minor traffic ticket - fight or not?

[satpak77]

I've never heard about traffic tickets being reported to the FAA. DUI yes, but something like an illegal U turn? Do you know this for a fact? What if you get your medical in a different state than your drivers license. I don't remember anything on the medical application regarding a drivers license number or anything like that.

Happy new year!

if the FAA doesn't ask for it, then end of discussion. At interview time/application time/etc if "have you had any traffic violations" comes up then confess all and let the chips fall where they fall

 

[vetteracer]

[FONT=&quot]And I thought my ticket for no headlight on a bicycle was bad! These dumb ass tickets do make for good conversation some times. When I got my ticket the look on my face my boy said was confusing! After getting issued the ticket I told the officer, I guess they need to do a better job at letting people who buy a bicycle know that they need lighting and if it’s law why not make the mfg properly equip it like they do motorcycles. He unsnapped his firearm told me to start pushing or he was going to have the bike towed. What tops it all off he followed my son & I home. That was a long 5 mile walk home with a 9 year old and a good time to discuss real life BS. Don't cops have criminals to catch or donuts to eat Instead of harassing honest citizens?
[/FONT]

No they don't. Police, uniformed anyway have one main function. Drive their mobile tax unit around and write tickets. There is a need for police, but not as many as we have in this city. More cops, more tickets. They have to grow there industry. Someone mentioned reading the drivers handbook, that would only cover .01% of the motor vehicle laws. There is a reason there is no FAR AIM for motorists, then people would be educated, and tickets would go down, then less revenue for the state/city.

 

[vetteracer]

Actually, they don't. For as much as the media would have you believe that the world is going to hell in a hand basket, violent crime has dramatically dropped to record levels over the last 12-13 years.

Juvenile arrests are at a 30 year low.

So, in order to keep the machine going, they "net widen" by over-criminalizing everything.

This isn't just me making things up, do a google search on "over-criminalization".

In a lot of states, if two 15 year-olds have sex, they both can be arrested for molesting each other. Can you imagine that? You and your 15 year-old girlfriend get charged with molesting each other and then are marked for life as registered sex offenders. Hahahaha...I'm not joking here. Everyone thinks the registered sex offenders are all MAN-BOY Catholic priest situations. They are not.

We just had a case where there was a domestic call by police to a married couple's dwelling. It was typical domestic, but when they figured out that the wife was under the age of consent when she was made pregnant, they arrested the 21 year-old dad/husband for child molestation because his wife was underage when she conceived. I think society needs more dads in jail and paying fines, so that the welfare of the child is most improved.

I'm waiting for the day that firing a gun is made illegal. It's coming. They'll never be able to outlaw gun ownership, but they'll be able to regulate discharging it.

Simply make discharging a firearm against the law except for self defense and the hunting season and you'll have entirely new crop of people to process through the criminal justice system.

CAN I GET AN AMEN BROTHER.

But you know what FN-FAL, if you tell this to 90% of the sheep out there, they think you are a kook.

Mark

 

[FL420]

Always fight a ticket. You may not win but more often than not you will get a favorable result by fighting it.

There are books in the library that tell you successful strategies for fighting tickets; primarily speeding tickets.

I haven't had many tickets but have had one dismissed when the issuing officer failed to show up; another was dismissed when the City Attorney and I discovered the issuing officer failed to completely fill out his report.

Justice isn't always served. In one cowtown I got both the issuing officer and his supervisor to admit they didn't really know much about their radar equipment, they weren't properly trained in its use, it hadn't been checked or calibrated IAW the law and, in my case, they probably gave me a ticket based on an erroneous reading. After all that, the judge found me guilty anyway.

The cops and I chatted amiably afterward. They were just as amazed as I was that I wasn't acquitted. Had to chalk it up to experience and small town municipal economics. I learned a lot preparing and presenting my case.

 

[lawfly]

Prevailed on the one ticket I tried. Took photos and crossed the officer. The cross was effective. Some effective argument, as well. As for the suggestion to call the city attorney or prosecutor, they don't show up for minor tickets where I reside nor are the trials even assigned to them. It is just the officer, and if he/she doesn't show, the matter is usually dismissed. And the plea to try a matter is "not guilty". Good luck.

