I need some advice. Someone I know (names will not be mentioned) got a ticket for 82mph in a 65mph zone on 485. A mandatory court appearance was set by the officer. My understanding of NC traffic laws is that speeding in excess of 15mph over the posted limit or over 80mph on any highway can be a 2nd degree misdemeanor in addition to a traffic violation... and can cause your insurance premium to increase by 90%

Have any of you had these types of tickets? Does anyone have advice? Is it possible to plead for a "Prayer for Judgement Continued" on your own or do you need an attorney?

 

I got into some HUGE trouble one time in a nearby county, and got the best local attorney to handle it--cost a lot of money for that "illegal lane change" but it was well worth it.

You should be able to check the NC DMV website for their traffic laws or at least a number for the clerk of court to ask them. I'd get it straight from them or your insurance agent to make sure you're well informed.

Good luck with it!

P.S. A Valentine One is $400 and worth every penny!

 

My girl gets tickets all the time. She drives from Wilmington to Charlotte every week. Get an attorney! They will have it plead down to lesser charge and keep your insurane from going up so high. In the long run it will be worth it. The 3 year period your insurance will increase is a lot worse than than the attorney fees you'll pay now

 

Get an attorney. Really, it's worth it! I got a ticket in TN on Rt. 40 for going 82 in a 70. Attorney got all charges dropped, no points, no driving school. Just had to pay court costs.

 

Do you remember how much the attorney cost?

 

Hey Cam, one of my son's friends just hired a lawyer for a speeding ticket for 30 over. Let me get the info and I will send you a note. I think he said he paid $200.

 

Appreciate it!

 

Yeah, $200 is about right

 

I paid a little more than that, but I was doing 91 in a 65 in West Virginia. I got it turned into improper equipment and I paid the fines and court costs. In the long run it is MUCH cheaper.

 

Another option... I'm sure other insurance companies have similar things, so shop around.

When Liz got hit with 70 in a 55, we were worried her insurance would go up, so I called her insurance co, State Farm. Was told that because she was a Mutual customer in good standing, they wouldn't look at her driver history unless there was an accident, so speeding tickets wouldn't cause it to automatically go up. Sure enough, to date (almost a year later), no increase in her rate.

Good luck with the ticket

 

As has been said - getting a local attorney to handle it is the ONLY way to go, IMHO. Don't be a cowboy and show up at court and hope to handle it yourself - I did once long ago and almost got nuked by the DA...

You should get at least a couple of solicitations in the mail from local attorneys.... they'll hear the siren and come running.

 

If you don't get a lawyer, over 15 it automatic lost of license. So you need one and might as well get a good one. If you don't have a ticket in the last year or two they can get it dropped to improper equipment and only cost you court cost and lawyer, but its worth it. Insurance will only go up about 40-50% if you have clean record. If you have previous tickets, get a lawyer! It cost but it pays!

 

Sorry man, if it was in Buncombe county I could help you.

 

Me? Speeding ticket? Nevah...

(not in NC, anyway...*ahem*)

 

Wow, didn't realize this so I looked it up. Sure enough, at least 30 day suspension for conviction of 15 over. Plus speeding twice over 55 in a year can get you suspended too. And willful racing of another vehicle is 3 years. Yeow.

 

I better slow my a** down....

 

Yeah, they apparently do not "F" around with speeding here in NC. We're definitely going to get an attorney and I do appreciate everyone's advice. We're also going to invest in some radar detectors after this, LOL.