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Current Events => General Discussion => Topic started by: Chris_ on January 03, 2009, 07:24:34 PM

Title: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Chris_ on January 03, 2009, 07:24:34 PM
Okay, folks... my luck ran out.  I got caught doing 79 in a 65 mph zone on the Atlanta side of Macon this morning by a GSP laser. :(

My question to folks here is this: As this is my very first speeding violation, what might happen regarding insurance and points?  The trooper said something about 79 being some sort of cut-off point regarding insurance and points, leaving me very confused.   I will suck it up and pay the fine, but its insurance that has me most worried. 

Should I attempt to fight the citation anyway, at least in the hopes of getting a reduced charge? 

Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Miss Mia on January 03, 2009, 07:44:33 PM
I would check and see if you can do defensive driving or deferred adjudication instead of paying the fine out right.  At least in Texas, if you do one of those options it doesn't show up on your record and isn't a penalty towards insurance. 
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Chris_ on January 03, 2009, 07:46:47 PM
I would check and see if you can do defensive driving or deferred adjudication instead of paying the fine out right.  At least in Texas, if you do one of those options it doesn't show up on your record and isn't a penalty towards insurance. 

I checked up on that, but I don't see that being offered here.  I went to the county (where I was pulled over) website to see if the probate court had any info, but they have nothing.  :(

Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Crazy Horse on January 03, 2009, 07:54:21 PM
Okay, folks... my luck ran out.  I got caught doing 79 in a 65 mph zone on the Atlanta side of Macon this morning by a GSP laser. :(

My question to folks here is this: As this is my very first speeding violation, what might happen regarding insurance and points?  The trooper said something about 79 being some sort of cut-off point regarding insurance and points, leaving me very confused.   I will suck it up and pay the fine, but its insurance that has me most worried. 

Should I attempt to fight the citation anyway, at least in the hopes of getting a reduced charge? 



79 is the cut off from being 15 over the limit.

Here in NC if you get caught 15 or more over you go straight to jail.

MIA is right there are things you can do
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Miss Mia on January 03, 2009, 07:57:43 PM
Here's a site to look over  http://www.speedingticketcentral.com/Georgia-speeding-ticket.html (http://www.speedingticketcentral.com/Georgia-speeding-ticket.html)
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: guest on January 03, 2009, 08:02:24 PM
I just found that info, elsewhere.  Thanks.  :)

I guess my best bet would be to go ahead and plead guilty on my court date.  The cut-off point in GA seems to refer to 14 or below mph over the speed limit in regards to being reported to insurance companies, which is my main concern (along with the points on the license), and seems to match up with what the state trooper told me.  If I can get the judge to reduce the mph further, maybe I'll be okay.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Zeus on January 03, 2009, 08:05:24 PM
I just found that info, Zeus.  Thanks.  :)

I guess my best bet would be to go ahead and plead guilty on my court date.  The cut-off point in GA seems to refer to 14 or below mph over the speed limit in regards to being reported to insurance companies, which is my main concern (along with the points on the license), and seems to match up with what the state trooper told me.  If I can get the judge to reduce the mph further, maybe I'll be okay.

I deleted that post because therea are sites out there thatclaim Ga does offer DD for ticket dismisal & Insurance discounts.  Check with the court of jurisdiction that issued the citation.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Chris_ on January 03, 2009, 08:07:33 PM
I deleted that post because therea are sites out there thatclaim Ga does offer DD for ticket dismisal & Insurance discounts.  Check with the court of jurisdiction that issued the citation.

oh, okay.  I'll be calling the court on Monday (day off from work), so we'll see what happens then. 
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Zeus on January 03, 2009, 08:11:47 PM
oh, okay.  I'll be calling the court on Monday (day off from work), so we'll see what happens then. 

Most likely your citation won't be in the system by then. They can at least tell you if DD is an option
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Chris_ on January 03, 2009, 08:16:24 PM
Most likely your citation won't be in the system by then. They can at least tell you if DD is an option

Yes... the ticket says wait 5 days ( :( ) , but I figured they might be able to help me with some basic questions I have regarding the laws.

