kl323

So I got my first ticket, ever... after driving for almost 10 years. Anyway, I was clocked going 22 over the limit (45) this morning on the BQE. I was on my way to my shift at the hospital when there was little traffic. Anyway, the ticket said 67mph, but I don't think it's correct since he clocked me right at a turn where I always slow down. But ultimately, it's their word against mine.

As it stands, besides the fine and all, it's going to be 6 points. As a first time violator, with no previous moving/parking violations, what is the best I can do in terms of reducing the damage?

This is an expensive lesson learned, but I REALLY want to cut back on the loss. My dad has had this situation before and had a lawyer. Any other suggestions???

Thanks!!!

mkorsu

Talk to the prosecutor. They are almost always willing to negotiate down. Odds are strong that you can reduce to something MUCH LESS SERIOUS!!!

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

sup Kent, its gonna be hard to fight that BQE ticket from what my friend told me. he works at a lawyers office and he said he would tell u go to him but doesnt want u to waste ur money. but he did say to keep rescheduling it and bond it then go to court.

kl323

Hoping for the best outcome!

Hey Joe, any idea why its hard to fight those tickets? One positive note is that I wasn't caught in a work zone...

mkorsu

Joe, why's that so hard in NYC? Just asking.

Spyder78

iTrader: (7)

Because NYC is hard up for money. This ticket will cost a lot of money. It'll be like $180 for the violation. Plus you will have to pay the driver assessment fee which is $300.

kl323

Damn. It's probably not going to be easy...

sojah

iTrader: (1)

i got out of a 20+ mph ticket one time (not in NY) cuz i showed up in court and told them i was going downhill and was just starting to apply my brakes when the copper had me on radar i got off, no bull.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

my friend said that NYC cops are under investigation so they have to win their tickets, thats why its gonna be difficult.

ReeM

I got a ticket on the Bqe as well. right after a turn. I showed the cop my badge, 2 work ID's and my drivers license. He said i was doing 72 in a 55. He dropped it down to 70 so its 4 points. I hve a lawyer and im going to fight it in december. Its impossible for me to be doing 72 after a turn and especially since it was around the time they were still doing major construction on the bqe earlier this year. Which hospital do you work at btw? Im a Emt @ LICH.

ReeM

Oo yea...and I was in uniform so I should win with no problem. And I guess ill talk to the Sgt in my work area Pct. lol

puff

iTrader: (4)

Just keep postponing until you have to show up to court. You have two times to postpone so just call the day before your court date and tell them you can't make it, or you can do it online on the dmv's website. On the third date you have to go to court and hope for the best.

True story I did this once got caught 88 in a 35 (testing my Evo don't judge me) and I put it off twice. By the time I had to show up for the third date, it was over a year later and the officer had retired. My luck ticket got thrown out.

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

yea tickets in other states arent hard to get out of but from what i hear NY sucks if you get caught speeding.

oohpapi44

iTrader: (1)

This is the only truth you have to be concerned about. Postponing will do no good. Just throw yourself on the mercy of the court, do something different, admit you made a mistake, are sorry and learned your lesson. Use the first sentence in your post. it was out of character for you as your driving record will attest. Bring your driving abstract with you if you want.

The cop WILL show for every hearing.

If an officer doesn't show for an hearing, they get docked a vacation day. It's pretty hard to get a ticket these days in the city while that crap is the Bronx is still going on.

kl323

Alright, so my plan is to get a lawyer. Pretty much the same strategy there... postpone and postpone some more.

Anyway, for those of you who have dealt with lawyers, what should be mindful of? what should I ask? What's the best way to maximize the utility of hiring a lawyer?

thanks!