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Just got a bull**** ticket. Should I get a lawyer?

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by Xerobull, Jan 17, 2012.

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  1. juicystream

    juicystream Member

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    I'm obsessed with using my turn signal. I wish cops would pull people over regularly for not using it.
     
    #101 juicystream, Jan 19, 2012
  2. Prince

    Prince Member

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    literally you make sense.. figuratively you make cents.
     
    #102 Prince, Jan 19, 2012
  3. The Boz

    The Boz Member

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    Xerobull, did you google Texas Surcharge?

    Point System
    Points are assessed to moving traffic violation convictions. Once the conviction has been added to the driver record, points will be assigned and will remain on the driver record for a period of three (3) years. Points are assigned as follows:
    a.Two (2) points for a Texas or out-of-state moving violation conviction. Moving violations are defined by 37 TEX. ADMIN. CODE ยง15.89.
    b.Three (3) points for a Texas or out-of-state moving violation conviction that resulted in a crash.

    http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/drp.htm

    A surcharge will be assessed when the driver accumulates a total of six (6) points or more on the driver record. The driver is required to pay a $100 surcharge for the first six (6) points and $25 for each additional point.
    The driver record will be reviewed annually and if it continues to reflect six (6) or more points, the surcharge will be assessed. Drivers may be required to pay for one or more years. Point surcharges may vary with each annual assessment if convictions are added or removed from the driver record.

    If convicted, you will have six points. It will cost you the fine plus $100 per year to keep your licence. Don't listen to the guys saying don't get a lawyer. Your chances are much better with lawyer.
     
    #103 The Boz, Jan 19, 2012
  4. Xerobull

    Xerobull ...and I'm all out of bubblegum
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    Got a local lawyer today, $250 which takes me through a Jury trial if need be. I figure it's a relatively small gamble considering the $500 for the tickets, $300 for three years worth of points fines and who knows how much extra insurance.

    Also, after five seconds of describing the attitude of the cop, he guessed who it was.
     
    #104 Xerobull, Feb 6, 2012
  5. Xerobull

    Xerobull ...and I'm all out of bubblegum
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    Just got back from court. I ended up paying $290 and getting 120 days probation- if I don't get a ticket in that time, the tickets are all dismissed.

    I thought about taking it to a jury trial, but honestly I don't want to take the time for it. $540 isn't chump change, but it's not enough for me to take who knows how long in court.
     
    #105 Xerobull, Feb 27, 2012
  6. alexcapone

    alexcapone Member

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    Damn that sucks. Just got back from court this morning. In by 8:00AM out by 9:15. Case dismissed. David Sprecher was my attorney but he wasn't even in the courtroom. It was one of his young new hires that looked so inexperienced. He still handled it anyway without any problems.

    There was even a 10 page thread on my ticket:
    http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=208441
     
    #106 alexcapone, Feb 28, 2012
  7. morpheus133

    morpheus133 Member

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    If you weren't going to fight the ticket, you could have asked for probation without paying a lawyer.
     
    #107 morpheus133, Feb 28, 2012
  8. alexcapone

    alexcapone Member

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    I agree. I got a lawyer because I was prepared to go to trial under any circumstance so it made sense. It's funny because if you read the thread I started about my ticket most people said I had no chance. For $100 and one hour of my time I got it dismissed. That's 10x better than probation/defensive driving.
     
    #108 alexcapone, Feb 28, 2012
  9. SwoLy-D

    SwoLy-D Member

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    :eek: And herein lies your conundrum... or... issue...

    Well done, sir. Your time is that valuable... so... you take THAT road. OK. :cool:
     
    #109 SwoLy-D, Feb 28, 2012
  10. alexcapone

    alexcapone Member

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    Xero who was your lawyer? $250 bucks is kind of steep for a lawyer that got you what you could have gotten yourself...and especially for a BS ticket. Next time get David Sprecher or Sullo/Sullo.
     
    #110 alexcapone, Feb 28, 2012
  11. emjohn

    emjohn Member

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    They really, really really aren't. I don't know why folks say this if they haven't been around. Virginia cops/troopers are militant. Utah state police all but hunt for out-of-state drivers.
    http://www.radardetector.net/forums...962-what-state-police-do-you-think-worst.html

    And ultimately, people get too bent out of shape over tickets. 99% of the time, they did exactly what the cop cites them for. Yes, you get away with it almost all the time and aren't a danger, but that doesn't mean you're in the right. It's like the folks that feel they're doing no wrong when B/T'ing movies/music/software.

    Plead no contest, take comedy defensive driving, slow down a little, and be aware of bear traps. Ultimately, you're in a traveling living room with great AC and stereo system - enjoy the ride.
     
    #111 emjohn, Feb 28, 2012
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2012
  12. Xerobull

    Xerobull ...and I'm all out of bubblegum
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    My lawyer was local to the town, which is in the DFW area. I was hoping for better, but meh, what can you do. Like swoly said, i chose to lump it rather than take my time in court. My time is finite and valuable. Which is why I post on internet message boards all day.

    Sitting there listening to the judge and lawyers go back and forth on tickets, I got the sense that there are a lot of combo tickets being written like my own. Be careful out there.

    Oh yeah, speaking of lawyers, they thought I was one when I walked in. I sat on the front row and was asked if I was a lawyer. I said 'why, is this the lawyer row?' (not sarcastically). Would have been funnier, in retrospect, if I had walked out without paying anything.
     
    #112 Xerobull, Feb 28, 2012
  13. cdeezballz

    cdeezballz Member

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    I got a ticket from DPS when I was in Big Springs, TX. Hired a lawyer, got the ticket dismissed and saved me from having to show up in court. I think it just depends on what you think your time is worth.
     
    #113 cdeezballz, Feb 28, 2012
  14. alexcapone

    alexcapone Member

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    Time is money..if the ticket is too expensive you're better off spending your time.
     
    #114 alexcapone, Feb 28, 2012
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