Also, I checked up on my points through GA DMV... right now, I stand at 0.  This violation would more than likely add 2 points to that. 

Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: rich_t on January 03, 2009, 10:04:22 PM
Whether your insurance goes up or not depends on your insurance company.  Speeding in GA carries two points on your DL.  Or at least it used to.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Chris_ on January 03, 2009, 10:29:17 PM
Whether your insurance goes up or not depends on your insurance company.  Speeding in GA carries two points on your DL.  Or at least it used to.

I have State Farm. 
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: rich_t on January 03, 2009, 10:34:15 PM
I have State Farm. 

I am not sure of their policy on 1st offenses as far as rate increases go.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: docstew on January 04, 2009, 05:03:49 PM
whatever you decide to do, pay the fine... they can and will suspend your license about 10 days after your failure to report (happened to me, ended up pulled over in FL for illegal u turn and ended up almost getting arrested for driving on a suspended).

it depends on the county that you are in (or even if it's available in GA, i know it works in LA), but if you pay the fine, they may change the ticket to a non-moving violation, which won't affect your insurance rates.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Chris_ on January 04, 2009, 11:29:43 PM
whatever you decide to do, pay the fine... they can and will suspend your license about 10 days after your failure to report (happened to me, ended up pulled over in FL for illegal u turn and ended up almost getting arrested for driving on a suspended).

it depends on the county that you are in (or even if it's available in GA, i know it works in LA), but if you pay the fine, they may change the ticket to a non-moving violation, which won't affect your insurance rates.

Oh, I know.  I've seen family members get their butts hauled into court when they failed to pay their fine.  I won't be repeating that.

I may go to court and pay my fine there.  I figure if I try that route (instead of phone or internet), my chances might be better that they'd change/reduce the charge.

I'll have a 3 hour drive ahead of me in February. :(

Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Chris_ on January 04, 2009, 11:40:39 PM
Well, I am SCREWED, in regards to making any attempts to fight this damn ticket... I received this link from someone in regards to the county involved... check out some of the comments, for they involved areas close to mine.

Damn speed trap! (http://www.copspy.com/GA/818-forsyth.html)

 :bawl: :banghead: :censored: :bird: 
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: rich_t on January 04, 2009, 11:44:11 PM
Well, I am SCREWED, in regards to making any attempts to fight this damn ticket... I received this link from someone in regards to the county involved... check out some of the comments, for they involved areas close to mine.

Damn speed trap! (http://www.copspy.com/GA/818-forsyth.html)

 :bawl: :banghead: :censored: :bird: 

Were you indeed speeding?

If you were, own up to it and pay the fine.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Chris_ on January 04, 2009, 11:49:30 PM
Were you indeed speeding?

If you were, own up to it and pay the fine.
I was.  I never actually admitted it to the officer though (kept my mouth shut most of the time when he was speaking to me.  I'm glad I remembered that tip from others who have gotten tickets and shot themselves in the foot by saying the wrong things). 

I will be paying the fine (there goes my Christmas money) but at the same time, am attempting to at least get the charge reduced somehow.  As I said previously, I'm more concerned about points and insurance than the fine.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: rich_t on January 05, 2009, 12:11:37 AM
What ever happened to taking responsibility for ones actions and owning up to the penalties without trying to "beat" them / get them reduced?

For goodness sake, you admit to the crime.  Pay the penalty and learn from the experience.  If your insurance goes up as a consequence of your actions then so be it.  You shouldn't have been breaking the law in the first place.

Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: guest on January 05, 2009, 12:21:58 AM
What ever happened to taking responsibility for ones actions and owning up to the penalties without trying to "beat them"?

For goodness sake, you admit to the crime.  Pay the penalty and learn from the experience.  If your insurance goes up as a consequence of your actions then so be it.  You shouldn't have been breaking the law in the first place.



