Stories from the Sales Frontlines

deltheking

Isell,it`s actually Lawyer fees + New violation fee if reduced+Court fee/ costs. So if the serious violation was reduced to a non moving one-- say he was speeding 70 in a 50 zone and the lawyer got it reduced to a "Wrong parking" ticket--then the defendant pays the wrong parking fee+ the court costs [depends on each court or the prosecutor- this probably is like administration charges-- similar to the Doc fee for cars ]

Of course ,if the ticket is totally dismissed,then the defendant does not pay anything except some minor court fees. Mostly,they are plea bargain cases instead of a real courtroom trial!! This way all the concerned parties are happy with no aggravation ! :P

jipster

What would happen if the king did nothing? Don't pay the fine, don't pay the hated lawyers. N.J isn't going to issue a warrant for his arrest. He's in another state. Just mind your p's and q's when driving in N.J king, and they'll drop it off their records in 3 years.

deltheking

Fezo,thanks a lot for that Edmunds NJ link. I totally did not think about it at all. :shades:

deltheking

No Jip, they dont. It goes up on your record. And any non payment of tickets can lead to a warrant issued. It`s a national database now. You get a ticket in any state-- the DMV will know and it`s up against your license. :shades:

Dont pay your tickets and they can issue a warrant. Or more commonly,if an officer pulls you up later and then sees that you have unpaid tickets-- he can arrest you. If it`s unpaid -it`s on your record. If you plead guilty and pay--it`s still there on the record but atleast they wont issue a warrant. Best scenario-- get the ticket dismissed-so no points or record on your license !! But always always take care and dont ignore your ticket ! :P

28firefighter

The reason this doesn't work too well anymore is because it is all automated by computer software. If you don't pay the ticket after it has been entered in the system (or if, due to a clerical error, the ticket isn't marked "paid") a bench warrant automatically issues. Once that happens it'll end up in the national database.

That said, most police departments outside of the jurisdiction will not take you in you for an unpaid parking ticket, it will certainly cause you issues down the road.

Best to just take care of it, either by fighting or paying, and following up that they received it.

snakeweasel

B'cos the officer has proof - a Radar reading- and it is his word against the defendant's word

A radar reading is not always proof. Those radar guns need to be calibrated every so often, if it has been to long or they cannot provide records then the radar reading is inadmissible as proof. Also the operator has to be certified, many times police officers fail to re-certify. So if there is no current certification the radar reading cannot be used.

snakeweasel

Do you know how many people I have seen talking while they are in the washroom?

Snakeweasels rules for bathroom etiquette: rule #1. When in a bathroom as soon as someone answers their cell phone flush.

deltheking

Agreed. But all of that takes time for the attorney preparing the case + if there is an actual trial then this is again extra time and work. that`s why they do the plea bargains with the prosecutor. They have many cases-so they negotiate with the prosecutor for those.
So it is like-maximum benefit,least time and effort,most favorable result for all,everyone gets paid except the defendant !! :shades:

jayrider

Got a speeding ticket on the Jersey Turnpike in 1968. Was living in Philadelphia. Paid the ticket by mail. While I was in Michigan in grad school 6 months later got a letter suspending my driving privleges for 3 months in New Jersey. Taught me a lesson for sure. :P

explorerx4

Del, what state are the plates on your car from?

deltheking

Texas.

explorerx4

That's what I thought. Maybe you could claim you phone wasn't really on, you were just trying to look cool like all those other drivers with New Jersey plates headed into NYC.

deltheking

Nah Explorer-- No chance!! LOL!! :shades:

He saw me talking and specifically motioned to me to kindly move to the side so that he can issue the ticket! :P

oldfarmer50

"...need all your help folks..."

I'm coming out of lurking mode to answer this one...

Most states have turned police officers into "revenue enhancement officers" these days so you can assume that NJ doesn't give a rats backside about how dangerous you were while talking on your cell at 5mph. They just want the old dough-ray-me.. Therefore, I would forget the lawyer and go to court yourself. From my many court visits in NYS over my son's tickets I've learned that the DA (or his representative) will offer a non-points on you license deal in exchange for a guilty plea to parking on the pavement or some such nonsense. The gubmint gets your money and you go and vote for the Tea Party and everybody is happy. The system is rigged to make the result the same for everybody so paying a lawyer seems like wasted money.

