What are my chances of representing myself on my first ever offense of anything (no wrecks, tickets, etc...) and getting it reduced from 12 to 9 over? Also, once its reduced (even if I do have to have a lawyer to do it) what does 9 over mean for my insurance and/or license?

11/23/2005 6:43:06 PM

if u have a lawyer, u can probably get it dropped. My girlfriend has had atleast 10 tickets and they have all be dropped except one. And that one was 25 over and her laywer got it reduced to a broken tail light. It wont be a problem to get it reduced without a lawyer. Most judges will be easy on u esp. if u have a clean record.

11/23/2005 6:46:15 PM

i just went to court last week for my speeding ticket. it was 40 in a 25. the ADA asked me what i wanted to do and i told him i wanted the least punishment possible or dismissal since it was my 1st ever offence and he was like i'll take 10 off to make it 30 in a 25. he did that, brought me to the cashier and i paid the court costs only and that was it. no ticket fine, no points, no nothing other than the court costs. never even went b4 the judge. i personally do not think it is worth the price of a lawyer since u'll be payin more than the total ticket and court costs combined.

11/23/2005 6:54:37 PM

http://brentroad.com/message_search.aspx

11/23/2005 6:55:10 PM

^Did that before posting-as usual...Didn't find the explanation I was looking for.



Anyways, about this 9 over-- What does that mean?

11/23/2005 7:22:13 PM

9 over ticket only has court costs. And your insurance flags you. If you get another ticket within three years, you will have your insurance increase.
One nine over is your warning.

Then you can use a PJC. Use that for much more serious offenses. Get off with court costs, but if you get another within three years, you get both.

11/23/2005 7:38:05 PM

it just gets reduced to "9 over." however in my case, it was reduced to 5 over..lol.

11/23/2005 7:38:25 PM

Quote :

"What are my chances of representing myself on my first ever offense of anything (no wrecks, tickets, etc...) and getting it reduced from 12 to 9 over? Also, once its reduced (even if I do have to have a lawyer to do it) what does 9 over mean for my insurance and/or license?"

the chances are basically 100%. you don't need a lawyer for this one, and don't even think about using a PJC. your insurance will treat it as a "waivable offense". if you don't have anything else on your record in the last 3 years, your rates won't increase. if, after they reduce it, you get anything in the next 3 years, you will be charged for both.

11/23/2005 8:04:26 PM

So...if I am representing myself, how should I approach the judge? What do I say to still be respectful in saying I want a reduction to 9 over and not use my PJC? I understand that that's what I need to go for, but how exactly should I ask for it? (From experience answers welcomed!)

11/23/2005 10:29:33 PM

you will talk to the DA first. you'll walk in and stand in line behind a bunch of dumbasses who got DUIs or got caught driving without a license or insurance or something, and then you'll get to the DA.

i've only represented myself once (had to get lawyers all of the other times). when i got up to the DA, he pretty much said "if I knock it down to 9-over, is that cool with you?" "Yes sir." "Ok, done. Wait in line to see the judge."

the judge calls you up, and you stand in front of him, and he'll ask you how you plead to the charge of 9-over, and you'll say "Guilty, your honor." and he'll be like "Ok, go out front and pay X-amount."

11/23/2005 10:34:39 PM

And then thats it? I never see of it again on record or insurance again as long as nothing happens within 3 years?

11/23/2005 10:37:25 PM

Quote :

"So...if I am representing myself, how should I approach the judge? What do I say to still be respectful in saying I want a reduction to 9 over and not use my PJC? I understand that that's what I need to go for, but how exactly should I ask for it? (From experience answers welcomed!) "

if your that much of a n00b @ going to court you need an attorney.

11/23/2005 10:38:17 PM

Yes Im a n00b about court... Been once as a witness to my friend getting the shit beat out of him a loooong time ago. I have a clean driving and personal record.

11/23/2005 10:42:18 PM

represent yourself, and do the ada thing...if it's your first offense, they'll lower it to something that doesn't go on your insurance or license...it's pretty easy

11/23/2005 10:43:47 PM

^^^^yep, that's it

^^^no you don't. not in this case.

