got first ticket- need lawyer?

sippinblkgold · 06-07-2009, 05:40 PM

So i got pulled over on rt 24 coming back from the city today. cop came out of no where. said i was doing 93 in a 65 and i was in the "65 mph zone" whatever that means. Have to go to court in chatham. Should I get a lawyer for this? I've never gotten a speeding ticket....

Orient330iNYC · 06-07-2009, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sippinblkgold

So i got pulled over on rt 24 coming back from the city today. cop came out of no where. said i was doing 93 in a 65 and i was in the "65 mph zone" whatever that means. Have to go to court in chatham. Should I get a lawyer for this? I've never gotten a speeding ticket....

65mph zone in NJ is double the fine.

Delta0311 · 06-07-2009, 06:06 PM

No you will get off on a no point ticket. Expect to pay over $400 in fines. The lawyer would get you out of the point but since it's your first offense the judge will drop the points anyway, you'll just have to pay a higher fine.

shocka1212 · 06-07-2009, 06:37 PM

me personally.... i would get a lawyer. its costly but your insurance surcharge for points will also be. wait till you get a letter in the mail from a lawyer thats local to the area where you received the ticket.

sippinblkgold · 06-07-2009, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta0311

No you will get off on a no point ticket. Expect to pay over $400 in fines. The lawyer would get you out of the point but since it's your first offense the judge will drop the points anyway, you'll just have to pay a higher fine.

so is that what they always do in NJ? drop the first offenses points? Yeah I figured close to $500. That's ridiculous, traffic flows at 80 in the 65s anyway. I'm sure this has been beat to death on here, so I'll stop now.

shocka1212 · 06-07-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sippinblkgold

so is that what they always do in NJ? drop the first offenses points? Yeah I figured close to $500. That's ridiculous, traffic flows at 80 in the 65s anyway. I'm sure this has been beat to death on here, so I'll stop now.

they drop it sometimes, not always. a friend of mine just got screwed big time with a similar situation.

Delta0311 · 06-07-2009, 08:26 PM

I never heard of a judge not droping points on a first offense. They also drop points if you have not received a moving violation within 5 years. The town does not make money on the points; the cash comes from the higher fine costs in having the points reduced.

LiKWiD335xi · 06-08-2009, 01:41 PM

I've had my share of speeding tickets unfortunately. My advice is don't get a lawyer for any moving violation unless it can result in a very serious penalty. I talked to lawyers for the first 2 speeding tickets I got. I couldn't justify spending $150+ on a lawyer for a trivial offense. I went by myself and talked to the prosecutor, I was able to do everything the lawyers promised to do without having to pay them.

sbux · 06-08-2009, 01:43 PM

with lawyers you dont have to be there yourself. also, i would rather give $ to the lawyers instead of the govt (bun of robbers!!!)

LiKWiD335xi · 06-08-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbux

with lawyers you dont have to be there yourself. also, i would rather give $ to the lawyers instead of the govt (bun of robbers!!!)

It's convenient to pay for that luxury but that's about it.

Can't give your money to lawyers if you don't want it to go to a bunch of robbers

sippinblkgold · 06-08-2009, 07:12 PM

so I just have to take a chance on paying higher insurance premiums for years and hope the judge shows mercy with giving no points?? that seems a little risky.

edit: ok i just realized he didn't check any boxes beside equipment and never said anything about a radar lazer...but still said 93mph. Do i have a case against that?

d3l0n · 06-09-2009, 02:51 PM

i'd go with the lawyer dude.. .i woul dhave on my first offense.. definitely saved my but on the last offense.

Drakos · 06-09-2009, 03:59 PM

That sucks man, but co-worker just got a $1000 ticket from throwing a cigarette butt out the window. He might of got off, but he was being a prick to the cop.

rooster3.0 · 06-09-2009, 04:19 PM

Just go to court and speak with the prosecutor and see what he offers you. If you don't like what they offer, you have the legal right to request an adjournment to seek counsel. Did you get stopped by a state trooper or municipal officer?

sbux · 06-09-2009, 04:32 PM

W T F $1000 for it? Did he fxxx the cop verbally?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drakos

That sucks man, but co-worker just got a $1000 ticket from throwing a cigarette butt out the window. He might of got off, but he was being a prick to the cop.

sippinblkgold · 06-09-2009, 07:56 PM

i think he was a muni...not 100% sure though. would that be on the ticket?

see i dont need to miss work for this crap. any idea on price of a lawyer? he can get me out of showing up and getting points i may be in.as far as i know the fine is $220(x2)= $440.

rooster3.0 · 06-09-2009, 11:08 PM

The heading on the ticket will tell you what type of officer he is. If not look on the back of it. If the court info is hand written, he was probably a state trooper. Once you go to court the fines printed on the ticket mean nothing. The judge will fine you whatever he sees fit. You'll more than likely need to appear for the actual court date. A lawyer can get you out of the arraignment. Just call up and plead not guilty. They'll send you a new court date. You'll probably miss a day of work but at least there's always some nice girls at court.

