My_Mistake11
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California
A couple days ago I was ticketed with a misdemeanor. I wasn't paying attention to how fast I was driving on the freeway as there weren't many cars around me and I was in a hurry to get home. The police officer pulled me over and said I was going around 95mph in a 65mph zone. I also had a friend in the car because he needed a ride to work (which we were just coming back from). It was around 8:40 at night, it had rained that morning so the roads were damp. He wrote up a ticket with speeding and driving outside my jurisdiction. The ticket said that the date to appear to court will be notified to me, and I must bring a parent. It also had the check mark of superior court rather than juvenile, so that is a bit intimidating.
I understand that what I did was wrong. I understand that I must accept the consequences of my actions and be more careful from now on. This is my first offense and I normally don't drive that fast but I don't think that matters in this situation. From what I have researched, what will most likely happen is a driving suspension of around 30 days, 2 points on my record, and a fine. I also understand that I am not eligible for driving school to reduce the points on my record.
My question is what to expect in court. I have never been to a court summons and I am nervous about it. Should my family and I get a lawyer to maybe reduce the penalties? Or is that not worth the money? I also drive myself to work and school since no one else can (my father works from around 5 a.m - 6 p.m). Also, will the judge speak to me about the ticket only, or will my father speak for me since I am a minor? My dad said that he will ask the judge for leniency, but I doubt he will even be allowed to speak. I would like just a general idea of what will happen so I don't have to be so nervous about it. Thank you for your advice, and if anything is unclear let me know so I can elaborate.
A couple days ago I was ticketed with a misdemeanor. I wasn't paying attention to how fast I was driving on the freeway as there weren't many cars around me and I was in a hurry to get home. The police officer pulled me over and said I was going around 95mph in a 65mph zone. I also had a friend in the car because he needed a ride to work (which we were just coming back from). It was around 8:40 at night, it had rained that morning so the roads were damp. He wrote up a ticket with speeding and driving outside my jurisdiction. The ticket said that the date to appear to court will be notified to me, and I must bring a parent. It also had the check mark of superior court rather than juvenile, so that is a bit intimidating.
I understand that what I did was wrong. I understand that I must accept the consequences of my actions and be more careful from now on. This is my first offense and I normally don't drive that fast but I don't think that matters in this situation. From what I have researched, what will most likely happen is a driving suspension of around 30 days, 2 points on my record, and a fine. I also understand that I am not eligible for driving school to reduce the points on my record.
My question is what to expect in court. I have never been to a court summons and I am nervous about it. Should my family and I get a lawyer to maybe reduce the penalties? Or is that not worth the money? I also drive myself to work and school since no one else can (my father works from around 5 a.m - 6 p.m). Also, will the judge speak to me about the ticket only, or will my father speak for me since I am a minor? My dad said that he will ask the judge for leniency, but I doubt he will even be allowed to speak. I would like just a general idea of what will happen so I don't have to be so nervous about it. Thank you for your advice, and if anything is unclear let me know so I can elaborate.
