We needs lots more info. How fast does the ticket say you were going? What is the speed limit in the area you were ticketed in? Who pulled you, local police or a state trooper? Were you nice to the officer? Did he say anything worth mentioning? Ever had any tickets before? Do you HAVE to go to court, or can you just pay a fine? If you can pay a fine, how much is it?
OK here's more info... I was near Fayettville in Cumberland County. The posted speed limit was 70 and I was clocked at 92. It was a state trooper that pulled me over and I was nice and courteous to him. He wrote me a ticket and gave me a court date on 8/24/04. This is my first ticket in four years of driving. Any suggestions?
Wouldn't hurt to hire a lawyer. Either way, if its your frist you can probably get it reduced to 9 over. No points on your license and no insurance increase. I just got done dealing with my first ticket. I got one for 21 over (76 in a 55) and I got it reduced to 9 over. As far as cost goes, if its mandatory you appear in court (and it probably is) then you're looking at minimum of $100 court costs, no way around that, plus whatever your lawyer charges if you hire one. All in all, its not too difficult to take care of, just kind of expensive.
on what grounds do you plan to fight it?? 22 over is Reckless Driving in NC.... actually anything over 15 over. Better hire a good attorney, and have deep pockets..... The attorney and fines will be the least of your expense... insurance is going to get their share for 5 years.
insurance companies in nc have a category for 0-9 over. I was in a similar situation and was clocked going 65 in a 45. $300 later my lawyer had it dropped to 9 over. I thought it wouldnt go up on my insurance but everytime i called for a rate I would give them my info and they would say....."So I see you have a ticket for 9 over". And they were nice enough to adjust rates accordingly. 6 years later though its not affecting me
If you were in Fayetteville on I-95, that would be Cumberland county. Some counties have "Improper Eqiupment" loop holes that allow you or a lawyer to have the ticked reduced or dropped. I am not sure if Cumberland county allows for that. I had the same thing happen to me in Eastern NC and I found a decent lawyer. I didn'nt even have to show up to court, I just paid him a fee and it took care of the ticket, court fees and the lawyer fees. I think it was about $275. I would check on that rule, if they have it, find a lawyer in that county, it looks like it would be worth it since you are out of town. Otherwise you might want to show up an have it reduced. I know some states have pacts that driver points and insurance points transfer to the state where you have your DL. Hope that helps.
Find out how much the ticket it first. May be more cost effective just to pay it. I got a 21 over in GA and it was only $153 and no insurance increase (can't figure that one out)
Just for the sake of mentioning it, the I-95 corridor through Cumberland County is a State Trooper's dream. That portion of I-95 seems long and slow as you pass numerous exits for Fayetteville. It just seems like it takes forever to get past Fayetteville. The medians are mostly wide and grassy with some areas with trees obscuring their hiding places. Pay close attention and you'll see paths worn down between the trees in some areas. As a side note, I read the other day that the Johnston County corridor of I-95 (North of Cumberland, Harnett) is one of the most dangerous and there is a crack down in that area. NC State Troopers as well as Sheriff deputies are heavily enforcing the area...so be careful.
i wouldnt worry about it. ive been here in fayettehell for almost 5 years. i had 3 tickets and one racing ticket. i never been to court once. its all a money game here, you pay a lawyer and your off. my racing ticket was alot though. and ive only paid a 90 dollar court fee once. and the funny thing is that i never even met my lawyer, lol. i just talk to the receptionist and she took care of everything. insurance doesnt have a clue. good luck
Thanks for all the suggestions and help. I've got the names of a few lawyers around Fayetteville, so I'm gonna get one of them and fight it. Thanks again Guys.
22 over is not reckless driving in nc....25 over is.. if the trooper gave you a court date then you are required to go to court. they will more than likely reduce it to a lesser speed if the D.A. is in a good mood.... i got a ticket for speeding on hwy 70 in smithfield..i was doing 79 in a 55...when i went to court they dropped it to an improper equipment charge and i only pais 25 bucks..... dont waste your money on a an attorney....
I had a 106 in a 55 about 3 years ago....I know very stupid but I got it reduced to 70 in a 55 and I also got a PJC which kept me from getting any points and insurance increases. With the small ticket you have the lawyer will settle it in 5 minutes and you'll be done.
Fayette'nam is a tough town I lived in Fayetteville for 6 years when I was in the serivce. That's a tough town. Lot's of trick cars, lots of wild airborne soldiers (when they aren't over there somewhere) and lot's of cops who don't play around. I know you can fight them in the courts because one of my friends did and he won. But, you would have to attend at least one weekend traffic school which used to be held on the FCC campus just off Bragg Blvd. They make every one go. Good Luck
