What to say to a prosecutor for a speeding ticket

[ATK_Designs]

1. DO NOT plead NOLO Unless it's the absolute last resort.
2. Dress nice and groom well
3. Plead not Guilty. Your first date will most likely be an arraignment, you'll have to comeback for an actual trial date.
4. If they asked you to have the trial that day, tell the judge:

"Your Honor, the defense didn't have enough time to prepare legal matters (such as lawyer) for the trial on an arraignment date. I'd like to request for a retrial"

The judge will approve that.

5. On the real trial date. Come early to you can be the first ones to go in.
6. Approach the Prosecutor nicely, and ask him/her if you can have a word with them about your citation. They'll tell you to sit down as they ave to talk to higher priorities first (ie. Lawyers). They'll come and talk to you afterward.
7. Tell them that you're afraid of loosing your job as it requires a Clean DMV record. This is your first citation and you need their help. (They want yor $$, not your job). Ask them if they can change it to a non moving violation (such as a very expensive parking ticket, etc.) or change to 14mph and under. Since you're only 19mph over, they'll most likely to do that for you. You still have to pay the same fine. But it won't be on your record. So you're safe in insurance company.

G'luck.

Also, on the trial date (not arraignment) pay special attention to see if the cop is there. If he's not there. Plead not guilty and they'll dismiss your case.

If the prosecutor ask for a retrial because the cop isn't there. state to the judge:

"Your Honor, the trial is here and today. The defense came ready. It's at no fault that the state isn't prepapred. I already took two days off from work. It's blatantly unfair for the defense to come back for the 3rd time. I motion for dismissal."

The judge will dismiss your case. Most likely, you won't have to say it at all.

Also, be very polite to Both the judge and the prosecutor.

[_Christian_]

1. DO NOT plead NOLO Unless it's the absolute last resort.
2. Dress nice and groom well
3. Plead not Guilty. Your first date will most likely be an arraignment, you'll have to comeback for an actual trial date.
4. If they asked you to have the trial that day, tell the judge:

"Your Honor, the defense didn't have enough time to prepare legal matters (such as lawyer) for the trial on an arraignment date. I'd like to request for a retrial"

The judge will approve that.

5. On the real trial date. Come early to you can be the first ones to go in.
6. Approach the Prosecutor nicely, and ask him/her if you can have a word with them about your citation. They'll tell you to sit down as they ave to talk to higher priorities first (ie. Lawyers). They'll come and talk to you afterward.
7. Tell them that you're afraid of loosing your job as it requires a Clean DMV record. This is your first citation and you need their help. (They want yor $$, not your job). Ask them if they can change it to a non moving violation (such as a very expensive parking ticket, etc.) or change to 14mph and under. Since you're only 19mph over, they'll most likely to do that for you. You still have to pay the same fine. But it won't be on your record. So you're safe in insurance company.

G'luck.

Also, on the trial date (not arraignment) pay special attention to see if the cop is there. If he's not there. Plead not guilty and they'll dismiss your case.

If the prosecutor ask for a retrial because the cop isn't there. state to the judge:

"Your Honor, the trial is here and today. The defense came ready. It's at no fault that the state isn't prepapred. I already took two days off from work. It's blatantly unfair for the defense to come back for the 3rd time. I motion for dismissal."

The judge will dismiss your case. Most likely, you won't have to say it at all.

Also, be very polite to Both the judge and the prosecutor.

good post. great advice

[JDM onlyy]

Interlude, where were you when I needed help with my other 13 tickets???