Big California speeding ticket

Question

I just got fined $280 for allegedly doing 90 on a 65mph freeway in California. I have had a license since 1990 and never had any infraction before. Is this a lot for a first offence?

Answer 1

About right. But... consult an attorney. Why; if this is a first offense you might get off with "court costs", far less than the ticket, the points on your license and the added insurance costs. Plus in accordance with the United States Constitution, you cannot be tried without the presence of your accuser, i.e if the cop does not show up in court (which happens more often than they would like you to know) your violation will be dismissed.

Also an attorney can get your case dismissed on technicalities which you might no be aware of, e.g cops need to be trained in the use of radar and radar equipment needs to be calibrated accurately and serviced periodically. You'd be surprised how many times people get off on minor issues.

I've used The Ticket Clinic in the past at one time or another and nave yet to pay a fine, or look in the yellow pages:

http://www.ticketclinic.com/

http://www.traffic-ticket-attorney.com/

http://lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/firm/T...

Answer 2

The number of offences doesnt not impyl any amount in a ticket violation. Its the speeed that determines the amount. Its up to the judge

Answer 3

It's not the number of offenses that determines the cost of the ticket, it is how fast you were going.  20 mph or more over the posted speed limit is a criminal offense, so since you were doing 25 mph more than the speed limit, it seems about right.

Answer 4

Seems too low to me!

Answer 5

It's California. They want your money. Get a lawyer.  

Answer 6

has nothing to do with the offense, but the face that you were doing 25 miles over the speed limit.  Plus the $280 will be nothing based on the points you are going to have to pay as well..../

Answer 7

If you've been fined $280 it's no longer an allegation, you've been found guilty and it's been proven.  

The number of prior offenses does have an effect on the amount of your fine, actually.  Courts can fine you a tad bit more if you've had prior violations but that's not why you're paying what you're paying.  The 2008 Uniform Bail Schedule lists a fine of $266 for a violation of section 22349 of the Vehicle Code and counties are allowed to vary slightly from that.  Sounds like that's exactly what happened to you.

Is it a lot?  Only you would know.  In my opinion, it wasn't enough.