> Robyn wrote: > > Well, that's an even better question. If you do get a ticket, take it to court. 50% of the time the officer won't show up and you'll win. If he does show, try to bargain with the prosecutor to get out of it, but if that doesn't work ask for a "continuance for dismissal".
I'm not sure if they do this in MA, but basically it means you pay the fine for ticket and if you don't get a ticket within a year (the continuance) they won't put the ticket on your record (the dismissal). This is a deal, even if they triple the fine, since the ticket doesn't affect your insurance which usually costs WAAAYYYY more than the ticket. If you can't get out of it that way, go to the judge. Look your best, dress nice, and bring witnesses or any documentation, pictures, etc. The more prepared you are to discuss the situation, and why the officer is obviously mistaken based on your evidence, the better the chance you'll get off. No matter the ticket, never admit to the offense during the stop! (Usually the cop will say, "is there any reason you were speeding?" Don't fall for it, just say, "I didn't think I was.") For speeding, ask how they determined you were speeding and, if it's radar or laser, ask for the make and model of the unit and also note the weather and traffic conditions at the time - on the ticket if you can! Anything but sunshine is grounds for dismissing the offense. Anything you can ask the officer in court that he/she can't answer usually will get your offense dismissed. (I saw it all on TV once :) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~| Purchase RoboHelp from House of Fusion, a Macromedia Authorized Affiliate and support the CF community. http://www.houseoffusion.com/banners/view.cfm?bannerid=59 Message: http://www.houseoffusion.com/lists.cfm/link=i:5:146928 Archives: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/threads.cfm/5 Subscription: http://www.houseoffusion.com/lists.cfm/link=s:5 Unsubscribe: http://www.houseoffusion.com/cf_lists/unsubscribe.cfm?user=89.70.5 Donations & Support: http://www.houseoffusion.com/tiny.cfm/54
