Quote Originally Posted by RB26powered
It isn't worth my time, but thats the whole point. Thats how this crap keeps happening, because the ones that could do something about it choose not to, while the ones that can't do anything about are forced to bite the bullet.

How many on here have paid a fine for something just to keep from dealing with it?
I've dealt with it on a pretty severe level! After NOPI 2003, heading North on I75, 6 ricers decide to make a run. Yea, I've mad highway runs before; but I knew better since I live in Henrico and know that the County makes a huge payload during NOPI and continued to cruise. Two miles later sure enough I see Henrico blazing, cop gets 3/4 car length past me and then slows up and tells me to pull over. Thinking he's gonna give me a B.S. 8mph over the speed limit ticket because he can't catch the ricers, I pull over as he proceeds to go pull over the next import insight which was about 200 - 300 ft ahead of me. Note that I was driving a smooth 78mph in a 70mph zone the entire time. The cop actually got out of sight while pulling over the next car, but knowing I had nothing to fear I just crept up the emergency lane to catch up. Where he finally stopped, we had crossed into the 65mph speed zone.

The first thing he said to me was, I knew I would catch atleast two of you. I almost pissed myself, because I knew this bastard was accusing me of racing. I responded, "you can't be serious. Those guys are long gone." Then of course he tried to play the snitch game, well your buddy up there in the other car said y'all were racing too. At that moment I knew there was nothing else for me to say cause he was taking us in regardless. To add insult to injury, as we were in the back of the car headed to jail another Henrico officer at the county line came on the radio and said that the ricers just crossed into Clayton and out of our jurisdiction. I shouted, did you hear that. The cop didn't make a sound, he knew. When we got to booking, I had about $350 in cash and when they counted it they stated that I had $200. I said count it again, the guy did and got it right (pitiful). Then the arresting officer tells the tale of how me and the other guy were racing head to head at 92 & 96mph, but we claimed we weren't racing. Bullshit......and of course he wrote the ticket as all occurred in the 65mph speedzone. I was charged with 92mph and if it would of been documented correctly in the 70 my charge wouldn't of been a felony speeding. He played the hell out of his role. BTW, my second time in cuffs, first and last time arrested. First time in cuffs was after kicking ass in a club, since I was calm when the police arrived and none of the other guys could see straight enough to identify anyone, my crew and I skated. Well except for one who couldn't keep his mouth shut. Funny shiat........

So court finally arrives. I plead not guilty of course and hire a lawyer, $1500. Other guy, out of state hires a public defender $250. Of course the Pub Def working for the state attempted to use him as a witness, him lie and fry me. He eventually backs out and we eventually get the same deal, him minus the community service I think since out of state. My lawyer upfront asked me what I wanted, I didn't want to lose my license or go to jail was about the only thing that came to mind. He negotiates and gets the felony racing dropped to misdemeanor reckless driving (keep license) and the 24hr jail time is suspended. He goes back to the judge again and comes back and says he cut the 40hr community service to 25hrs. I accept. Then the shit hits the fan, I hear the solicitors talking. They had a camera shot of the expressway where me and the other guy charged had gotten on the expressway only moments before the ricers, then the next shot had the ricers passing us and the view showed all 8 cars scattered across the entire expressway. However, the next camera shot wasn't available. Yea the one that would of showed the ricers together and us much later. If I would of actually went to trial, more than likely I would of lost and been sentenced a yr in jail. It gets worse, after the judgement I find out that the reckless charge holds the same fines as racing $1,500 and the speeding pts still go on my license and insurance.

So all in all, I was innocent......Cost me $3,250 in legal fees, 6hrs in jail (slow ass booking and shift change), 25hrs of my life working the side of the road with inmates and other more severe offenders, inflated insurance rates (3yrs estimated inflation $3,600) and wasn't able to be covered by a major insurance carrier (SafeAuto is my friend for life). Shit just came off of my insurance record this month. Oh yea, and my alcoholic Pops laughing at me because I finally feel what its like to get busted. There's a difference, you're always guilty Dear Ole Dad........

I almost forgot about the emotional distress and paranoia I still suffer from. If I'm in an import and some fools pass me racing, I burn their ass. Same thing goes if I'm on the bike and some bikers blast by. I refuse to catch someone elses charge again just for having a similarly classified vehicle and if I do get caught breaking the law I'll have the peace of mind that I actually did break the law

Back to tint, guess I need to get my truck checked to ensure the windows upfront aren't too dark. I have no idea what percent they are.

Last thought, if you don't have a lawyer who can prove without the shadow of a doubt you're innocent; then do not take shit to trial in Henry Co. I watched in horror as a clean cut college kid, son of a Doctor got sentenced to 1 month for a first time DUI offense. He had a clean driving record and criminal history. It was sad because he even plead guilty, accepted fault and threw himself at the mercy of the court. Well atleast the judge allowed him to pick the day in which he wanted to start his jail time I fealt sorry for him, especially since Pops has had about 7 DUI's and only done enough jail time to sober up and only 2 are on his permanent record. He paid out the ass for legal rep each time though and is on a first name basis with AA Just so you guys don't get the wrong idea, he's a functional alcoholic. Can go all day without a drink, but as soon as he hits the clock and gets off work its time to pop a can. Furthermore, he's never piss drunk just over the legal limit. Sucks to be a well known businessman in your community and have this problem, because after work hours and he gets pulled over - 9 times out of 10 he's had atleast 3 silver bullets DUI. Beware if you too drive a White/Tan F-350 Dually Clayco & Forest Park loves them.........

Sorry for the rant of a long read, just wanted you to know others have been there and done that too......