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Should I fight a speeding ticket?
Anonymous8 views3 answers
I have a clean record for the last 20 plus years but just got a $269 ticket for doing 40 in a 25 MPH school zone in Hartford CT. I didn't have my registration and was given a verbal warning on that. I understand if I pay I won’t get points but if I fight and lose I will get the point. Everyone says the fine will always be cut in half if I fight it. Is it worth fighting and hoping to get the reduced fine and take the point? A friend says he was told to make a charitable donation instead and the ticket was cancelled – is this common?
Timothy A. SlaisCriminal Defense AttorneyHolland, MI ·
Not exactly sure of the system in CT, but in Michigan, there are two ways to contest a speeding ticket: (1) informally- which is a hearing before a magistrate; and (2) formally- which is a hearing before a judge. In the formal hearing, there is always a pretrial hearing where you can go and talk to the prosecutor to see if a resolution can be reached prior to actually having a hearing. During this meeting, the prosecutor will usually offer some type of 'plea bargain' to avoid having to call the officer in for a later hearing. I would presume CT has something similar. If you do not want to pony up for an attorney, call the prosecutor's office yourself.
Fight the ticket. Plead not guilty. Appear for the assigned court date and talk to the prosecutor. That is where they may accept a $50 charitable donation at the court and nolle (get rid of) the case. You would have to appear to find out what the prosecutor wants to do but with a long clean driver record and 15 miles over I would think it's possible
Edward J McmanusPersonal Injury LawyerNew Haven, CT ·
Yes, fight the ticket. Bring all of your paperwork (i.e. registration, insurance) with you to your court date, be polite and seek out the best amicable resolution. Perhaps you will secure a charitable contribution. Good luck.
