I need your advice re:ticket

[lickie00]

I passed a parked crusier late last nite and then was pulled over. The officer asked me if I knew I had a blown headlight - I said no. He took my license, ownership and insurance and checked me out - he gave me two tickets each for $120.

One for the headlight, the other for a blown licence plate bulb. I did not know these were gone or when they blew.

He indicated that the tickets are alot of $$ that I should review the options on the back of the ticket and select either option 2 [guilty with an excuse] or 3 [court appearance]. The court date would be 6 weeks away and if he does not appear it will be thrown out. He also said if I see him there and I have it fixed he will withdraw the tickets.

My questions are as follows:
1. Why did he not just give me a warning and report back with it fixed
2. Can the tickets be fouhgt and won
3. How should I proceed - with the options
4. Is there a good argument to get this throw out

Any advice would be appreciated

Thanks
lickie00

 

[robbieboy]

Check your tickets. If they say the fine is $120 each then opt for option 3 but don't bother to show up because that is the wrong set fine and the JP will toss the charges.

 

[lickie00]

Correction - Each ticket has a "set fine" of $90.00 and the "total payable" is $110.00 [each].

Sorry about the mistake - is this the correct fine robbieboy?


lickie00

 

[robbieboy]

Yes, that would be it. You should follow Kiarra's advice. Get the things fixed ASAP, keep the proof for court and go for option 3. Chances are they will both be withdrawn, or the very least get them to drop one in return for a guilty plea on the other and get the fine reduced to $50. I don't think either of them would fly in court. Sounds like it must have been a slow night.

 

[robbieboy]

This isn't the kind of thing insurance companies are interested in Whois. Only moving violations will get their attention. ie, speeding, accidents where charges were laid, etc.

 

[heavy_meat]

Actually robbieboy, I don't remember where I read this now but insurance companies _do_ keep track of the small violations to determine how much to jack up your rates. It does take several small tickets to make it happen but it does. Parking tickets, however, do not count.

The vast majority of people who get tickets just pay the thing. The vast majority of people who show up in court will either get a reduced fine or the charge will be dropped. You will never pay more than the original fine becaue if is your _right_ to have a trial. You have nothing to lose. (aside from the time you spend in court)

--HM

 

[LDS]

Fight the ticket, more than likely the cop won't show up and it will be dismissed. Worst case scenario the fine will be lowered so you have nothing to lose by going to court.

 

[Troops]

I'm 4 for 4 this year in fighting tickets in court. Cops never show up if its a minor ticket such as these ones.

 

[shack]

He also said if I see him there and I have it fixed he will withdraw the tickets.

There's not much to figure out here. You know you need to get the lights fixed. He said he'd tear up the tickets. What's the dilemma? The only inconvenience is having to find the guy at the courthouse before trial so he can verify you've fixed them and let you off. If he doesn't show you're also off the charges.

 

[SirLickheralot]

I had a similar situation. I fixed the problem and went into my local detachment and asked one of the officers on duty to check my vehicle. She came outside, inspected my car, and withdrew the ticket. It only took a few minutes of my time and I never had to bother with going to court.

 

[lickie00]

Thanks to all those that provided me with valuable insight & advice. FYI, I am going with option 3 and hope for the best. I have made all the required repairs and am fully compliant as per the HTA !

cheers
lickie00