I just got a speeding ticket in Hennipen county. He said I was going 47 MPH--I admit I was speeding (I was in an area that I had never been before and there werent any signs posted until the point where the cop was)I just dont think I was going that fast. When I first noticed him and I looked down at my spedometer it said 38. Anyways, I have never fought a ticket before, but was wondering is it worth it, what are the pros and cons of fighting a ticket. I have only had one other ticket prior to this and it was awhile ago, I just paid it. Thanks for any input.
I just sucked it up and went ahead and paid it. If the cop only knew what a grandma I drive like (i'm the person you hate to be behind) How long does it take though for a ticket to be removed from you record? I wish they gave rewards for good driving!!!
From what I've heard, most people have good luck with fighting tickets, because the cop never shows up for court, so the ticket usually gets dismissed. Try it! You have nothing to lose!
Go to court on your scheduled court date and ask to speak to the prosecutor. If you have a clean driving record and were cooperative, the prosecutor will keep the ticket off of your drivng record. In Henneipin County it is called a continuance without prosecution (a CWOP). You'll likely have to pay a higher fine than just paying the ticket, but not having it go onto your driving record will save you a bunch of money in insurance premiums in the long run. It is definitely worth it in the long run.
I am a prosecutor in Dakota County and deal with these all the time. I also used to prosecute for a few cities in Hennepin County as well. This is the deal that most people ask for and, provided they have a clean record and weren't beligerent to the police, they get. Definitely worth the trip into court! Good luck!
to be completely honest, it is almost worth just paying the ticket, either way it goes on your record, and the time and energy put into trying to bicker about it, could be better spend working an hour at work.
Lately everyone I know that's gone to court to fight a ticket has gotten a plea agreement or deal but it wasn't really worth it. My neighbor got a whopping 20 dollars off her ticket, had to pay it immediately at the courthouse, and took off of work so really didn't come out any better. I just got a ticket myself for running a stop sign but figured hiring a sitter, and the whole hassle wasn't worth it.
I know my husband fought his ticket in Dakota county. Altho it's nearly impossible to not pay the fine since you truly were speeding. Sometimes fighting it helps with your driving record. The judge pretty much told him to slow down and not get another ticket for a year and it'd be off of his record. Judge did as stated. I think my husband did have to wait for a while at the gov't bldg though to speak with the judge.