I didn't even REALIZE it at the time.  Yes, I made a mistake and am OWNING UP TO IT.  However, given the EXACT location of the trap (where there were no signs indicating there was a change in the speed limit...), I have at least one reason to attempt to fight it. 

Look, I can't afford to have my insurance go up... if that happens, I'll more than likely lose my vehicle (because I can't pay for it) and I have no money to purchase cheaper transportation. All of my money is budgeted, so I can't just spend money on anything frivolous anymore. I also have my god-damned medical bills to take care of too.  Y'all have no idea what I (and my family) have had to pay financially and emotionally since the tumor showed up, even WITH insurance.  I did not start this thread to be "yelled" at.  I was simply looking for advice to try to at least get a reduction in the charge.   I don't see what's wrong with that.

 I AM taking responsibility by paying the fine, but since some folks don't seem to "get" the situation surrounding my goal for a reduced charge, I just want y'all to understand that I just want to try, is that so much to ask?

Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Chris on January 05, 2009, 01:49:27 AM
What ever happened to taking responsibility for ones actions and owning up to the penalties without trying to "beat" them / get them reduced?

For goodness sake, you admit to the crime.  Pay the penalty and learn from the experience.  If your insurance goes up as a consequence of your actions then so be it.  You shouldn't have been breaking the law in the first place.

What ever happened to keeping your mouth shut if you have nothing to add to the conversation?

You're an asshole.  **** off.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Carl on January 05, 2009, 06:31:45 AM
What ever happened to taking responsibility for ones actions and owning up to the penalties without trying to "beat" them / get them reduced?

For goodness sake, you admit to the crime.  Pay the penalty and learn from the experience.  If your insurance goes up as a consequence of your actions then so be it.  You shouldn't have been breaking the law in the first place.



If that wasn`t meant as a joke of some kind then it was just a stupid thing to say.

Let me guess you have never once by mistake or on purpose exceeded the spped limit?

Every day of the week tickets are reduced or changed at a judges or DA discreation and hoping for some leeway doesn`t make a person irresponsible.

Sheesh.

Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Wineslob on January 05, 2009, 10:10:56 AM
I got caught speeding twice. I paid the fines and increased insurance.


I DONT SPEED NOW.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: rich_t on January 05, 2009, 05:38:01 PM
What ever happened to keeping your mouth shut if you have nothing to add to the conversation?

You're an *******.  **** off.

Ooooooo....  An internet tough guy.

Go get 'em tiger.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: rich_t on January 05, 2009, 05:39:08 PM
If that wasn`t meant as a joke of some kind then it was just a stupid thing to say.

Let me guess you have never once by mistake or on purpose exceeded the spped limit?

Every day of the week tickets are reduced or changed at a judges or DA discreation and hoping for some leeway doesn`t make a person irresponsible.

Sheesh.



Whatever you say Sport.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Zeus on January 07, 2009, 08:33:40 AM
SYDNEY (Reuters) - An Australian court has issued a blunt warning about the sexual predators a young driver faces in jail if he does not stop speeding, as authorities struggle to stop teenagers street racing.

"You'll find big, ugly, hairy strong men (in jail) who've got faces only a mother could love that will pay a lot of attention to you -- and your anatomy," said Magistrate Brian Maloney.

The 19-year-old male appeared in Sydney's Downing Center Court on Monday charged with driving without a license, failing to stop at a police alcohol check point and driving dangerously.

It was his third time before the courts for driving offences, prompting the magistrate's warning he would be jailed next time.

Maloney barred the teenager from driving until 2013, placed him on a 12-month good behavior bond and ordered him to do 150 hours of community work.

Breaching any of these conditions would see the teenager jailed where he would "shower with the gorillas in the mist down at Long Bay jail," said Maloney, his comments confirmed by the court on Tuesday.

Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: asdf2231 on January 07, 2009, 09:58:15 AM
What ever happened to taking responsibility for ones actions and owning up to the penalties without trying to "beat" them / get them reduced?

For goodness sake, you admit to the crime.  Pay the penalty and learn from the experience.  If your insurance goes up as a consequence of your actions then so be it.  You shouldn't have been breaking the law in the first place.