 

[FN FAL]

Always fight a ticket. You may not win but more often than not you will get a favorable result by fighting it.

There are books in the library that tell you successful strategies for fighting tickets; primarily speeding tickets.

I haven't had many tickets but have had one dismissed when the issuing officer failed to show up; another was dismissed when the City Attorney and I discovered the issuing officer failed to completely fill out his report.

Justice isn't always served. In one cowtown I got both the issuing officer and his supervisor to admit they didn't really know much about their radar equipment, they weren't properly trained in its use, it hadn't been checked or calibrated IAW the law and, in my case, they probably gave me a ticket based on an erroneous reading. After all that, the judge found me guilty anyway.

The cops and I chatted amiably afterward. They were just as amazed as I was that I wasn't acquitted. Had to chalk it up to experience and small town municipal economics. I learned a lot preparing and presenting my case.

That's why I wont move back to my home state of Virginia. I don't have any terrible memories of it being a police state when I used to live there, but the more I live in Wisconsin, the more I realize how good it is here.

We have a few counties where the sheriffs think they are all three branches of government, but that is exception, not the rule.

Thanks to laws like this, me, my wife and my buddy Colin have the 200.00 12 pack of beer story to tell. KY won't let you buy beer on a Sunday, so we flew a twin down to where Volunteer aviation was, grabbed their courtesy car and headed into town to buy a 12 pack. I think we settled on Rolling Rock, but my taste has improved since then...

S.C. Bars Toast the End of the Minibottle
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The year 2005 wasn't the only thing being toasted away in South Carolina: Partygoers and bar owners finally said good riddance to the minibottle.

For 22 years, South Carolina law required bartenders to use the tiny 1.7-ounce bottles most often associated with airplanes and hotel minibars.

Then, last year, South Carolinians voted the minibottles out, and lawmakers followed through earlier this year by approving regulations to give bars and restaurants the choice to pour from the big bottles starting Jan. 1.

With the law change, the state's method for taxing liquor sales changed, too. South Carolina collected 25 cents for every minibottle sold; now, it will charge 5 percent on every drink.

"I thought it was going to be us - South Carolina - and the airplanes forever," said Matthew Andrade, celebrating with a Red Bull and vodka poured from a liter bottle at Rookie's Sports Bar & Grill in Columbia. The staff was free pouring while guests were still kissing, hugging and toasting over champagne early Sunday.

While the new liquor law took effect just after midnight, a calendar quirk wouldn't let many bars in the state take advantage. Sunday alcohol sales are banned in most of South Carolina outside of the Columbia area and the coast, meaning last call at most bars had to come before 2005's end.

 

[midlifeflyer]

I've never heard about traffic tickets being reported to the FAA. DUI yes, but something like an illegal U turn? Do you know this for a fact? What if you get your medical in a different state than your drivers license. I don't remember anything on the medical application regarding a drivers license number or anything like that.

It's the second half of question 18(v) on the medical application:

v. History of (1) any conviction(s) involving driving while intoxicated by, while impaired by, or while under the influence of alcohol or a drug; or (2) history of any conviction(s) or administrative action(s) involving an offense(s) which resulted in the denial, suspension, cancellation, or revocation of driving privileges or which resulted in attendance at an educational or a rehabilitation program.

The state the offenses happened in doesn't matter. The fact that there was some offense or administrative action that resulted in a loss of license or and eductaional or rehab program does.

 

[NW_Pilot]

Always fight a ticket. You may not win but more often than not you will get a favorable result by fighting it.

There are books in the library that tell you successful strategies for fighting tickets; primarily speeding tickets.

I haven't had many tickets but have had one dismissed when the issuing officer failed to show up; another was dismissed when the City Attorney and I discovered the issuing officer failed to completely fill out his report.