Unless you get intimidated by judges or (like me) are prone to angry outbursts over the state of justice in America; I say do it yourself.

explorerx4

'Farm, great to hear from you. I was worried you were going to be found in a year or two like a dried out mummy behind the wheel of that Astro van.

deltheking

OF, happy that my post could get you out of lurking mode. We prefer you to be a poster and not just a lurker!! :shades:

Again,agree with what you say. Also it depends on the severity of the offense. If it`s reckless driving or 20 over the limit or school zone --then best to get an attorney. For other minor speeding tickets, you can plea bargain directly with the DA. But if as you say,you are petrified of courts,DA's,judges,LE officers--then better to hire a a lawyer !! :P

And ,would be great to see you hanging in here and posting !!

oldfarmer50

"...a dried out mummy behind the wheel of that ASTRO van..."

LOL! Astro van indeed! I drive a fine 1988 GMC full sized Vandura. :lemon: It starts and takes the tomatoes to market, that's all you can ask of any vehicle. As to being a dried out mummy it sounds like you've been talking to my wife about me.

sterlingdog

I'm having trouble interpreting your second question. Do you mean N.C. drivers who get tickets in IL, or IL drivers who gt tickets in N.C.? If I get a ticket in IL, it doesn't matter if IL has a point system. The ticket will be judged here based on the moving violation and the speed involved. We have a chart listing the number of points based on the severity of the violation. Hope I answered your question.

Richard

fezo

OF - great to see you back in here! Was worried about you. Don't be a stranger - this is a better place with your presence.

fezo

In NJ any moving violation from another state is 2 points. Had that happen in the early 90s with a Florida speeding ticket. Was going fast enough that it would have been four points here. BTW - that was in a rental Corsica. If nothing else those things could move....

sterlingdog

Yes, there are times when a plea bargain situation is necessary. Still, let me assure you that the "good old boy network" is alive and well in most places---especially in the South.

There is one place in this country where you don't want to play---Virginia. They don't plea bargain, supervise, forgive, or listen to money. The ticket is the ticket---live with it. They do make one exception, but it's put on your shoulders. You may go to Virginia and attend one of their driving schools. If you pass the class, they won't tell your home state. I should know. I've attended three of their driving schools at my own expense!

Richard

jipster

I'm coming out of lurking mode to answer this one...

You must have lost a bet with your wife oldfarmer, you've never been one to lurk. Welcome back though. How's your sons car doing since the low to nonexistent engine oil problem?

deltheking

Guess,Traffic attorneys wouldn`t like Virginia a great deal.. And I did not know about Virginia`s strict rule. That sounds draconian ! :shades:

You can bet--anytime I drive through Virginia-never have driven there- I will be extremely alert. So what did you do in those driving schools? Seems like you were a frequent flier there with Elite mileage status. LOL ! :P

explorerx4

One time we were in Virginia, headed back home from Florida, on I-95 North.
All of a sudden, everyone hits their brakes.
There is a state trooper STANDING between the lanes motioning everyone to slow down.
As I drove by, looking at him, probably with my jaw hanging open, he gave one of the 'what are looking at boy?' looks.
OK, eyes back forward. Right after that, I see a car crashed out off the right shoulder with a big tire mark in the driver's door.
Note to self, 'Be very careful driving in Virginia'.

houdini1

Glad you are back. I missed you !! Us old guys got to stick together !!

snakeweasel

That answers the question and I thought that would be the case. Here in IL they don't use a point system, it's three moving violations in any 12 month period and you lose your driving privileges. Of course certain violations mean an automatic suspension of driving privileges.

jmonroe

I'm coming out of lurking mode to answer this one...

‘farmer’, good to hear from you again. Don’t think for a minute you get back in, just like that. Lurking fines dues have been doubled while you were away.

If you have a sales tale all is forgiven and you get a pass, this time. Your choice. :shades:

jmonroe

explorerx4

Tell me about pumpkins this year. Are their a lot of them or is it an off year?
My kids are in college, but we are still going to go for a hay ride to buy them and do some carving, in a couple of weeks.

driver100

I drive a fine 1988 GMC full sized Vandura

Nice to have you back. I thought you drove the Vandura out to the lower 40 and it stalled and you didn't make it back.

Look forward to hearing more of your words of wisdom.

sterlingdog

No, let's not go there again. Those wheels could have been turned an extra ten degrees. (Joke)

Richard

mako1a

I agree, welcome back to the chaos capitol, farmer.
We need some dry humor to go with all that wisdom.

