Wet Dream
06-01-2004, 08:42 AM
The ticket went like this:
2 lane road, notorious for cops. I was sitting behind a doubles semi, a Caddy and pickup. Just a couple of miles down the road, trucks have to go 35mph, no room to pass. I drive a truck, and I don't like to be stuck behind them anymore than anyone else. Pickup passes, but caddy is dicking around. Pops out to pass, and changes his mind. He does this a few times. Ok, I've had enough. I'm in my F150. Romp the throttle and away we go. This stretch of road is similar to the sierra foothills. Up and down, 2 lane, but much greener here. When I pass, I pass. I don't get up to 60 and hope I can make it. I make sure I can make it. So I complete the pass and come around a corner, I see the state police sitting there. I didn't think I was going that fast. For safe measure I tap the brake. Oops, here he comes. Ok, he says 71 in a 55, I was actually surprised. He says take it to court, you might have a chance, with a raised eyebrow. Well I guess I can try it. Better than taking it lying down. Original speeding is $45. Tack on all the court fees, county fees, EMS, levies, SPCA, AARP and whatever else they add on its up to $159 and carries 4 points.
Today is court day. 10am. I get there at 9:10. Nobody there but the judge and a couple of clerks. This is a fairly small town. I got the jitters and coffee, so off to the little boys room to pee. I come out and guess who's there? Yup. Mr. Officer. Well there goes that chance of getting off. No lawyer for me. I gotta do this. The judge, late 30's to early 40's, easy going guy. He opens up and says "You're here to prove that you weren't speeding, you plead not guilty. Lets begin".
Oh chit, here we go. "Well your Honor, I can't prove it, but I can explain the situation and if nothing more, at least I can try to get the point reduced from my CDL."
Judge: Its not marked that you have a CDL.
Me: I do, and have for the last 10 years or so.
J: Any points?
M: No. No moving violations at all.
J: I'll let you and the officer talk, see if you can come up with something. The judge leaves the courtroom.
Officer and I talk. Real nice guy. He says he can reduce it to 61. Thats as low as he can go by law. Carries 2 points. Thats better. He also states that I can ask the judge to go lower at his discretion. Judge comes back in.
J: Did you come up with an agreement?
M: Yes. (O and I explain the agreement) But I have to ask if you'll reduce it even further? I'm not concerned about the fine, its the points.
J: Ok, I'll go 60 in 55, carries no points and you'll get about $50 back, but no interest.
M: I'll take it. :D
I thank them both, shake both of their hands and walk out.
I feel pretty lucky. ;)
2 lane road, notorious for cops. I was sitting behind a doubles semi, a Caddy and pickup. Just a couple of miles down the road, trucks have to go 35mph, no room to pass. I drive a truck, and I don't like to be stuck behind them anymore than anyone else. Pickup passes, but caddy is dicking around. Pops out to pass, and changes his mind. He does this a few times. Ok, I've had enough. I'm in my F150. Romp the throttle and away we go. This stretch of road is similar to the sierra foothills. Up and down, 2 lane, but much greener here. When I pass, I pass. I don't get up to 60 and hope I can make it. I make sure I can make it. So I complete the pass and come around a corner, I see the state police sitting there. I didn't think I was going that fast. For safe measure I tap the brake. Oops, here he comes. Ok, he says 71 in a 55, I was actually surprised. He says take it to court, you might have a chance, with a raised eyebrow. Well I guess I can try it. Better than taking it lying down. Original speeding is $45. Tack on all the court fees, county fees, EMS, levies, SPCA, AARP and whatever else they add on its up to $159 and carries 4 points.
Today is court day. 10am. I get there at 9:10. Nobody there but the judge and a couple of clerks. This is a fairly small town. I got the jitters and coffee, so off to the little boys room to pee. I come out and guess who's there? Yup. Mr. Officer. Well there goes that chance of getting off. No lawyer for me. I gotta do this. The judge, late 30's to early 40's, easy going guy. He opens up and says "You're here to prove that you weren't speeding, you plead not guilty. Lets begin".
Oh chit, here we go. "Well your Honor, I can't prove it, but I can explain the situation and if nothing more, at least I can try to get the point reduced from my CDL."
Judge: Its not marked that you have a CDL.
Me: I do, and have for the last 10 years or so.
J: Any points?
M: No. No moving violations at all.
J: I'll let you and the officer talk, see if you can come up with something. The judge leaves the courtroom.
Officer and I talk. Real nice guy. He says he can reduce it to 61. Thats as low as he can go by law. Carries 2 points. Thats better. He also states that I can ask the judge to go lower at his discretion. Judge comes back in.
J: Did you come up with an agreement?
M: Yes. (O and I explain the agreement) But I have to ask if you'll reduce it even further? I'm not concerned about the fine, its the points.
J: Ok, I'll go 60 in 55, carries no points and you'll get about $50 back, but no interest.
M: I'll take it. :D
I thank them both, shake both of their hands and walk out.
I feel pretty lucky. ;)