Should I go to court for speeding ticket?

Question

I moved to Ohio from Utah about 2 years ago. I got 3 speeding tickets the first 3 month i moved to Ohio because in Utah everyone pretty much speed and no police pull you over. So i developed a bad habbit. but since i got 3 speeding ticket, i admit it because i really speed so i never go to court for it. I learned my lesson so i never speed again after that!!

But last weekend, which was more than 1 year from my last ticket, I was driving on freeway, i set the cruise control at 65 mph, and i saw a police officer about 150 yards away and because of instinct, hit on my break and slowed down and I drove pass the police and nothing happen because clearly i wasn't speeding. But after about 3 minutes, the police pulled me over and said I was doing 80 in a 60 zone, (it was a speed trap), but i know 100% for sure i was not driving 80! because of my record she wouldn't believe me of course. BTW one of my 3 previous ticket was in the EXACTLY SAME spot, so I KNOW! there will be police so i really really didn't drive 80.

Now I don't know if I should just pay the fine or i should go to the court

The judge probably won't believe me, but what if the police got the wrong car or something. Do i not have anything to do about it? i need some advice~i admit i was a speeder but i've changed.

I was thinking if i can tell the judge the same story that i had bad habit when i moved here but i've learn my lesson and changed that's why i didn't get any ticket for the past 1 year. and I set cruise control to 65 and i even slowed down, so i know i can't be speeding. DO YOU GUYS THINK THAT THE JUDGE WILL JUST IGNORE ME AND STUFF?

please let me know in detail what should i do or say!!! PLEASE!!

Answer 1

The judge won't ignore you, but he might not believe you, or he might believe you're sincere but wrong about your car's actual speed. I good attitude and a frank story might get you some breaks. But don't count on it. Of course, you ARE admitting to speeding, not just doing 80.

Don;t worry about the officer not being there. Your appearance isn't your trial. It;s only in very large cities that they try to dispose of charges with the first appearance and require the officer and prosecutor to be there to try it on the spot. In smaller courts, you'll just be given a trial date to return.

Answer 2

To be honest, 99 point something percent of the time when someone is clocked going 80mph, it is because they were going 80mph. If you were clocked by radar, they will have a radar reading to introduce as evidence.

You sure you are innocent? Because fighting the ticket will not be smart if you are guilty.

Either way, good luck.

Answer 3

PERSONALLY YOU SHOULD GO TO COURT AND DISPUTE THIS WITH THE JUDGE, POLICE OFFICER HAVE TO PROVE THAT YOU WERE SPEEDING.

BESIDES THAT IF YOU DONT TRAID STILL GOT TO PAY THE TICKET ANY WAY.

MAYBE THE POLICE OFFICER DONT SHOW UP AND THEY WI'LL DISGARD THE TICKET..

GOOD LUCK WITH IT...

Answer 4

go to u r friend judge in person for fullest detail

Answer 5

if you tell the judge your excessive speeding is due to a bad habit, the judge will issue the cure, a hefty fine and maybe a suspension of your license so get ready to swallow the bitter pill.

Answer 6

Wow! I think I know exactly where you're talking about in Ohio!!  Woah, I feel so sorry for you. It sounds like to me that the policeman looked at your record after you braked. I don't really think you have a prayer for any recourse. Sorry, za855021, I sure wish I could encourage you in a more positive way.

My advice to you is to go 65 in the 65mph zone, and do not put on your brakes when you see a cop. They won't have anything suspicious to check up on.

Answer 7

I had a law professor who was a former cop, and he said that you should challenge the ticket because most of the time the cop that gave it to you doesn't show to court and therefore the only witness is you and you'll likely get off.  Haven't had to try this myself, but it's something to think about.

Answer 8

with your driving record no judge is gonna believe you, sorry to say. if you go to court and tell the same thing you did here, the judge will think you're trying to blow smoke up his a$$. bite the bullet and pay the ticket. don't go to court. i tried fighting a speeding ticket once and the judge will always take the word of the officer.

Answer 9

NO stupid not if you wanna win.....GO TO COURT AND FIGHT IT

Answer 10

You need to make sure and have your speedometer checked.  It may be off.  Also, make sure you have the correct size tires on your car.

Take the car to a garage and have them check your car out.  If something is indeed wrong, thus s******g up your speedometer, get it fixed, and have the mechanic sign a paper stating it was messed up but now fixed.  The judge may well dismiss any punishment.