Justice isn't always served. In one cowtown I got both the issuing officer and his supervisor to admit they didn't really know much about their radar equipment, they weren't properly trained in its use, it hadn't been checked or calibrated IAW the law and, in my case, they probably gave me a ticket based on an erroneous reading. After all that, the judge found me guilty anyway.

The cops and I chatted amiably afterward. They were just as amazed as I was that I wasn't acquitted. Had to chalk it up to experience and small town municipal economics. I learned a lot preparing and presenting my case.

Some citations are priced so it’s cheaper to pay rather than get an attorney to fight it most of the time. If you don't have the time to fight it yourself. On the $100.00 criminal citation yes I said “criminal citation” it goes on your criminal history report as a mister minor or gross mister minor. Examples are; Disorderly Conduct “swearing in public or in the presents of an officer”, Public Intoxication “walking home from a bar”, Spiting On Side Walk, Etc.


It can cost $1,000 or more for an attorney to successfully fight it. Most people just pay it because they cannot afford to fight it. Oh! Also if you get a public pretender and you lose you have to pay a min $500.00 charge + court costs. To bad one cannot go after the city, state or county for their attorney fees if you win.

 

[midlifeflyer]

it goes on your criminal history report as a mister minor or gross mister minor.

Even if intentionally "cute" I think this type of malaprop (an underage male or a big fat underage mail as opposed to a minor criminal offense) really takes away from the credibility of the post, especially if someone thinks you're not just fooling around.

 

[waveoff]

Duke600, check your private messages...

 

[C601]

There was a guy a American Eagle, who had a DUI, but checked the no box on his application regarding his driving history... passes everything>starts flying etc...1 year later fired for not telling the truth....

 

[trol1374]

The legislators or city counsel members make the laws, not the police. Most laws usually come about because of citizen outcry about safety issue. The police are only the enforcers. Yes, some take it to extreme measures but the law is the law. Discretion on enforcement has always been taught to police by their training officers, but one can not be taught to enforce this law or ignore that one for obvious reasons.

The comment about "don't they have better things to do like chase criminals and eat donuts". You see alot more customers who are not police in donut shops, do you stereotype them as well? You try spending 8 hours driving around in your car in a small area and tell me you don't want to get out of the car for a bit. Technically if your violating the law and get caught, then you were the criminal. A lot of departments have officers assigned to strickly traffic enforcement so that is their duty/job. Regular patrol officers work traffic in between taking calls for service. Think about your job, do you have the right to pick and chose which task you wish to perform?

I'm not saying there aren't overzealous officers, because I have seen my share. But, you have them in just about every job in america. Police are just more visible. I'm sure you have figured by now that I am a police officer. I do it for the passion of the job and the good that can be accomplished, not for the paycheck. I also love flying and know there are a lot of "rules" and laws to go by.

Now for the original question of post. As others have mentioned, if your eligible for defensive driving-take it, if your state has "deferred adjudication" ask about it. Also, plea "not guilty" and show up on court date, if officer isn't there-case dismissed. If he/she shows, then ask for the above options. My dept issues punishment of pay if we don't show up for court. If you really think your innocent of the charge, then do your research and present your case in court. Yes, it can be done without a lawyer. Those that pay lawyers to fight their tickets, well.. all the lawyer is doing is asking for the above options or a reduced fine because judges don't have room on their dockets for trials and want to resolve the case.

 

[FN FAL]

trol1374, I think we all realize police have a tough job to do, but we're just venting.

I get a traffic ticket or written warning every 3-7 years, whether I like it or not and almost all of those incidents have been a pleasant learning experience because of the officer's professionalism and candor.

 

[trol1374]

FN, thanks... We don't hear those nice comments very often. It just gets frustrating when we get slammed during every waking moment and don't get the chance to tell people we put our pants on the same way as everyone else.

 

[FN FAL]

FN, thanks... We don't hear those nice comments very often. It just gets frustrating when we get slammed during every waking moment and don't get the chance to tell people we put our pants on the same way as everyone else.

Believe me, I know you guys/gals put your pants on the same way, that's why I'm a different customer when I get pulled over.

