[duky]

Lawyer for sure. I was booked doing quite a bit over and there was threat of license suspension yada yada but lawyer helped with all that. It can be expensive but it's definitely worth it in the long run. Don't listen to the "go to court and fight it solo" folks. Not only is it a waste of time on your part (lawyer can go on your behalf) but it's also less effective since the lawyers know the system and all the tricks etc

[jtodd_fl]

To the OP. I have law enforcement in the family. I can tell you that attitude is everything. When you appear, generally the "I did something wrong and am willing to take the consequences" is the right approach. Your situation SOUNDS like you are a good candidate for getting it pled down to something with less dire consequences (although maybe not financially for the state). Your aim should be to keep the charge optimized for follow-on insurance and points benefits. Of course, as always, ymmv. Good luck.

[WillC310]

Originally Posted by Vic311

I still don't see your point. What difference does it make if the info was correct and previously answered by a LEO? Why recreate the wheel if the info already exists? Also quoting 2014 vs 2012 is just being petty. Ok the fines went up by $10. You win..

Providing up to date information helps the OP in making an informed decision. $10 is petty but it's a different story if the 2014 fees were double the 2012 rates. CA is hard up for cash and they've been increasing those hidden costs year over year. The cost vs. benefit of a lawyer is probably going to be viewed differently for a $500 ticket compared to a $1000 ticket.

[Vic311]

Originally Posted by WillC310

Providing up to date information helps the OP in making an informed decision. $10 is petty but it's a different story if the 2014 fees were double the 2012 rates. CA is hard up for cash and they've been increasing those hidden costs year over year. The cost vs. benefit of a lawyer is probably going to be viewed differently for a $500 ticket compared to a $1000 ticket.

But it didn't double, did it? I don't know any municipalities whose fines double in two years time. I lived in CA and just recently moved to NY so I have some knowledge of how things work there.

Seems your only reason to post on this thread was to try to embarrass me because I posted a yahoo answers quote which even though was correct, some how offended your sensibilities

OP you have all the info now. Good luck on adjudicating this.

[Twix]

I got my last driving award lowered on the spot because I admitted that I "let the car get away from me". Cop reduced my fine to the lowest possible infraction with no demerit points