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Speeding tickets.


Staubig

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Okay, so I just got a speeding ticket. 70 in a 55. I hate myself so much right now. I HAD 6 points in my license. I think it's decreased to 4. I really don't want the points, I can do a ticket.

What are my options?

Am I inevitably getting two points?

I'm willing to go to court, but won't lie, I deserve it. It's not like a didn't do it.

Is there any hope?

It was a Wayne county sherriff.

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There could be a diversion class that wipes the points, but costs you to go. Safe driving videos and such. May be an option in your area, I know it exists in Montgomery county but not sure if it's a statewide thing or not

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Every court is required to offer a class.

Now, the class is 2 hours and cost more than the ticket. But, it will remove the points so,it is a no point ticket.

Ask the court PRIOR TO THE COURT DATE, this must be paid for and enrolled prior to the court date.

You can do this once per county every 12 months.

Edited by snot
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You pay for the class and that is all. No court, it shows as a guilty plea to the ticket. No points are given, my insurance doesn't even show mine on record (2xs last yr). They are evening or Saturday classes, but it is only 2 hours, cost about 150-200.

Edited by snot
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Okay, so I researched some last night and I'm pretty sure my record is clean. I haven't had a ticket since 2013 so I'm pretty sure I have (had) 0 points. I'm going to check with my police friend, but I'm okay with 2 points. Having 6 points (or 8) is just too risky for me. You get in one accident, and your license could be suspended.

I checked my abstract driving record online and it only said "no driving record"

Again, I'll check. Thanks for the suggestions guys and gals. I might set up a meeting with the officer and see if he'll give me classes instead of points or something else.

Edited by Staubig
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I've never tried what Snot suggested (good info, btw- putting in my back pocket). 

My last two speeding tickets I went to court to try and get the points reduced (One three years ago, the other last month). 

The first one in New Albany, I didn't say much but asked for a reduced violation. The magistrate was a huge B. I ended up paying the ticket cost + $85 in court costs. 

The second in Pataskala, the magistrate was a really nice guy (I listened to him help kids with dUIs try to get their shit together). This time I specifically asked "Can I please get a warning for this one time". He said no. Then I asked,  "Is there community service or driving school I could do to keep the points from going to my license?" He said some places are willing to move to a non-moving violation by recording another offense like loud exhaust, but he was unwilling to do so. He did, however, drop my level of speeding 2 levels, so instead of an $152 it was $127. Not much, but nice thought, I guess.

Now I just never leave where I'm going without turning on the navigation app WAZE. Or I just don't speed. 

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FYI, there has always been some confusion about the BMV defensive driving program and points. The program most people are thinking about does NOT actually take away points from your license, it simply gives you another 2 point buffer. Normally you get a 6 point warning and at 12 points your license is suspended. Taking the program ups your point maximum to 14, 16 and ending at 18. You can take this course up to a maximum of 3 times, but only once every 5 years....so if you want the buffer you'll want to start it now get to waiting.

 

As for speaking with the prosecutor or magistrate its 50/50. If your in a large volume area like Franklin County, you would be more likely to get a plea offer of no points with fine/costs. If your in a small town area, they might be more likely to stick it too you. Another difference is that most all municipal court's are a court of record and are not able to change your charges to a non-moving/points violation. So if you get a speeding ticket, stop sign, etc...they will stay that way, but with the possibility of pleaing out to a No-Points violation if your prosecutor is nice. A village/mayor's court is NOT a court of record and can modify your charges from a moving violation to a non-moving violation. (Speeding, stop sign etc to a brake/equipment violation)

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Hm, lots of food for thought. Thanks guys.

I'm in a pretty advantageous position. I work Asset Protection in Wayne county, so, as you could imagine I am pretty involved with the court system. I'm on a first name basis with several prosecutors and many police officers, Unfortunately we don't ever work with the sheriffs office outside of security detail for events. I suppose what I need to know is what is my first step. Honestly, if my record is wiped clean I have no problem eating two points and a fine. I seriously never speed in a car, and I was just trying to beat the thunderstorm home last night. I'll see if one of the officers can tell me if I have any points, if I have none I'll just mail in my fine and accept my 2 points.

BUT say I have 2 existing points and don't want these additional two. Who would I talk to first? I'm really debating scheduling a meeting with the Sheriff that stopped me and asking him if I can arrange community service or some form of alternative. Does he even have the authority to withdraw my points, or at this point can I not do anything until I see a judge?

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The officer can't do anything after you received the ticket. All he does is cite you an provide an optional court date if you wish to go into the court process. (7-10 days) So you'll have to pay the ticket on or before the listed court date...Or appear in court at that time. You have that initial appearance time to speak with the prosecutor about the ticket and see if he will offer you anything or set a trial date.

Edited by SJC1000rr
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The officer can't do anything after you received the ticket. You'll have to pay the ticket on or before the listed court date...Or appear in court at that time. You have that time to speak with the prosecutor about the ticket and see if he will offer you anything or set a trial date.

Do I just call to see who my assigned prosecutor is? I've got some huge brownie points with a couple of the prosecutors, and I'm sure they'd be willing to work with me. But you're telling me that whomever is my prosecutor is now the gatekeeper of my fate?
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Fyi... The classes I took were through the courts not the BMV. The points are dropped through the court systems. The BMV classes are 8 hour, mine was 2.

Yug, I can do that. I'll see if I can work those at as my "plea bargain" lol thanks for the insight, snot. Edited by Staubig
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We'll this sucks. Made some phone calls, this will put me at 8 points.

 

how's that math working?  in a 55 zone, 10 over is 2 points and it doesn't jump to 4 points until you're 30 over.  You were 15 over, which is firmly in the 2-point violation range.  Were you wrong about being back down to 4 points?

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Yeah, sorry. I thought I was down to 4, or 2. I called the guy last night and he called me back today ci firming that this will be an additional 2 points, putting my dumbass at 8 total.

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I grew up in Orrville and spent a lot of time in the rest of the county. I know how the county popo can be. It sucks.

There you go. I got all 6 of my previous points in smithville. They write endless tickets. The whole town is 25 or 35 so its easy to get caught up.
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I got pulled over for 27 in a 25 in Smithville...... fought it and didn't have to pay, but PITA anyway.

 

I also hit a volunteer firefighter's escort wagon in Smithville..... That one didn't go well for me. Senior in high school, just leaving "the joint" and first ticket from a former Orrville cop that already knew who I was.

 

Good times, good times.

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I can't "advise" on such matters, but there is nothing wrong with talking to the prosecutor - especially if you have to appear in court anyway.

 

I appreciate when people are respectful of my time.  Whenever you interact with the prosecutor (either by phone, or in person) suggest you SCHEDULE a conversation rather than trying to hash it out right there. (unless he or she has time to talk about it on the spot)

 

And don't fall into the trap of trying your case to the prosecutor in the lobby, or over the phone. You have a resolution in mind.  Leading with that will send the message that you're not looking to argue for an hour; you just want to compromise on an admission everyone can live with.

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