You mean like The Dude?

Sometimes the officer wont even show up.

Can we start a poll yet on whether OP is gonna get screwed or not?

It's probably a good idea not to post details on the internet that might be used to convict you, so we don't know what happened. But since he was cited for spectating a street race, I'm going to ass-u-me it's not a case of him hanging out in the church parking lot after choir practice and an evil cop handing him a ticket out of the fucking blue. If he can't give the judge a better explanation than he's given us he's definitely screwed. :D

I'm taking this to court no matter what. The have no evidence. Lawyers said it should be an easy win and I could represent myself.

If I get fucked then I get fucked.

The funny thing is the cops know who's really doing the shit. They just suck at their jobs and they go after people like me. There's a fucking rb26 240 running from cops EVERY FUCKING WEEK, and they know where he lives!

I'll point out all of their flaws to the media. My friends dad owns a radio station, shouldn't be a problem.

In my case the only evidence they have is. Cop said to me, "I smell burned rubber." No shit mother fucker you just locked your fucking brakes.

Thanks to those that gave me good advice.

PM you.....

If you can do it without costing you any money - say perhaps you had the morning or afternoon off of work anyways and they don't up your fine then it is good to see the process 1st hand.

I went to court for leaving a tiny dirtbike trailer in front of my house for 1 day (has to be attached to a vehicle by law) and a got a ticket. It was under $100 - I just did not agree with the principle (it was plated and much more readily movable than a locked car). The reason for the law is that if it has to be moved in an emergency it could be a hinderence. Well you can move it with one hand and it blocks nothing. So I thought well lets go see what happens. I wore a suit and was early. The prosecuter asked if I wanted to just plead guilty and pay and I said no thanks. I got to question the bylaw officer and tried to ask him in "in his opinion did the trailer represent a hinderence to an emergency situation" and dont remember the details but he did not answer because my question was not valid or that I asked his opinion.

I tried to argue the law was wrong, not if I was guilty or not and that did not work. The judge even told me if the tire was flat on the trailer or if for any other reason I could not move it then there would be leniancy. I told the truth and took my fine like a man, though I disagreed with the principal.

Either way it was a good experience and it didn't really cost me any more money.

The judge was nice and even said in closing that the fine was probably less that then cost of a motorcross race.

I can't remember why I wasn't nervous since I can't stand public speaking. I think that the fact that I did not feel like I had done something criminal, and that I would not get in more trouble that I was ok with representing myself.

I did want to yell out as I was examining the bylaw officer " did you order a code red, did you! " but I held back for his and his familys dignity.



If everyone that got a ticket went to court the system would be overloaded and the cost of the judge, prosecuter, typist, bailiff etc would never be recovered and the whole system would have to change. (probably more taxes, and bigger fines)

Again, please bring a tape recorder and post the audio for us all to enjoy :x:


You are still being pretty vague with the facts. It is laughable that law enforcement is doing any work on your case, and even more so that they would find this thread.


What statute were you cited under?

That's a big part of my decision to take it to court or not.

I'm not trying to convince anyone on here. I'm looking for advice or anyone with a personal story to tell so I can get my shit together.

I've been to traffic court many, many times. If it is about the points, hire a lawyer. If it is about the money, the price of the fine and the lawyer are about the same so risk it.

An effective way to find a bargain deal on a traffic attorney is to arrive at court 45 minutes to an hour early, find a lawyer that is already there to defend someone (they are usually easy to spot), and ask them if they can help you too (since they don't have to make a special trip it is gravy money for them). Tell them you are there for two reasons. You are fighting it out of principle because you were the innocent victim of circumstance and you are broke and can't stand to lose the excess cash. Bargain with the lawyer on his price and be sincere in your request for help.

Judges are all lawyers. They like to see you put money in the system by hiring one of them. A lawyer (even a cheap one hired at the last minute) will get professional courtesy from the judge that you would never see extended to you alone. Especially in a low-rent court like traffic. There is no major crime hanging out there to be concerned with so the judge can dismiss at will without reservation. If you spend a few hours at traffic court you will see how most anyone who has retained counsel gets treated with kid gloves. Like it or not, that's just how it goes down.

In traffic courts here in Florida, your first appearance is typically at a hearing to stand before a judge and enter a plea. No officers will be present. When you plead not guilty you will be assigned a court date. When that day comes you will then face the officer in court. If for any reason you must relate the story of the event (and if you have retained counsel you will likely not need to say anything to get off), you should always speak of the officer in very respectful terms and refer to the event as a misinterpretation or misunderstanding. Often times I have had officers who wrote my tickets speak on MY BEHALF just because I was respectful to them at the time of citation and again in court. I have actually spoken to several of them in court before and after appearing before the judge. One told me he wouldn't have given me the ticket if his boss hadn't been right there because I was so respectful. Another thing to note, when the judge decides to downgrade or throw out the citation or to remove points from the penalty, he will ask if the officer approves of the action (seen this more often than not) and if you've been respectful to the officer throughout, he will agree with the downgrade or dropping and you are golden. If you got mouthy at the site initially or are speaking disrespectfully of the cop in the courtroom he will be less likely to relent.

Lastly, some cops are just powerjunkie assholes and so are some judges. Hiring legal counsel will even the field for you.

And a fedora! I have like 10 of those, they're gangster. Sometimes I wear them just for the hell of it. If you wear a fedora, they will bow down to you and take anything you say for granted.

Sixshooter, Thanks for you input.

Your advice on hiring a lawyer on the spot to level the field is great. I completely understand. The ones I've talked to so far have told me that it wouldn't be cost effective at around 200-250, so working out a deal would be best.

I was not looking to be convinced. Only trying to help you out.

Alright, my bad. I haven't really gone through the whole thing have I. I'll probably make an effort to stay clear from telling the details for a while.

NOT GUILTY. NOT GUILTY.

I'm so fucking happy right now. The officer lied during his testimony and he still couldn't screw me over! Thanks to everyone who gave me great advice.

Details, please!?!?

I missed this thread the first time through, and would not of had any advice, but congratulations on the verdict.

Seriously... details. No fun without them.

You mean the justice system still works? Really?

Good job on the win. And like everyone else said, DETAILS!!