Delta0311 · 06-09-2009, 11:14 PM

Listen this is coming from someone who spent a LOT of time in court during his younger days. You do NOT need a lawyer on your first offense. You will be wasting your money if you get one, believe me. You need to plead guilty with an explanation and then state that this is your first offense. Then ask the judge to wave the points. Believe me he will do it; I'm yet to see a judge that wouldn't. He will then hit you with a higher fine but no points. Case closed.

sippinblkgold · 06-14-2009, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rooster3.0

The heading on the ticket will tell you what type of officer he is. If not look on the back of it. If the court info is hand written, he was probably a state trooper. Once you go to court the fines printed on the ticket mean nothing. The judge will fine you whatever he sees fit. You'll more than likely need to appear for the actual court date. A lawyer can get you out of the arraignment. Just call up and plead not guilty. They'll send you a new court date. You'll probably miss a day of work but at least there's always some nice girls at court.

why do i need to plea NOT guilty, if i am obviously guilty? lol sorry maybe a stupid question, but i don't know shite about law.

Delta0311 · 06-14-2009, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sippinblkgold

why do i need to plea NOT guilty, if i am obviously guilty? lol sorry maybe a stupid question, but i don't know shite about law.

PLEAD GUILTY with AN EXPLANATION. With you plead NOT Guilty then the prosecutor will have to prove that you were speeding. The officer has you on tape so you will loose and most likely get points. Most judges will explain your rights and such before he begins court.

rooster3.0 · 06-14-2009, 08:22 PM

You plead not guilty to get a court date. When you get to court, it is the prosecutor that you deal with, not the judge.

Delta0311 · 06-14-2009, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rooster3.0

You plead not guilty to get a court date. When you get to court, it is the prosecutor that you deal with, not the judge.

Your court date is already on the ticket, you don't have to plead till you show up to court. Yes you deal with the prosecutor but NJ has a law that allows you to reduce your ticket to a no point ticket twice every 5 years. This applys to 4 point tickets or below and a 5 point ticket gets reduced to a one point. You then settle for an unsafe driving ticket, which means a higher fine but no points. I know this for a fact because I was in court last month, when my buddy got a ticket on the GSP. The court was in Middletown, NJ and the judge was really cool. The first thing he did was explain the no point ticket rule and most of the people with speeding ticket didn't even have to talk to the prosecutor at that point. When my buddy came up the judge told him he is eligable for a no point ticket as long as he pleaded guilty. So he plead guilty, paid the higher fine and that was it.

