Speeding tickets are some of the most common tickets we encounter. The large majority of people who drive typically have gotten a speeding ticket before. A speeding ticket is frustrating, and can result in drivers license points, higher insurance premiums, and a revoked license. However, there are typically many options that can be used to help your case. For some speeding tickets, they may be resolved through pleading to an Improper Equipment, which will limit the effects on your license and your insurance. If the Assistant District Attorney is unwilling to agree to this, then a Prayer for Judgment Continued may be appropriate. When this is used, you are essentially pleading guilty to the underlying charge, but the judge will suspend any punishment if the court costs are paid. You cannot simply ask for a Judgement Continued at any time- there are certain times when a judge will not grant a Prayer for Judgment Continued.
Another option may be to agree to a reduction in speed. This is especially helpful when the alleged speed is so excessive that the license could be revoked automatically upon conviction of the offense. A reduction in speed would still have you pleading to a speeding offense, but one that will not result in your license being revoked. In other cases, if two or more crimes or infractions are charged, then one or more of them may be dismissed if the other one(s) are pled to.
Notice that the theme is compromise. The defendant (or his or her attorney), pleads to something, or gives something, and the Assistant District Attorney dismisses the charges or allows a plea to a lessor charge. This system helps get traffic tickets resolved as painless as possible for the person who was ticketed, and for the State. So the next time you get a speeding ticket, remember that there may be several options in your case. Which one is best for you depends on your driving record, and the facts and circumstances surrounding your case.