11/23/2005 10:48:11 PM

sorry i was being a dick becasue i have been drinkingi

if its your first offense and it gets reduced to 9 over it will not affect your insurance.

MAKE SURE they do not use your PJC (prayer for judgement continued) if they do that you will be fucked next time you get a ticket. I went to court for my first ticket (without a lawyer)( and the DA used it without telling me and reduced it to 11 over, needless to say next ticket I got i got fucked.

You should have no problem getting it reduced to 9 over. If for some reason they wont reduce it ask for a continuance so your attorney can appear. Dont plead to more than 9 over or use a PJC, if the DA asks you to do that you are being fucked.

11/23/2005 10:50:21 PM

Thanks a lot for the advice everyone, I'll post how it goes on the 6th!

I was going to go with Glenn E. Gray...but I think I'll save my money and represent myself and MAYBE use that money to put towards a radar detector. May be a good investment, however, I have already slowed my ass down!

11/23/2005 10:51:12 PM

Quote :

"i've only represented myself once (had to get lawyers all of the other times). when i got up to the DA, he pretty much said "if I knock it down to 9-over, is that cool with you?" "Yes sir." "Ok, done. Wait in line to see the judge." the judge calls you up, and you stand in front of him, and he'll ask you how you plead to the charge of 9-over, and you'll say "Guilty, your honor." and he'll be like "Ok, go out front and pay X-amount.""

when i went and had it reduced, i did not go in front of the judge. the DA/ADA reduced it and then i went right to the cashier to pay the court costs. never even stepped into the courtroom.

11/23/2005 10:51:51 PM

^yep, exactly.

oh, and i should clarify...it'll be on both your license and insurance records, but it won't cost you anything unless you have another violation within 3 years.

11/23/2005 10:52:14 PM

DO NOT USE GLENN E GRAY - I HAVE HEARD FROM MULTIPLE PEOPLE HE IS A COCKSUCKER

edit: well nto a cocksucer but a bad attorney.

[Edited on November 23, 2005 at 10:53 PM. Reason : ]

edit2: if you need an attorney go here http://www.karlknudsenlaw.com./ or call 828-4566

NEVER HIRE an attorney that send you unsolicited letters in teh mail. if they are sending letters they are not getting enough referral business.

[Edited on November 23, 2005 at 10:57 PM. Reason : ]

11/23/2005 10:53:18 PM

^^And after the 3 years does it get erased?

(I'm not retarded, I just want to understand what I'm getting myself into and dont want to look stuid and waste the DA's time by making him explain it to me)

[Edited on November 23, 2005 at 10:59 PM. Reason : j]

11/23/2005 10:55:29 PM

Well, he was really nice to me on the phone. I told him I was interested in the payment plan since its Christmas time and I'm a student, and he said he would take it from $245 to $215 (total, court costs and all that included) because I am a student at State and let me pay what I want now, and have the rest paid by 45 days after the court date.

11/23/2005 10:58:33 PM

there is no way in hell that much $$ is worth it. just represent urself. i did and had no problems. be sure to dress nice and go early.

11/23/2005 10:59:57 PM

It will be on your driving and criminal record forever. When I went to get my Real Estate License and then back for my Broker License all of my speeding and drinking tickets came up on the background search any time you get a charge its on your record but what you plead/get convicted of is what people hold against you.

edit: well of course he was nice on the phone. the going rate for a traffic ticket in wake county is 225-250 and most lawyers will get your case continued for a few months until you pay them. any lawyer will probably charge you that and inclued court costs in it. the difference is getting a good attorney instead of one that does a retarded volume by sending out letters and not focusing on his clients

[Edited on November 23, 2005 at 11:02 PM. Reason : ]

[Edited on November 23, 2005 at 11:03 PM. Reason : ]

11/23/2005 11:00:27 PM

you don't need a lawyer

i promise

___________

it will always be on your record (unless you have a legitimate case or something and get it totally thrown out of court, which isn't likely or worth bothering with). after 3 years, though, it won't matter, unless you get a job where they wanna check your driving record and actually care about a 9 over ticket from >3 years ago...which is to say, it's not going to matter.

