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Being my first blog post on TL, I feel obligated to do a short introduction or something. I am neither special nor interesting, so let's skip that.
I'm really writing this because I'm kind of a dumbass in terms of decision-making, and I feel like I want to reach out to a much more experienced (in life) group of people for some help/advice. I hope I don't bore you, though I probably will.
All of this starts about 2 weeks ago. I received my first speeding ticket for going 84 mph in an area with a 60 mph speed limit (under a scholarship to do research+extremely late due to oversleeping+necessary though inordinately long visit to registrar at high school). Though I could say that there were some mitigating circumstances, I realize this is completely my fault, and I take responsibility for it. 24 mph over is WAY too fucking high. I told my parents, and I'm set to go to the court to plead no contest, pay the fine, and get a defensive driving course set up.
So far, everything's normal. A lot of people get speeding tickets, and I know it's my fault, so it's not that big of a deal. I guess here it's of note to mention that I'm not yet 18, and I live in Texas.
The real issue is that I made an EXTREMELY rash and stupid decision to take a road trip with a few friends to Austin this past Wednesday without parental permission to visit a friend for her birthday since most of her Austin friends were out of town (I'm from the DFW area). Along the way about 2 hours out, I was slowly passing an 18-wheeler, and it began drifting into my lane. I decided that I didn't really want to die/become seriously injured today, so I honked and sped up to get past it as quickly as possible.
At this point, I pass a police officer that's driving on the service road, moves on to the highway, and pulls me over for speeding. I get a citation (81 mph on 70 mph).
I guess my dilemma is obvious right now, and I guess at this point you can all rebuke and denigrate me for being a dumbshit. I do have a few questions, though.
For the first speeding ticket:
What is the procedure for dealing with a traffic citation?
I know that I'm supposed to call the court in advance, but when I did, they weren't very clear when answering my questions.
What information am I supposed to give/get when I call? What should I do/say when I get to the court? How does pleading no contest and taking defensive driving work?
For the second speeding ticket:
I have resolved to tell my parents the truth about the trip, etc, but how should I broach the subject? What are the consequences for a second traffic citation within a year/6 months let alone 2 weeks (id est, what are the implications of this second traffic citation)?
Some important information:
Age: 17
State: TX
If you really did take the time to read all of this and (for whatever reason) even answered some of my queries, I want to thank you preemptively for your time and help.
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For the first speeding ticket:
What is the procedure for dealing with a traffic citation?
first, find a can of kerosene. light ur car on fire, preferably at a place where u can easily dispose of it. then, use the same kerosene -- this is key -- and light the citation on fire. do not mention the citation, or ur car, ever again. the citation never happened.
I know that I'm supposed to call the court in advance, but when I did, they weren't very clear when answering my questions.
What information am I supposed to give/get when I call? What should I do/say when I get to the court? How does pleading no contest and taking defensive driving work?
first, find out which judge has jurisdiction over ur citation. then u find the personal home phone number from that judge, and call it. if he picks up, hang up. if not, try to find out the address. step 2, once u have the address, visit, or "scout out" the location. see if there r any defenses, man made or otherwise. third, find a normal sized brick. it doesnt have to be super large, a normal brick will do. tape a piece of paper around the brick. do not throw the brick yet. write on the paper "do not give benutbutter a ticket." then throw the brick through the judge's house's window. the judge might be intimidated into not making u pay the citation. at worst, he will admire ur ingenuity.
For the second speeding ticket:
I have resolved to tell my parents the truth about the trip, etc, but how should I broach the subject?
first tell ur parents that u were arrested for a major drug trafficking felony, and u could spend up to 15-20 yrs years in jail as that is the statutory minimum punishment. as ur mom cries and ur dad consoles her -- this is key -- wait 5 minutes and THEN tell them its just speeding. BOOM. problem solved, they will love u for speeding.
What are the consequences for a second traffic citation within a year/6 months let alone 2 weeks (id est, what are the implications of this second traffic citation)?
Some important information:
Age: 17
State: TX
texas has 254 counties — the most nationwide. each county runs on commissioners' court system consisting of four elected commissioners (one from each of four precincts in the county, roughly divided according to population) and a county judge elected at large from the entire county. County government runs similar to a "weak" mayor-council system; the county judge has no veto authority, but votes along with the other commissioners.
although texas permits cities and counties to enter "interlocal agreements" to share services, the state does not allow consolidated city-county governments, nor does it have metropolitan governments. counties are not granted home rule status; their powers are strictly defined by state law. the state does not have townships— areas within a county are either incorporated or unincorporated. Incorporated areas are part of a municipality. the county provides limited services to unincorporated areas. municipalities are classified either "general law" cities or "home rule". a municipality may elect home rule status once it exceeds 5,000 population with voter approval. municipal elections are nonpartisan as are elections for school boards and community college districts.
also u should get a lawyer. good luck.
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United States24501 Posts
The fact that you are talking to us before you parents says something that you seriously need to reflect on. I don't know how this traffic stuff works in Texas so I can't give you specific advice. I can tell you (as you seem to already know) that a 17 year old shouldn't go on long trips with groups of friends without their parents knowing... as long as you learn from your mistake it's ultimately okay I guess but I'm not convinced you are going to.
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Perhaps you could call one of those cheap traffic/speeding 'agents'? They're not exactly lawyers per se, but for a small fee they can significantly reduce the charges.
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On July 11 2010 09:39 baller wrote:
u should get a lawyer...
Plus do some research and googling of how serious your offense can be. Like how many points you'll get, etc. In NYC, 2 speeding tickets like that without court or lawyer is an auto license suspension. Good luck!
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sounds like that second cop is a dick. only 11 over, and if you told him why, he should have been a bit more understanding. and i wouldn't follow baller's advice if i were you, unless he puts it into graph/chart form.
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EPT
