Need some opinions...

About a week ago I was pulled over by johnny law. I received two citations, one for careless driving, and one for driving on restricted license.

The details of the events leading up to me being pulled over are long and drawn out so I wont bore you. The court that's handling this sent out a letter telling me to appear in court coming up. I plan on going however I've been debating on doing something and would like to get some advice.

My plan is to write to the judge that would be overseeing the case and apologize and tell him that I'd be more than willing to sign up for community service in trade for the points that are associated with the tickets. The tickets in question have 5 points associated with them in total, and I must say I don't have the cleanest driving record. I would also go on to tell the judge that I would lose my job position which would put me in a financial hole. I will also explain to him that my record has been clean for over a year and a half. And since my last ticket I have matured into the man I will be, and will also include driving certificates I've received at work and the employee of the month that I've also received.

Well what do you think? Do you think that I have a shot at him replying to me? The state is Michigan if that helps any.

I'm think it would mater a lot on were your at. In my state it's not the judge who gives you points on your licence it's the BMV. The best he can probably do for you is a lesser charge with less points. Good Luck.

If you sound sincere, you may have the charges dropped. They don't fight that hard for tickets. If you send the signal that you're going to put up a fight they may drop the charges just because they don't think it's worth the hassle.

cph said:

I'm think it would mater a lot on were your at. In my state it's not the judge who gives you points on your licence it's the BMV. The best he can probably do for you is a lesser charge with less points. Good Luck.

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Well that's what I'm getting out he can of course drop the charge and make me pay fines. But the driving on restricted license is a misdemeanor could face possible jail time. I've heard stories where they drop it down to impeding traffic in Michigan, but hoping for the best.

By the way, I am not guilty on both counts the officer was a "harley rider" and I have a sportbike motorcycle so of course I was pinned as a out of control biker.

Have you got an attorney? It's my expierience that the judge won't give you the time of day on something like this with one.

I think its a good idea. I mean... it doesn't hurt. You're going to court to tell them why you fucked up but also why you learned your lesson. If you can provide a sincere arguement and offer them something (like community service as you said) so that it shows that you're really willing to make up for your actions then you at least stand a chance. I cant say what will happen...it usually depends if you have a good judge or not whether they will be nice.

Anyone have any experience with stuff like this? An attorney wanted $1,000 so that's out of the question.

The statements you want to send need to be made in court, not in a letter to the Judge.

The Judge can't just drop the charges because he wants to. The municipal Attorney brings the charges not the Judge, and they must agree to drop the charges.

Get an Attorney - they know the game, and can surely get you a reduced charge.

I can't afford an attorney.

Can you get a court appointed one?

No I over-qualify for one, typical tax dollars at work. Anyone? Advice?

get quotes from other attorneys. some work on sliding scales based on your income. that would be my only other suggestion if you cant get court appointed.