The $700 Speeding Fine -- Resolved
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From: SE Ohio
RE: The $700 Speeding Fine -- Resolved
ORIGINAL: cadillac
I made this mistake once and will NEVER again try anything like it. I was pulled over for speeding in 1993 here in rural Iowa. He got me for 63 in a 45, which he said was a $65 fine (at that time). I didnt debate the fact I was speeding and to this day I dont know why I said this but I said "While I was speeding, this whole ticket thing is all about income for the state/county. So wouldnt it be a lot better for the state/county if you just wrote me up for 2 seatbelt violations instead?" It was one of those things that I knew I regretted the second my mouth stopped moving. His reply was... "Good idea, but since its all about revenue, lets write it for the 2 seatbelt violations AND the speeding ticket!" He then asked me what in Gods Green Earth was the reason for even suggesting such a stupid idea, to which I could only plead absolute stupidity. He said ok.. since you were just inside the 45 mph sign, Ill write this for 63 in a 55 and you will pay it and be a good boy for a loooong time to come, right? to which I said Yes Sir.
bob - still bein a good boy.....
I made this mistake once and will NEVER again try anything like it. I was pulled over for speeding in 1993 here in rural Iowa. He got me for 63 in a 45, which he said was a $65 fine (at that time). I didnt debate the fact I was speeding and to this day I dont know why I said this but I said "While I was speeding, this whole ticket thing is all about income for the state/county. So wouldnt it be a lot better for the state/county if you just wrote me up for 2 seatbelt violations instead?" It was one of those things that I knew I regretted the second my mouth stopped moving. His reply was... "Good idea, but since its all about revenue, lets write it for the 2 seatbelt violations AND the speeding ticket!" He then asked me what in Gods Green Earth was the reason for even suggesting such a stupid idea, to which I could only plead absolute stupidity. He said ok.. since you were just inside the 45 mph sign, Ill write this for 63 in a 55 and you will pay it and be a good boy for a loooong time to come, right? to which I said Yes Sir.
bob - still bein a good boy.....
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Connecticut
RE: The $700 Speeding Fine -- Resolved
Friends of mine (4 midle aged couples)were on a ride in the NE Connecticut hills (Litchfield) area and stopped for a break in the parking lot of a state park. It was around 6:00 pm and the lot was empty.
LEOdrives in and asks what they're doing and the tell him.
Reaches for his citation book and asks for license/registration for the drivers, and ID from the passengers. Told them he was issuing for being there after closing time. Tghe politely showed him the sign that saaid Park Closes at 10:00 pm.
He says that the park is closed and writes them up. The can pay the $150 fine or "explain it to the Judge."
Two couples had one court date, and two had another.
My brother was in the first batch. He and his wife took a day off from work and went to court, along with pictures of the park sign.
While waiting for their turnthey could hear the Judge giving someone a ration of grief inside the courtroom, through the closed door.
They were approached by a court clerk who said they had 2 options -donate $65 each to a local libray fund(rather than the $150 fine)and be done with it, or go see the judge who "was having a bad week." My brother tried to show the clerk the citation and the picture of the signbut she stopped him cold. Pay now or come back next week because the calendar was full. She said the Judge would most likely find them guilty, charge a fine, and add on court costs.
Faced with yet another day off from work and a likely fine, they paid the $65 each.
My brother and his wife still get pissed off when the subject comes up.
(I try to bring it up at least once a month).
Sammi
LEOdrives in and asks what they're doing and the tell him.
Reaches for his citation book and asks for license/registration for the drivers, and ID from the passengers. Told them he was issuing for being there after closing time. Tghe politely showed him the sign that saaid Park Closes at 10:00 pm.
He says that the park is closed and writes them up. The can pay the $150 fine or "explain it to the Judge."
Two couples had one court date, and two had another.
My brother was in the first batch. He and his wife took a day off from work and went to court, along with pictures of the park sign.
While waiting for their turnthey could hear the Judge giving someone a ration of grief inside the courtroom, through the closed door.
They were approached by a court clerk who said they had 2 options -donate $65 each to a local libray fund(rather than the $150 fine)and be done with it, or go see the judge who "was having a bad week." My brother tried to show the clerk the citation and the picture of the signbut she stopped him cold. Pay now or come back next week because the calendar was full. She said the Judge would most likely find them guilty, charge a fine, and add on court costs.
Faced with yet another day off from work and a likely fine, they paid the $65 each.
My brother and his wife still get pissed off when the subject comes up.
(I try to bring it up at least once a month).
Sammi
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: SE Ohio
RE: The $700 Speeding Fine -- Resolved
ORIGINAL: Sammi
Friends of mine (4 midle aged couples)were on a ride in the NE Connecticut hills (Litchfield) area and stopped for a break in the parking lot of a state park. It was around 6:00 pm and the lot was empty.
LEOdrives in and asks what they're doing and the tell him.
