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OT: I could sure use some help. Re: my son's speeding ticket in Jefferson County
Posted on 10/9/17 at 3:32 pm
Posted on 10/9/17 at 3:32 pm
My son as coming home from Swainsboro, Ga and got clocked going 89 in a 55 (Idiot!). The fine for the ticket is $1,000 and then tack on $200 for super speeder. Court date is next Monday, and I am having a hell of a time finding a lawyer. I really feel like a lawyer is a must because we are looking at a possible license suspension for 6 month since he is 18.
This is his 1st ticket so don't know if that will make a difference. Seems my only chance is to get the speed reduced to a reasonable speed. This sucks. It's going to end up costing us a fortune, and I need all the help I can get.
If any of you have any advice, know a lawyer in that area or any other words of wisdom, I'd really appreciate it. I don't know anyone close to that area.
This is his 1st ticket so don't know if that will make a difference. Seems my only chance is to get the speed reduced to a reasonable speed. This sucks. It's going to end up costing us a fortune, and I need all the help I can get.
If any of you have any advice, know a lawyer in that area or any other words of wisdom, I'd really appreciate it. I don't know anyone close to that area.
20
Posted on 10/9/17 at 3:36 pm to muttenstein
Ha! That's where I'm from. Which town was it in and was he on US1?
Posted on 10/9/17 at 3:37 pm to muttenstein
I did that when I was 19 in Watkinsville. They didn't suspend my license because I didn't have a record. Of course, this was 15 years ago, which was before super speeder stuff, but the suspension was still applicable. I certainly didn't have a lawyer.
Posted on 10/9/17 at 3:38 pm to muttenstein
I won't comment on the legal aspect of it, but at 18 some lessons need to be learned the hard way. A 6 month license suspension is the hard way. Those laws aren't going away, so he needs something to get the point across now.
This isn't criticism of your son, just an opinion about young people in general and how they learn. Some of my family members had their lives turned upside down recently by a speeding young driver, so I'm not too sympathetic at this time.
This isn't criticism of your son, just an opinion about young people in general and how they learn. Some of my family members had their lives turned upside down recently by a speeding young driver, so I'm not too sympathetic at this time.
This post was edited on 10/9/17 at 3:40 pm
Posted on 10/9/17 at 3:39 pm to muttenstein
For a dipshit son
Here's what ya needs ta know
Call H-O-S-T-I-L-O
Here's what ya needs ta know
Call H-O-S-T-I-L-O
Posted on 10/9/17 at 3:40 pm to muttenstein
For one, I would call and ask for an extension. This will give you more time to find an attorney. Also, most jurisdictions will drop the speed down if he does a 6 hour defensive diving course. If you can't find an attorney, you should have him complete this BEFORE going to court. Tell the solicitor you made him complete this course and you don't tolerate this behavior, blah blah. Take in any proof you can that he is a good kid, report card showing he makes all A's, honors clubs, that kind of thing.
Ask to enter a guilty plea to a lesser charge. Remember, they just want your money. You don't want this to cause your insurance to sky rocket. Most courts will work with you as long as they get paid.
Ask to enter a guilty plea to a lesser charge. Remember, they just want your money. You don't want this to cause your insurance to sky rocket. Most courts will work with you as long as they get paid.
Posted on 10/9/17 at 3:52 pm to muttenstein
It's been a long time since I was in GA but there are some common things.
If he wasn't a total a-hole it may help to call the officer and ask if there is anything he can do to consider reducing this - or better yet have your son call if you think he can pull it off. I seem to remember you could plead nolo to a lesser offense but that was a long time ago. If he says no be polite and move to step 2.
Find a local attorney...they probably know each other. Call around until you find a guy that seems to know what they're doing.
Edit: call the traffic court and when you get the clerk tell them your son got a ticket and need to find out who does a good job lawyering in town...or who's in there all the time. Be contrite and concerned. Remember these folks do this all day so its just business as usual to them...not personal.
If he wasn't a total a-hole it may help to call the officer and ask if there is anything he can do to consider reducing this - or better yet have your son call if you think he can pull it off. I seem to remember you could plead nolo to a lesser offense but that was a long time ago. If he says no be polite and move to step 2.
Find a local attorney...they probably know each other. Call around until you find a guy that seems to know what they're doing.
Edit: call the traffic court and when you get the clerk tell them your son got a ticket and need to find out who does a good job lawyering in town...or who's in there all the time. Be contrite and concerned. Remember these folks do this all day so its just business as usual to them...not personal.
This post was edited on 10/9/17 at 3:59 pm
Posted on 10/9/17 at 3:53 pm to muttenstein
Judges will give your kid a break if he is white and in school. That's why NFL players kneel ya know.