I assume then that if they ever pass a legally binding piece of legislation that outlaws certain classes of gun that you will turn yours over with a smile since it's the law? :)
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: asdf2231 on January 07, 2009, 10:12:17 AM
I didn't even REALIZE it at the time.  Yes, I made a mistake and am OWNING UP TO IT.  However, given the EXACT location of the trap (where there were no signs indicating there was a change in the speed limit...), I have at least one reason to attempt to fight it. 

Look, I can't afford to have my insurance go up... if that happens, I'll more than likely lose my vehicle (because I can't pay for it) and I have no money to purchase cheaper transportation. All of my money is budgeted, so I can't just spend money on anything frivolous anymore. I also have my god-damned medical bills to take care of too.  Y'all have no idea what I (and my family) have had to pay financially and emotionally since the tumor showed up, even WITH insurance.  I did not start this thread to be "yelled" at.  I was simply looking for advice to try to at least get a reduction in the charge.   I don't see what's wrong with that.

 I AM taking responsibility by paying the fine, but since some folks don't seem to "get" the situation surrounding my goal for a reduced charge, I just want y'all to understand that I just want to try, is that so much to ask?



Don't sweat the a-holes kiddo.  Your insurance, if it does go up, will do so by a pittance. I got nailed doing 55 in what I thought was a 45 zone. Turned out to be a 35mph stretch and they had a speed trap set up.  My insurance increased 25$ a year when they found out about the ticket.

Last May I missed a speed limit sign on a stretch of 4 lane Washington highway and got nailed doing 75 in a 55. The officer marked it down as 65 in a 55 zone for me. $11 dollar a year increase.

If it does go up it shouldn't be crippling. :)
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: guest on January 07, 2009, 10:16:03 AM
Don't sweat the a-holes kiddo.  Your insurance, if it does go up, will do so by a pittance. I got nailed doing 55 in what I thought was a 45 zone. Turned out to be a 35mph stretch and they had a speed trap set up.  My insurance increased 25$ a year when they found out about the ticket.

Last May I missed a speed limit sign on a stretch of 4 lane Washington highway and got nailed doing 75 in a 55. $11 dollar a year increase.

If it does go up it shouldn't be crippling. :)

Ohhh... okay.   That doesn't seem TOO bad.  :)

Here's an update:  I called the probate court today, as the 5 day wait period was up today.  Fine= $112.  That's nowhere near what I was expecting.  I'll pick up a cashier's check from the bank later today and mail it off tomorrow.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: asdf2231 on January 07, 2009, 10:23:49 AM
Ohhh... okay.   That doesn't seem TOO bad.  :)

Here's an update:  I called the probate court today, as the 5 day wait period was up today.  Fine= $112.  That's nowhere near what I was expecting.  I'll pick up a cashier's check from the bank later today and mail it off tomorrow.

If your insurance company is run by real dicks you might be looking at 100$ a year on the high end. 50-75$ on the low end of the penis scale for insurance greediness, but if you have a clean record it should be about what mine was.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Zeus on January 07, 2009, 10:37:03 AM
If your insurance company is run by real dicks you might be looking at 100$ a year on the high end. 50-75$ on the low end of the penis scale for insurance greediness, but if you have a clean record it should be about what mine was.

Also depends upon the coverage. If you just have basic liability it can't go up much but if you got a bells & whistles full coverage they will sock you pretty.

I don't know of any state where the insurance lobby isn't influential, plus the local govts appreciate the "revenue enhancement" of the citation.

It's bizarre but I've sat in courts where the judge has dismissed no license & no proof of financial liability because the people cited got the Docs after the fact. Those same judges squeeze speeders for all the geld they can. Oh yea they will issue adjudicated probation or defensive driving but guess what they still get the revenue of the fine plus court costs.

One of the main reasons most folks opt for the DD is they are told the ticket isn't reported to the insurance company. Well yes it isn't but when an insurance company gets a drivers record from the state DD is annotated on it and guess what folks take DD for ?

