I did a U-turn, and now have to appear in court, what do i do!?

Question

I was looking for parking for 30 minutes on this street (busy shopping street) and i saw one on the other side of the street.. traffic was backed up on my side, front and back, and no on-coming traffic.. i did a u-turn and after parking a cop gave me a ticket..

i disputed the ticket and have to appear in court in 2 days.. i've never done this, so don't know what to do or say.. how do these things go? do you explain the situation? does the cop appear as well? do you plead guilty or not.. if guilty, then do you get to explain yourself? if you tell them you're unemployed and a student and that you're sorry will they go easy on you? please shed some light on this, thanks!

Answer 1

Hi. Just tell them what u did . The court will decide the others.If the court needs an explanation, then explain if not save your breath.

Most likely you have to pay a fine.

Answer 2

I'm not sure why you disputed the ticket - you said you made a u-turn and the officer cited you for it.

You've got a couple of options if you have to appear in court....

1. Plead not guilty - a court trial date is then set. At your court trial, you get to explain yourself, what happened, question the officer, etc... You may be able to get the fine reduced if you're unemployed - but depending on the state and jurisdiction, the courts can have some flexibility in what they can do. You also may be eligible for traffic school - but that costs also.... completion means your insurance doesn't get hit. If the officer doesn't show up for court, it may be dismissed (depending on the jurisdiction).

2. Plead guilty - you're fined; see above re: reduction of fines and traffic school.

3. Plead no contest - essentially the same as pleading guilty w/o admitting guilt.

Calif Deputy

Answer 3

you are going to dispute a u-turn, that you actually performed?  Yeah, letus know how that goes.

Answer 4

When you dispute a ticket, your intention is to prove that you did not commit the traffic offence.

You admit to doing a u-turn.  You were given a ticket because of it.  There is nothing for you to dispute.

Pay the ticket.