Worth the effort?

[aubrntigrs420]

I received a traffic citation for speeding about 3 weeks ago while I was in a company vehicle. It's a $200 citation for doing 74MPH in a 55MPH zone. I've had folks tell me to go to court to try and defend it, but.. I can't help but to think that would be a waste of time, especially since the city in which I received the ticket is a 3-hour round trip drive from my home. I've thought about maybe they could order me to go to driving school in order to have the ticket taken off of my record, but I thought that could only be done if it's your first ticket, and this is my second one in the last 2 years. So in summary, should I just bite the bullet and hand over the $200, or go fight for this?

PS: I live in Birmingham, AL, and the ticket was received in the city of Reform, AL.

[Curt581]

So in summary, should I just bite the bullet and hand over the $200, or go fight for this?

We are specifically prohibited from giving legal advice.

... but if it were me... I'd go to the court date. The court officials may offer a deal to reduce or amend the charge, in exchange for a guilty plea.

Even at a three hour ride, it'd be worth it in the insurance premium savings.

[mcsap]

Try doing somewhere in the vicinity of the speed limit going to and from court

I had a guy doing 66/35 as he was late for court He made himself later and poorer.

[Aussie George]

The first thing to ask yourself is were you speeding?

If you answer yes, then you have the option of fighting it based on some perceived reality that you have a right to break the law without having to worry about the consequences of your actions, or you cold act responsibly and maturely and just pay the damn fine.

If you weren't doing it then feel free to fight it, but it sounds like you want advice on how to get off, not how to prove your innocence. Big differences there.

[Kimble]

You have much bigger problems than a ticket, like being an Auburn fan (though I'll pull for them in the BCS since they're still SEC).

As far as your question, you can always call the court before the court date and inquire about whether you qualify for a driving class. However, if you're guilty of the speeding violation (and you know if you are, and the officer may well have had you recorded on radar) just showing up for court isn't going to get you out of the citation.

ROLL TIDE!!!