what do I do about this ticket

[hotroddinonvacation]

I recently received a speeding ticket in Nichols, SC. I was cited for going 62 in a 40. The 40 was hard to notice, seemed unnessasary before the actual 35 when I enter deeper into the city limits. It changed from a 55 to a 40 and I was going 62.
The ticket appears to look different from any ticket Ive ever seen. The officer had to write in "speeding 62-40" and at the bottom he wrote "bond $125". He then told me to call the "trial officer" and tell him I didnt see the sign coming into town and it would probably be dropped to 49 in a 40. I dont know whether to contact a lawyer or to call the trial officer myself. I cant afford the insurance hike so I need it reduced to 9 or dropped. Any ways I can get out of this with technicalities or should I try and contact a lawyer. (I cant appear in court Im 200 miles away).

 

[lawrat]

I am a law school graduate. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.

The ticket sounds like it could be dropped. If you want to take care of it correctly, yeah, I would get an attorney who can rep you in court who knows how to get it down even lower. If there is a way to argue that you didn't see the sign (hidden, or too close to the other speed limit) perhaps. Or argue that a 55 to 40 drop so close together can be dangerous. I think these may be your only routes.

Hope this helps