baltimore County, 20 feet from my campus (sucks because I'd have definitely made sure I wasn't going over 25 at that point. Campus police have nothing better to do....)

    So he won't be hearing my case? And you say they might tell me who will? I'll give them a call tomorrow before 5PM and see.

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