Not sure If I am guilty or not dilemma

[falseaccuses]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ but was driving through Pennsylvania.

Ok so I know I'm gonna get some hate here but I have no idea if I am guilty or not anyway, I was staying over my boyfriends house in PA and my tire was flat so I was driving very very slow and got pulled over. I was ticketed for going through a stop sign though. It is possible I did it but I did not see a sign anyway the Cop was super nice and I am generally pro cop and he said he would plea it down when we got to court so I was like ok and got my tire pumped back up went to court this morning and he wasn't there. His partner said he would plea it down to no points. I refused to plea because he wasn't the arresting officer and he asked for a continuance. I took some heat by the judge for not accepting the deal which I find to be inappropriate and now feel like I lose either way so I miles well make em work for it. My reasoning is such that:

1. the fine is the same except no points on license.

2. I have no points and can spare them if i lose at trial.

I have no idea if I am guilty. I was hoping to get a few different responses for and against. Thank you.

 

[justalayman]

So what is your defense since you dont know if you're guilty or not? The cop is likely to testify that he observed you failing to stop at a stop sign



Your defense will then be what?

 

[falseaccuses]

So what is your defense since you dont know if you're guilty or not? The cop is likely to testify that he observed you failing to stop at a stop sign




Your defense will then be what?

It's a 4 way intersection but its 100 feet apart. hard to explain but the two stops signs are 100 feet away and the other two are about 80 feet away. very odd intersection looks like an optical illusion almost. There was work being done and the police dash cam would show that the stop sign was obstructed by a work van if they didn't get rid of the dash cam. I am ok with the decision whatever it may be I just don't feel I should take a plea when I can't say for certain and the arresting officer was not present. Moral highground that is irrational to most. Cop was rushed and hurried and was not present today. Plus the judge caught the other cop in a lie and gave him some grief over something related but it still bothers me that the judge acted as an advocate for the police.

 

[justalayman]

I dont see the judge advocating for the cop but merely attempting to settle the issue at
That time.

Now you say one sign was obstructed where in your original post you said you don't know if you committed the violation. You should probably stick to one story regardless what you decide to do.

 

[HighwayMan]

...it still bothers me that the judge acted as an advocate for the police.

That's totally wrong. The judge wanted the case settled. Period.

You were unreasonable not to plea bargain with another officer. It makes NO difference whether you deal with the "arresting" officer, a town prosecutor, or another officer who is there to handle cases.

You have no idea whether you went through a stop sign and have no defense. If this goes to trial it is almost certain you will lose and will probably be hit with a higher fine. I fail to see what you are hoping to accomplish here.

 

[falseaccuses]

That's totally wrong. The judge wanted the case settled. Period.

You were unreasonable not to plea bargain with another officer. It makes NO difference whether you deal with the "arresting" officer, a town prosecutor, or another officer who is there to handle cases.

You have no idea whether you went through a stop sign and have no defense. If this goes to trial it is almost certain you will lose and will probably be hit with a higher fine. I fail to see what you are hoping to accomplish here.

The fine is 129 plus 10 court costs and 3 points

I was offered no points. that is not a deal to me. in my town the prosecutor is the police officer. I do not believe in plea deals and I can afford to pay the fine and absorb the points. In fact, I was thinking of just dropping the vehicle and going uber as it would cost me about the same money each month or less then I don't have to worry about this kind of stuff. I was willing to pay the ticket but the officer told me to plead not guilty. I am not always rational but this is my first moving violation in 20 years and since when does a person need a defense to have a hearing if they so desire?

 

[justalayman]

The fine is 129 plus 10 court costs and 3 points

I was offered no points. that is not a deal to me. in my town the prosecutor is the police officer. I do not believe in plea deals and I can afford to pay the fine and absorb the points. In fact, I was thinking of just dropping the vehicle and going uber as it would cost me about the same money each month or less then I don't have to worry about this kind of stuff. I was willing to pay the ticket but the officer told me to plead not guilty. I am not always rational but this is my first moving violation in 20 years and since when does a person need a defense to have a hearing if they so desire?

You don't need a defense to have a TRIAL but given it would cost me more to attend than simply paying the fine, at some point common sense should kick in for you, unless you don't lose any money from work by going to court.


So since you have no defense I really don't see the point of fighting it. I have better things to do than waste time doing something where i already know the outcome.

 

[HighwayMan]

I was willing to pay the ticket but the officer told me to plead not guilty...

Are you that dense?

He told you to do that so you could get a plea deal (which was to YOUR benefit), which you were already offered and rejected.