Posted on 10/9/17 at 4:33 pm to muttenstein
I dont live in GA (Jax, FL resident) and I am not an attorney but I do work for one. With what he is facing, you need to retain an attorney. Without an attorney representing him, there is a high probability that his license will get suspended and he will have to pay fines in full. With an attorney, he may have to end up paying the fine but at a minimum, the attorney will most likely be able to convince the judge from suspending his license. He may also be able to get the judge to reduce the fines. Attorneys are expensive but most of the time hiring one even for just a traffic violation is worth spending the money. Not sure if GA has the same judicial process but in FL you can ask the clerk to reschedule the hearing. Just remember the old saying: A man who represents himself in court has a fool for an attorney." Good luck to you and your son!
Posted on 10/9/17 at 4:37 pm to muttenstein
Mutt, I know several attorneys all around Jefferson County. Where are you from? Also where does the ticket show the court is being held (Louisville, Wrens, Wadley)?
This post was edited on 10/9/17 at 4:40 pm
Posted on 10/9/17 at 5:00 pm to muttenstein
I got a 77 in a 55 in the same county when I was in college. Had a family friend who knew the prosecutor get it to 69 with paying the full fine and going to defensive driving school. So it is possible if you know the right people
Posted on 10/9/17 at 5:22 pm to muttenstein
Wonder if you could use creativity to avoid lawyer's fees as well as a big fine by suggesting to the judge that your son work a weekend with a highway cleanup crew for every mile over the speed limit he went.
Guarantee he'll never speed again and isn't that the point.
Guarantee he'll never speed again and isn't that the point.
Posted on 10/9/17 at 5:34 pm to muttenstein
hope your son learns from this. My son is 20 and has had multiple tickets as soon as he (I) paid the super speeder fine the suspension was lifted. He needs to beg to have the ticket reduced if he takes a defensive driving class
Posted on 10/9/17 at 5:58 pm to muttenstein
Let me make sure i understand....
Your son was going 34 mph over the speed limit. And you want us to tell you how to lessen the penalty for your little snowflake so y'all don't have to pay so much money and he will still be able to drive 34 mph over the speed limit?
Piss off.
Your son was going 34 mph over the speed limit. And you want us to tell you how to lessen the penalty for your little snowflake so y'all don't have to pay so much money and he will still be able to drive 34 mph over the speed limit?
Piss off.
Posted on 10/9/17 at 6:38 pm to muttenstein
I would try pleading no contest. A buddy of mine did that on a similar ticket and effectively walked out scot free. You can basically never do it again, but it'll save you this time
Posted on 10/9/17 at 7:26 pm to muttenstein
Maybe the judge is up for re-election and needs an additional boost to his election campaign? 
Posted on 10/9/17 at 8:05 pm to muttenstein
Did a local or GSP write the ticket? I’m asking for a reason.
Posted on 10/11/17 at 12:50 pm to muttenstein
quote:
I could sure use some help.
From the old guy in the room.
Have you tried to reach the prosecutor and do you know who your judge is yet?
If you have an older judge and a reasonable prosecutor I would offer this deal as jacked insurance just adds to your cost and him having no car just means he has to be driven everywhere which really punishes you, not him.
#1 Enroll him in a drivers ed program and have them allow you to attend as well. The embarrassment alone of your parents being there will cut deeper than most any other punishment you can come up with.
#2 Ask the judge to suspend the charges but indicate you will pay court costs but you would like a judgment that for the next year your son will allow a monitor on the car that you can monitor for his driving habits. You basically become his probation officer and can pull his car if he screws up again.
#3 As the judge as punishment that he order your son for at least a year drive you and your wife where you need to go. If the judge has kids or grandkids he may appreciate making a sentencing ruling that might actually do your kid some good while not messing up his insurance record.
PS, 30 over the limit is not only stupid but dangerous. If he gets in a wreck and is 18 seems certain any damages will incur to you as you have the deeper pockets, especially if he is a rider on your policy.
Posted on 10/11/17 at 7:14 pm to muttenstein
Best advice is to call the court and ask for an extension. Then put your kid in the car and drive your tails down to the Sherrifs office and ask to speak with him. I know him and he's a very nice man. Ask for help after offering to pay the full fine and you will likely be ok. The magic number is / was 14mph or lower to avoid insurance detection. (As long as your kid was respectful) if he wasn't your toast. Hope this helps but I have been out of LE for a long time
This post was edited on 10/11/17 at 7:16 pm
Posted on 10/12/17 at 10:15 am to muttenstein
Figured I owed an update to all of the helpful folks in this thread. And to few the trolls, a hearty Frick you!
Friend of a friend contacted an attorney friend in Swainsboro, and he contacted a public defender buddy who contacted the Jefferson County Solicitor...Speed reduced to 68, don't have to go to court, no super speeder, no points on license. Still have to pay the $1,000 fine, but I will take it!
Thanks again to those offered advice and help.
Friend of a friend contacted an attorney friend in Swainsboro, and he contacted a public defender buddy who contacted the Jefferson County Solicitor...Speed reduced to 68, don't have to go to court, no super speeder, no points on license. Still have to pay the $1,000 fine, but I will take it!
Thanks again to those offered advice and help.
This post was edited on 10/12/17 at 10:16 am
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