Reaches for his citation book and asks for license/registration for the drivers, and ID from the passengers. Told them he was issuing for being there after closing time. Tghe politely showed him the sign that saaid Park Closes at 10:00 pm.
He says that the park is closed and writes them up. The can pay the $150 fine or "explain it to the Judge."
Two couples had one court date, and two had another.
My brother was in the first batch. He and his wife took a day off from work and went to court, along with pictures of the park sign.
While waiting for their turnthey could hear the Judge giving someone a ration of grief inside the courtroom, through the closed door.
They were approached by a court clerk who said they had 2 options -donate $65 each to a local libray fund(rather than the $150 fine)and be done with it, or go see the judge who "was having a bad week." My brother tried to show the clerk the citation and the picture of the signbut she stopped him cold. Pay now or come back next week because the calendar was full. She said the Judge would most likely find them guilty, charge a fine, and add on court costs.
Faced with yet another day off from work and a likely fine, they paid the $65 each.
My brother and his wife still get pissed off when the subject comes up.
(I try to bring it up at least once a month).
Sammi
Friends of mine (4 midle aged couples)were on a ride in the NE Connecticut hills (Litchfield) area and stopped for a break in the parking lot of a state park. It was around 6:00 pm and the lot was empty.
LEOdrives in and asks what they're doing and the tell him.
Reaches for his citation book and asks for license/registration for the drivers, and ID from the passengers. Told them he was issuing for being there after closing time. Tghe politely showed him the sign that saaid Park Closes at 10:00 pm.
He says that the park is closed and writes them up. The can pay the $150 fine or "explain it to the Judge."
Two couples had one court date, and two had another.
My brother was in the first batch. He and his wife took a day off from work and went to court, along with pictures of the park sign.
While waiting for their turnthey could hear the Judge giving someone a ration of grief inside the courtroom, through the closed door.
They were approached by a court clerk who said they had 2 options -donate $65 each to a local libray fund(rather than the $150 fine)and be done with it, or go see the judge who "was having a bad week." My brother tried to show the clerk the citation and the picture of the signbut she stopped him cold. Pay now or come back next week because the calendar was full. She said the Judge would most likely find them guilty, charge a fine, and add on court costs.
Faced with yet another day off from work and a likely fine, they paid the $65 each.
My brother and his wife still get pissed off when the subject comes up.
(I try to bring it up at least once a month).
Sammi
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 112
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From:
RE: The $700 Speeding Fine -- Resolved
I know I'm new here but wow, I was just wondering where all this money is going when the fines are paid, it sounds like everyone thinks the street cop gets the money, well I have not seen it over the last 15 years I have worked the street. We are under paid, out of date equipment, and over worked, has any of you ever been to an accident that involved someone doing 90 plus. I hate telling parents and spouses they lost a family member due to an accident. Figure it out how much rubber is on the ground at 90mph. We just lost two more bikers last week, speed did it again. Rules are for a reason, some are pretty stupid but it's the best we have.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,376
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From: SE Ohio
RE: The $700 Speeding Fine -- Resolved
ORIGINAL: no regrets
I know I'm new here but wow, I was just wondering where all this money is going when the fines are paid, it sounds like everyone thinks the street cop gets the money, well I have not seen it over the last 15 years I have worked the street. We are under paid, out of date equipment, and over worked, has any of you ever been to an accident that involved someone doing 90 plus. I hate telling parents and spouses they lost a family member due to an accident. Figure it out how much rubber is on the ground at 90mph. We just lost two more bikers last week, speed did it again. Rules are for a reason, some are pretty stupid but it's the best we have.
I know I'm new here but wow, I was just wondering where all this money is going when the fines are paid, it sounds like everyone thinks the street cop gets the money, well I have not seen it over the last 15 years I have worked the street. We are under paid, out of date equipment, and over worked, has any of you ever been to an accident that involved someone doing 90 plus. I hate telling parents and spouses they lost a family member due to an accident. Figure it out how much rubber is on the ground at 90mph. We just lost two more bikers last week, speed did it again. Rules are for a reason, some are pretty stupid but it's the best we have.
Now, on to the second topic, and actually the reason for this thread.
I know that police are underpaid. A lot of professions aren't paid fairly. But somehow, putting your neck on the line for $13 an hour doesn't seem fair in any market.
I also understand that several municipalities have outdated equipement. I know that revenue is a concern and the money is used (although not 100% of it) to pay for the equipment.
Also, speeding in and of itself is not dangerous. In my case, for example, 90 wasn't unsafe at all.
I was riding in a new Nissan Maxima on I-75 in the far left lane. The car is in good mechanical working order and is designed for performance.
I was on the freeway driving in a straight line. I wasn't weaving in and out of traffic or driving recklessly. If anything I was moving slightly faster than the flow of traffic.