11/23/2005 11:01:16 PM

^ & ^^
I'm guessing you guys have had a ticket or two?!

11/23/2005 11:10:26 PM

yes

but i only have two pending right now

one was speeding
the other was "disturbing the repose of my neighborhood" (i think that is the charge that is replacing the nuscance party ordnance)

all the otehr tickets that are settled were misdemeanors that were reduced to infractions or dismissed nothing serious.

[Edited on November 23, 2005 at 11:20 PM. Reason : ]

11/23/2005 11:14:41 PM

OOOhh, I didn't think about this... If I get a "Disturbing The Peace" or whatever its called for loud music from the vehicle--or a similar but not speeding charge--will that bring the other speeding charge back?

[Edited on November 23, 2005 at 11:17 PM. Reason : g]

11/23/2005 11:16:56 PM

i dont think that will affect your insurance at all because only moving violations or wrecks mess with your inusrance score.

criminally i dunno, strongly doubt it

11/23/2005 11:19:48 PM

im figuring if you dress appropritely and speak respectfully theyll shrug you off

i got a ticket for like 13 over and i had been in two accidents, not my fault, but got a ticket for not having a Virginia license. and not having a clue about anything i went to the court, searched for my name on the list, appeared in the courtroom, stood over by the DA and asked what id like to do. somoene told me to ask for nine over. so i did she said ok and i sat til my name was called. judge called me and i plead guilty to nine over. everyone else ahead of me pled not guilty and got continuance and a lot of resistance, i was politely asked to pay court fees and thats it.


court fees are at least 100 bucks, they only take cash, the ATM there will charge you like 3.75 or some shit. fyi

11/23/2005 11:20:02 PM

yea cash or certified money order or somethin like that. court costs are $110 now.

11/23/2005 11:22:11 PM

Plus the 20 bucks for the violation, plus the 25 bucks for running your license check or something like that...


Oh yeah, I plan on dressing nice. I bought a new pair of black dress pants and have a nice collared red shirt to wear with them.

11/23/2005 11:26:15 PM

yeah, i've had a number of tickets. i just view them as a premium membership to the road system. wanna drive fast? no prob, just have to pay extra.

speaking of which, that's really what they want. as long as they get your money, they'll wheel and deal.

a disturbing the peace violation or whatever won't affect your insurance, regardless of whether or not you have a waivable offense already there. only moving violations will get you. speaking of which, sometimes you can get things reduced to non-moving violations (i got an illegal right on red reduced to a city code violation once...basically like an expensive parking ticket, or getting written up for jaywalking or something).


and SOMETIMES the judge will waive some of the fees and just make you pay court cost (after the DA knocks it down to 9 over)
you also don't need to dress all THAT nice. just look decent--i'd say look just barely good enough that they can tell you made an effort to look sharp. half the people in there will look like bums.

11/23/2005 11:38:52 PM

That or they just don't want you slamming into a mini-van w/ a young family


[Edited on November 23, 2005 at 11:41 PM. Reason : ]

11/23/2005 11:40:22 PM

^^I think that would be an advantage... To walk in there intimidated but still showing you took the effort to dress nice and get cleaned up for the judge-if I have to go that far. Being a college student (which most dont care how they look) in a hurry to make it home for opening day of deer season--which is really why I was speeding.
They wont give a shit to hear my story anyways-just ask for a plea, lecture on being more safe, then get me out of the way.

[Edited on November 23, 2005 at 11:47 PM. Reason : ^]


I assume anyway!

[Edited on November 23, 2005 at 11:48 PM. Reason : v]

11/23/2005 11:45:49 PM

Quote :

"be sure to dress nice and go early. LATER IN THE DAY!!!"