Not an endorcement of speeding but those citations aren't about public safety but revenue enhancement.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Eupher on January 07, 2009, 10:49:52 AM
My last speeding ticket occurred in 1999 - at 3 A.M., after having crossed over from Illinois into Missouri down near Cairo, IL.

Speed limit there was 70 and I was doing a shade over 80. Missouri trooper still nailed me. He didn't say hardly a word and neither did I because I was certain he was going to write it up. I didn't fight it, though, not being able to make the trek to fight it in court.

(Touching wood as I'm writing this. Speeding tickets are bad ju ju, no matter when and where. It IS all about money, I think. I might do 5 mph over, but that's about it.)
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Zeus on January 07, 2009, 11:22:06 AM
My last speeding ticket occurred in 1999 - at 3 A.M., after having crossed over from Illinois into Missouri down near Cairo, IL.

Speed limit there was 70 and I was doing a shade over 80. Missouri trooper still nailed me. He didn't say hardly a word and neither did I because I was certain he was going to write it up. I didn't fight it, though, not being able to make the trek to fight it in court.

(Touching wood as I'm writing this. Speeding tickets are bad Ju Ju, no matter when and where. It IS all about money, I think. I might do 5 mph over, but that's about it.)

well it's a hard racket to breakup. How can you discern a legit speeding citation from a bogus one except for confession. Paying the tab and taking your lumps isn't a confession either. Out of state drivers are always a fave target because what are the odds of them sticking around to or coming back to have their day in court on the off chance they can acquire a dismissal. somewhere between damn slim to none.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Eupher on January 07, 2009, 12:56:28 PM
well it's a hard racket to breakup. How can you discern a legit speeding citation from a bogus one except for confession. Paying the tab and taking your lumps isn't a confession either. Out of state drivers are always a fave target because what are the odds of them sticking around to or coming back to have their day in court on the off chance they can acquire a dismissal. somewhere between damn slim to none.

That's one of the benefits of speed traps. Locals usually know about them; out-of-towners likely not. Can anybody say, "Ka-CHING!"?
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Thor on January 07, 2009, 02:15:16 PM
A city in Southern Ok got sued because of their speed traps and outrageous fines. The city was found guilty and the plaintiff won.

Quote
The Town Of Dickson Plans To Appeal Judge Card's Most Recent Ruling

Updated: Jan 6, 2009 06:31 PM

Carter County Judge Card ruled once again in favor of a doctor who filed a lawsuit against the town of Dickson for overcharging him for a traffic ticket.  KTEN's Meredith Saldana reports.   

The town of Dickson appealed the first ruling up to the Oklahoma Supreme Court and say they plan on appealing this one as well.

I spoke with attorneys on both sides of the case Tuesday and neither side plans on giving up anytime soon.     

Doctor House, a former resident of Sulpher, received the ticket nearly 4 years ago for going 65 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone.     

His attorney's claim he was overcharged over $300 because the town of Dickson failed to file traffic ordinances properly with the Carter County Clerk.     

Failure to file with the county limits towns to fines of only $50 or less.     

Dr. House's Attorney David Blankenship says right now the town only owes Dr. House his money back but they are hoping to be approved for a class action to get the other nearly 2,000 people that were overcharged their money back as well.

"We know from their own records we've got their phone numbers, we've got their drivers license numbers and these are all on the ticket.   They're public record.   It shouldn't be too difficult if we can get a class certification to find out who all these people are and how much they were over charged."

If  the town of Dickson is required to pay all the overcharged fines back they will owe over $300,000.     

But the town's Attorney Brent Bahner says class action lawsuits rarely happen and are very difficult to obtain.     

Bahner also said they plan on appealing Judge Card's ruling again.     

-Meredith Saldana, KTEN News.
Title: Re: Calling all Georgians (and anyone who's been nabbed by Georgia State Patrol)
Post by: Zeus on January 07, 2009, 02:40:22 PM
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