I gave one of our city cops a little guff the last time I got pulled over, but I did it in a polite way. I still managed a written warning for the 77 dollar ticket and he wrote me for the 10 dollar, no points, not wearing a seat belt thing. Which I thought was an absolute bargain!

I think he gave me credit for holding my ground on the tougher ticket and when he asked if had the belt on when he pulled me over, I told him the truth and he thanked me for not insulting his intellegence by using his discretion to issue the written warning on the more serious ticket.

The "guff" I gave him, was when he tried to trick me into speaking into his wireless FM mike when he asked the question, "Do you know why I pulled you over?"

Knowing he had dash cam, I just said, "I have a pretty good idea."

He asked, "Do you want to tell me what that is?"

I said, "No, you go first!"

He raised an eyebrow at that and asked about my belt and I told him I wasn't wearing it.

Written warning for running a yellow light, 10 dollar muni ticket for no seatbelt. I can dig it!

BTW, I always wear my belt, but I grabbed the wife's car to go get a pizza three blocks up the road and her car is a Toyota ECHO, a clown car. For some reason I just didn't buckle up that night...at least it gave the cop something to do besides writing me for running the yellow light!

 

[trol1374]

FN, haha, I like those responses. AND you were honest, usually gets you the warning. I learned something new, didn't know states had a law against "disregarding a yellow".

 

[FN FAL]

FN, haha, I like those responses. AND you were honest, usually gets you the warning. I learned something new, didn't know states had a law against "disregarding a yellow".

You're not the first cop to say that. In my CJ online class, there was a cincinnati cop that didn't know that either.

 

[NW_Pilot]

Even if intentionally "cute" I think this type of malaprop (an underage male or a big fat underage mail as opposed to a minor criminal offense) really takes away from the credibility of the post, especially if someone thinks you're not just fooling around.

Blame microsft for spell check, should be "misdemeanor" and I have updated it.

 

[av8rbama]

Just got in from traffic court... 80 in a 55, it should have been a $178 fine and 3 points on my record. Along with the ticket, the deputy gave me a slip with the fines listed and "speeding less than 25" was checked. The DA was going to rewrite the ticket to 79 instead of 80 until I pointed out the discrepancy. The DA said "ooh, this kinda puts me in a tight spot since these numbers don't jive, go get in line to talk to the judge."

The DA came over when it was my turn and I said "I'll pay the court fees if the prosecutor will dismiss the charge." and the judge saw my university ring on and said "you're a college graduate, you can afford that and driving school too." Driving school isn't an option if it was 25 or more over the limit. I am one lucky duck!

 

[FlyingPieceOfSt]

Getting Out Of Traffic Violation Tips:The Simple Version

Is there anybody out there who has gotten out of speeding tickets, etc more than 50-75% of the time?

I have found out that admitting to the officer that I knew I was exceeding the speed limit by driving just a little bit faster than most traffic has gotten me out of the past 4 stops I have had over the years. I was given a warning each time.

Also, once you know you have been busted slow down immediatley and get in the right lane so the officer doesnt have to take a long time to pursue you. If you have a radar detector remove it immediatley and rub away the suction cup circles if they are visible...Very easy to do in the time you know your busted to when the officer is behind you. Have both windows down (so when the officer approaches he will be able to see and communicate with you without telling you to roll down your window-no reason for him/her to get irritated from the start) with the engine off and have your 3 big certificates ready in hand. Keeping your hand(s) on the steering wheel doesnt hurt either when he approaches. If it is night-time, have your interior lights on.

Although this seems remedial it has worked for me 100% of the time.

Many moons ago I used to fly air-ambulance. Having the uniform hanging in the back sure helped back then admitting to an officer that I was humping it a little bit to maybe help save a life...Officer: Well son, you could be in need of the services of your own air ambulance outfit if you have an accident at such a high speed...yada yada yada...Heres your warning and be careful out there.

Just some tips from a chronic lead foot who likes to stay below 250 knots below 10K but likes to occasionally open it up on the tarmac.


PS. try to get your butt as far off the roadway as possible so you and the officer don't end up on a www.break.com or www.ebaumsworld.com type of website.