Traffic Tix advice

I got a speeding ticket this monring for a 51 in a 35 coming off the highway. My last ticket was 8 years ago and I used my prayer for judgment card. Can I still use it now since its been 8 years ago? or should I try to get it reduced? any advice?

Thanks

 

YES you can use PJC.

 

I think that violations like that only stay on your record for 3 years (points wise). I think this infraction will be counted as a first offense. In some counties they'll let you use an improper equipment plea for the first offense. When I got my first ticket in 18 years back in May '08, my attorney used the improper equipment plea. I got a second ticket in November '08 and another attorney got a speed reduction for that. The last one told me that typically a prayer for judgement was used for a third ticket. I don't know, though.

 

Save your PJC in case you get another ticket. They will gladly reduce it to 44 in a 35, and it won't count for insurance, since you haven't had another violation in the last 3 years.

 

The worst part about a pjc is that if you OR ANY OTHER DRIVER IN YOUR FAMILY gets a ticket in the next three years your pjc is reversed...Just pay the ticket if its been 8 yrs. go to your court date get it knocked down pay the $190 or so. the insurance only will go up about $70 a year.

 

Or, as I suggested, get it reduced to within 10 miles of the speed limit and it won't count for insurance purposes if you don't have another moving violation within the 3 year period. If you get another within 3 years, they will go back and pick this one up. That's why you want to save the PJC in case you get another.

 

WHAT???

Nevermind what I said... :ack:

 

Also make sure you don't have any minor fender benders, because the "accident forgiveness" up to $1200 or so is a no-go with a moving violation on your record. Reading the story on WRAL about the "improper muffler" plea, I guess I was lucky to be able to get that in '08. Sounds like many DA's offices have stopped using that. Of course, I probably wouldn't have gotten the first ticket had I been using my V1 instead of it being in the backseat.

 

Should I hire an attorney to knock it down for me or just try it myself?

 

You can do it yourself, if you can take the time off work to go to court. Depending on your job, it could pay to hire an attorney and not have to miss work.