If your schedule allows it go later in the day, and you don't have to wait in a line. For these types of traffic tickets you can go anytime between 7:30am and 2:00pm (or so, check your ticket for the exact ending time).

Also, if anyone in Raleigh gets caught running a red light, be particularly nice to the officer, and maybe he'll give you the Raleigh ordinance red light infraction instead of the NC general statute ticket. It won't go on your driving record and insurance won't be able to raise your rates b/c of it. It's kind of like the red light camera ticket, except you pay the more expensive court cost instead of the $50 fine.

11/25/2005 8:56:50 PM

my sistser just got drinking tiket fuck the cops

11/26/2005 4:08:51 AM

My ticket actually said between 11 and 3pm. I get out of my exam at 11, so Ill go around 12 or 1, shower and get dressed up, blah blah...

11/26/2005 1:28:37 PM

Quote :

"and SOMETIMES the judge will waive some of the fees and just make you pay court cost (after the DA knocks it down to 9 over)"

i didnt have a fee, just court costs
in a different county though


^remember they take off for lunch

and dont sweat it, they will do what you want
and if you dont beleive that remember you can always get a continuance and come back with a lawyer if they dont

11/26/2005 1:33:20 PM

So, I can ask for what I want, and if they say no, then I can say I want a continuance and I'll get it?

11/26/2005 1:35:11 PM

yeah, but you wont have to
you'll just say yes when they offer what you want

11/26/2005 1:36:53 PM

heres why you have some negotiating power

http://www.wakegov.com/agendas/august15/07%5Ccover.htm

most days in traffic court it is standing room only because the courthouse is inadequate. traffic court is a fucking mill they want you out as fast as possible unless you are in there for something serious. the whole basis for tickets being reduced is that if the DA wont reduce it you might as well take it to trial. they DO NOT want pittley cases going to trial because they are already overburdened. therefore you have the negotiating power.

if they wont reduce it just ask for a continuance and come back with a lawywer. trust me though they will reduce it. just make ABSOLUTELY POSTIVELY SURE that they do not use your PJC for a 9 over ticket. since the 9 over ticket does not affect you there is no point. you will need it for your next ticket.

11/26/2005 2:01:09 PM

so you mean to tell me that out of pages of speeding ticket threads you couldnt find an answer
http://www.brentroad.com/message_search.aspx?type=topic§ion=1&searchstring=speeding+ticket&username=&usertype=match&sortby=date&sortorder=descending&page=
i really doubt that

11/26/2005 4:04:13 PM

Went to court today...
The D.A. reduced it to 70 in a 65. I will have license points but not insurance points. I suppose this was my objective-to get it reduced. Only had to pay $110. No more speeding for meee!!!

12/6/2005 4:07:56 PM

where did you get the ticket? 77 in a 65 is a BS ticket. I drive 80 on I-40 all the time.

12/6/2005 4:20:47 PM

I don't remember the exit I was at exactly...I was actually just inside durham county, but he wrote me for wake. Some exit before the one that takes you to that newer mall.


BTW, I did decide to represent myself.

12/6/2005 4:23:27 PM

how r u gettin license points?

12/6/2005 4:25:01 PM

They all give license points. Lower offenses are just less, and unless you are really rack up the tickets they aren't the issue. That offense will not affect insurance without anything else on there.

12/6/2005 4:27:52 PM

I do not know about that one. I walked up there, the judge told me what he'd give me. I asked what would happen to my license and insurance. He said if nothing is on a previos 3 year record-nothing with insurance, but 3 license points would be added. If I get 12 points in 3 years, lose my license. If I get another ticket "over 55" (I don't actually know what that means) then I could lose them then as well.

12/6/2005 4:30:48 PM

So a year ago I got a speeding ticket and the DA reduced it to 9 over. First ticket or violation I have ever had (none since as well). Around that time my mom had to get her windshield replaced. Now, b/c of those two events our insurance has gone up $150 every 6 months! What the hell! Anyone know why it got raised?

[Edited on December 6, 2005 at 5:24 PM. Reason : spelling]

12/6/2005 5:16:16 PM