06-07-2009, 05:40 PM	#1
sippinblkgold Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 208 Posts Drives: 330i black 6spd Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Alabama iTrader: (1)	got first ticket- need lawyer? So i got pulled over on rt 24 coming back from the city today. cop came out of no where. said i was doing 93 in a 65 and i was in the "65 mph zone" whatever that means. Have to go to court in chatham. Should I get a lawyer for this? I've never gotten a speeding ticket....
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06-07-2009, 06:06 PM	#3
Delta0311 Banned 7487 Rep 10,119 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335xi E92 2016 228xi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	No you will get off on a no point ticket. Expect to pay over $400 in fines. The lawyer would get you out of the point but since it's your first offense the judge will drop the points anyway, you'll just have to pay a higher fine.
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06-07-2009, 06:37 PM	#4
shocka1212 Philanthropist 28 Rep 1,054 Posts Drives: e92 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	me personally.... i would get a lawyer. its costly but your insurance surcharge for points will also be. wait till you get a letter in the mail from a lawyer thats local to the area where you received the ticket. __________________ "Where is your sense of adventure guys? If we don't cut in and out of traffic we will disappoint all those who think BMW drivers are all a**holes." The 2011 3-Series coupe offering the infamous "Harmon Kardon Badging"
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06-07-2009, 08:26 PM	#7
Delta0311 Banned 7487 Rep 10,119 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335xi E92 2016 228xi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	I never heard of a judge not droping points on a first offense. They also drop points if you have not received a moving violation within 5 years. The town does not make money on the points; the cash comes from the higher fine costs in having the points reduced.
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06-08-2009, 01:41 PM	#8
LiKWiD335xi Anthony 10 Rep 274 Posts Drives: '08 E90 335xi Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (1)	I've had my share of speeding tickets unfortunately. My advice is don't get a lawyer for any moving violation unless it can result in a very serious penalty. I talked to lawyers for the first 2 speeding tickets I got. I couldn't justify spending $150+ on a lawyer for a trivial offense. I went by myself and talked to the prosecutor, I was able to do everything the lawyers promised to do without having to pay them. __________________
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06-08-2009, 01:43 PM	#9
sbux First Lieutenant 15 Rep 343 Posts Drives: 330i 06 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	with lawyers you dont have to be there yourself. also, i would rather give $ to the lawyers instead of the govt (bun of robbers!!!)
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06-08-2009, 07:12 PM	#11
sippinblkgold Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 208 Posts Drives: 330i black 6spd Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Alabama iTrader: (1)	so I just have to take a chance on paying higher insurance premiums for years and hope the judge shows mercy with giving no points?? that seems a little risky. edit: ok i just realized he didn't check any boxes beside equipment and never said anything about a radar lazer...but still said 93mph. Do i have a case against that? Last edited by sippinblkgold; 06-08-2009 at 08:22 PM..
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06-09-2009, 02:51 PM	#12
d3l0n I love the ///M3, but I want 550hp ///M5 148 Rep 3,276 Posts Drives: BMW330iE90 Join Date: May 2006 Location: NYC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i (E90) [9.00]	i'd go with the lawyer dude.. .i woul dhave on my first offense.. definitely saved my but on the last offense. __________________ .::d3l0n::. FS: OEM SG Side Skirts - Sparkling Graphite - PRE-LCI FS: OEM Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser FS: (SG) E90 OEM Rear Bumper - Sparkling Graphite - Pre-LCI 328/330 i/xi
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06-09-2009, 03:59 PM	#13
Drakos Lieutenant 68 Rep 534 Posts Drives: 2022 G42 M240i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	That sucks man, but co-worker just got a $1000 ticket from throwing a cigarette butt out the window. He might of got off, but he was being a prick to the cop.
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06-09-2009, 04:19 PM	#14
rooster3.0 Major 27 Rep 1,306 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jersey iTrader: (4)	Just go to court and speak with the prosecutor and see what he offers you. If you don't like what they offer, you have the legal right to request an adjournment to seek counsel. Did you get stopped by a state trooper or municipal officer? __________________ Train with your head; not above it.
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06-09-2009, 07:56 PM	#16
sippinblkgold Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 208 Posts Drives: 330i black 6spd Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Alabama iTrader: (1)	i think he was a muni...not 100% sure though. would that be on the ticket? see i dont need to miss work for this crap. any idea on price of a lawyer? he can get me out of showing up and getting points i may be in.as far as i know the fine is $220(x2)= $440.
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06-09-2009, 11:08 PM	#17
rooster3.0 Major 27 Rep 1,306 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jersey iTrader: (4)	The heading on the ticket will tell you what type of officer he is. If not look on the back of it. If the court info is hand written, he was probably a state trooper. Once you go to court the fines printed on the ticket mean nothing. The judge will fine you whatever he sees fit. You'll more than likely need to appear for the actual court date. A lawyer can get you out of the arraignment. Just call up and plead not guilty. They'll send you a new court date. You'll probably miss a day of work but at least there's always some nice girls at court. __________________ Train with your head; not above it.
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06-09-2009, 11:14 PM	#18
Delta0311 Banned 7487 Rep 10,119 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335xi E92 2016 228xi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	Listen this is coming from someone who spent a LOT of time in court during his younger days. You do NOT need a lawyer on your first offense. You will be wasting your money if you get one, believe me. You need to plead guilty with an explanation and then state that this is your first offense. Then ask the judge to wave the points. Believe me he will do it; I'm yet to see a judge that wouldn't. He will then hit you with a higher fine but no points. Case closed.
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06-14-2009, 08:22 PM	#21
rooster3.0 Major 27 Rep 1,306 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jersey iTrader: (4)	You plead not guilty to get a court date. When you get to court, it is the prosecutor that you deal with, not the judge. __________________ Train with your head; not above it. Last edited by rooster3.0; 06-14-2009 at 09:20 PM..
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