I did not even have the chance to plead my case. Yes, I wanted a reduced fine and no points on my record. However, I am a bit jaded by the impression that the system doesn't care about right or wrong, fairness, or safety. I got the impression that the system is more concerned about revenue.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
From: South Bend, In
RE: The $700 Speeding Fine -- Resolved
ORIGINAL: madelf
Of course. Here, they've even got the town cops trained to save court time.
I got stopped for doing 78 in a 55. The cop told me he'd write the ticket as an equiment violation instead of speeding (lower fine and no points) if I agreed to plead guilty and not go to court to fight it. Obviously I jumped at it. All about gettingsome money out of youwith the least work.
Of course. Here, they've even got the town cops trained to save court time.
I got stopped for doing 78 in a 55. The cop told me he'd write the ticket as an equiment violation instead of speeding (lower fine and no points) if I agreed to plead guilty and not go to court to fight it. Obviously I jumped at it. All about gettingsome money out of youwith the least work.
So next time take it to court. As far as i'm concerned it's a bribe. Tell the judge you stopped for speed and given a ticket for a violation that you did not commit and that's why you are fighting the ticket. This practice is very unethical.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,801
Likes: 13
RE: The $700 Speeding Fine -- Resolved
ORIGINAL: MiniMe
You should have fought the ticket after that. Not only is this practice wrong but illegal and easily beat in court. I have heard of Officer stopping people for speeding and telling them they will give them a seatbelt violation instead. Cheaper and no points and they get there seatbelt stats up for the grant. I wish guys would stop doing this **** it gives us all a bad image. If I stop someone for speeding and decide to give them a ticket they will get the ticket for the violation they were stopped for.
So next time take it to court. As far as i'm concerned it's a bribe. Tell the judge you stopped for speed and given a ticket for a violation that you did not commit and that's why you are fighting the ticket. This practice is very unethical.
ORIGINAL: madelf
Of course. Here, they've even got the town cops trained to save court time.
I got stopped for doing 78 in a 55. The cop told me he'd write the ticket as an equiment violation instead of speeding (lower fine and no points) if I agreed to plead guilty and not go to court to fight it. Obviously I jumped at it. All about gettingsome money out of youwith the least work.
Of course. Here, they've even got the town cops trained to save court time.
I got stopped for doing 78 in a 55. The cop told me he'd write the ticket as an equiment violation instead of speeding (lower fine and no points) if I agreed to plead guilty and not go to court to fight it. Obviously I jumped at it. All about gettingsome money out of youwith the least work.
So next time take it to court. As far as i'm concerned it's a bribe. Tell the judge you stopped for speed and given a ticket for a violation that you did not commit and that's why you are fighting the ticket. This practice is very unethical.
madelf....was there in fact some sort of equipment violation on your car at the time you were stopped?
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 0
From: South Bend, In
RE: The $700 Speeding Fine -- Resolved
ORIGINAL: dynamike74
I represented myself. And yes, I'll probably drive 90 in a 70 again in the future. Next time, I'll probably be a little more careful about it and keep a closer eye out for the popo.
ORIGINAL: CSI Topeka
You gonna drive 99 (or whatever it was)in a 70 again?
Sounds like the Attorney did you a favor!! Could very well be the Officer didn't show up, and he offered up a plea, instead of taking it to a trial that he knew he would lose, due to a lack of witnesses!!
You gonna drive 99 (or whatever it was)in a 70 again?
Sounds like the Attorney did you a favor!! Could very well be the Officer didn't show up, and he offered up a plea, instead of taking it to a trial that he knew he would lose, due to a lack of witnesses!!
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,376
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From: SE Ohio
RE: The $700 Speeding Fine -- Resolved
ORIGINAL: MiniMe
Well then you deserve the ticket with an attitude like that and since you have such disregard for the law and public saftey your license should be revoked. Your part of the reason why we have to scrape people off highways and why we have to go tell a parent their child is dead. And when they ask why, all we can say is, "I guess he was in a hurry". Why don't you do everyone a favor and slow down. Driving is not your right!
ORIGINAL: dynamike74
I represented myself. And yes, I'll probably drive 90 in a 70 again in the future. Next time, I'll probably be a little more careful about it and keep a closer eye out for the popo.
ORIGINAL: CSI Topeka
You gonna drive 99 (or whatever it was)in a 70 again?
Sounds like the Attorney did you a favor!! Could very well be the Officer didn't show up, and he offered up a plea, instead of taking it to a trial that he knew he would lose, due to a lack of witnesses!!
You gonna drive 99 (or whatever it was)in a 70 again?
Sounds like the Attorney did you a favor!! Could very well be the Officer didn't show up, and he offered up a plea, instead of taking it to a trial that he knew he would lose, due to a lack of witnesses!!
I know what my rights are. Operating a motor vehicle on publis roadways is not a right it's a priveledge. I know that.
I'll continue to drive in a way that I think is safe. If that means doing 120 mph on a straight road with little traffic when the speed limit is 70, then I will.