Has anyone pled "nolo contendere" to a speeding ticket in GA?

Question

Hi,

I got a speeding ticket for 54 in a 35 in Blairesville GA (first one in many, many years) and am wondering if anyone has pleaded down to a lesser charge and how that works... I plan on going to court, but am not sure what to do when I got there. Normally I would just pay the fine and let it go but I don't want my insurance to go up if possible. Any suggestions other than slow down?

Answer 1

"No contest" for a speeding ticket means you are naive about some laws.

Pleading no contest is a worthwhile plea if there is a victim involved.

Nolo Contendere makes it difficult for the victim to sue the defendant in a civil court. http://www.jstor.org/pss/3478927

There is no victim in a speeding ticket.

If you live very far from Blairesville, you can just ignore it until the 2 year Statute of Limitations run out. Traffic cases have to be tried in the jurisdiction where they occurred. That's why cops don't arrest people with an unpaid ticket from elsewhere. In August 2010, that unpaid ticket disappears.

If you do live in Blairesville, you can also take your chances for the next 2 years, but the next time you get pulled over...

Answer 2

First a nolo plea is merely a way pleading guilty without admitting your act. It really only means something when you expect to be sued for your criminal act and don't want to have admitted doing it.

I don't know about GA, but check on defensive driving or a deferred judgment. If either is available, they both lead to dismissal, no conviction.  

Answer 3

I was in the same spot and called the court ahead of time to see how I can go about getting less points. I met the prosecutor before court and with a reduction of points I basically paid the fine to the municipality. I pleaded guilty, paid the fine that night and got the reduced points.

I live in NJ, so I am not sure it makes a difference.  

Answer 4

I'm not familiar with the laws of GA - but here in Ohio, if a member from the department that issued the ticket isn't present - you win by default! I'd advise you to request a continuance first and then arrive to court on a different day (before) your actual court date. You'll likely wait half a day for your turn, but the odds are good that no one is present.