Jayrider...you got a ticket on the NJTP in 1968??
No way, I drove from exit 3 to 15b every day of 1969 and there was no speed limit. Just don't get caught weaving in and out of traffic. Honestly, I hit 110 without fear and as soon as I slowed down just a little I got passed. Unbelievable. (1963 T-Bird with a 390)

sterlingdog

In many states where I have received tickets, I had to pay the attorney PLUS court costs PLUS the original ticket fine. Your state may be different.

Richard

mako1a

Did someone say Virginia is Draconian?
I like to drive efficiently fast and I live in Virginia.

Except for that faux paus last year in the Avalon I'm ok with the state.

85 in a 65 only works if you have a rifle rack with a 12 gauge mounted.

sterlingdog

Don't be too sure about that arrest warrant. It does happen.

Richard

sterlingdog

You reminded me of another strategy that I have used. For my N.C. tickets, I had a mechanic who charged $85 to calibrate the odometer in my favor. He used the official state form and his wife notarized it. That made my attorney extremely happy.

Richard

sterlingdog

It's not always just the prosecutor. I have had lawyers who postponed my case in court for months. They were waiting on their favorite judge to hear the case. It makes their lives easier, and definitely makes mine easier.

Richard

houdini1

Now how in the world would you know that ? Sheepish grin

sterlingdog

It was a real hoot. We had eight hours of intense instruction along with parking lot demonstrations of how to properly drive. I attended two different schools, but the third time I wound back up in the first school with the same instructor. It cracked him up. He told the class that I was his "assistant". At the end we had written exams. I felt as if I was 16 again. One of the times, the trip was real expensive. My wife decided to take off from work and go with me. She shopped the entire time that I was in class!

Richard

sterlingdog

IL gives you three chances during 12 months???!!! Man, I have lived in the wrong state!

Richard

sterlingdog

"Now how in the world would you know that?"

I'll take the 5th on that one---amendment AND bottle!

Richard

houdini1

I had rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.

sterlingdog

WELL! You old tomato geezer. I was thinking about you just yesterday. I was getting worried that you fell into the briar patch down at the end of the south forty. It's so good to have you back. We've really missed you. I don't remember giving you a pass to miss this much school. Your homework is to read the 2,000 posts that you may have missed. You may skip the ones on dishwashers, cell phones, car waxes, geometry lessons, etc. In that case, you'll be caught up in about 20 minutes. Stick with us. We need that dry wit and that common sense that has made you famous here. BTW, I got a "new" car. See post 58951. At least it's related to car sales. (Joke)

Richard

snakeweasel

Well two chances, third time you lose.

mako1a

I was tooling along in my old van with 217,500 miles on it.

I spied a sign saying cheap cars on sale today only.

WooHoo, now if I can only find one I like. There it was...at the end of the aisle.

1998 Ford Explorer. I asked for the keys, checked it out. Everything is good.

Do you take cheap trades on cheap cars? Yes, they do. Test drive went fine.
Then the trade evaluation.

Guy looks stern. You know, sir your van has over 200k on it and we'll have to wholesale it. Fine with me. Just give me $2,000 and you can burn it in effigy.

He says $1400. I said no way, I'll have to sell it myself. He says "so 2000 will do it?

I said yes it will. He tells the salesman "write it up" 30 minutes of hauling all my stuff to the Explorer and a trip to the business office and we're done. They even let me put it on a Visa card and bring my title in tomorrow.

The best part, it has an aftermarket Pioneer CD/deck with good speakers I can hear.

roadburner

Don't be too sure about that arrest warrant. It does happen.

Arrest warrants are rarely issued for traffic cases(DUIs and no insurance w/ an accident are the major exceptions). What does get issued is a Failure To Appear(FTA) which is entered into the citing state's database and from there to every other state. An FTA essentially suspends your license if you fail to respond to the demand letter. No state is going to extradite someone for inconsequential traffic charges such as speeding and such...

sterlingdog

Delightful story. Care to tell us how many miles the Explorer had and how much they were asking? Inquiring minds are itching to know.

Richard

sterlingdog

The laws must have changed since 1973. :shades:

Richard

mako1a

Sure, Richard. Explorer has only 118,000 and they had it priced at $4,800.

With TTL and trade it came to $3,371.45

This was more fun than buying a new car ever was.

cdnpinhead

I'm coming out of lurking mode. . .

'bout time!!

Good to hear from you again. Don't be a stranger.

jmonroe

I had rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.

They’re not so bad.

jmonroe