Drag Racing Ticket, need some help....
 

Hey fellow street racers. Well I got my first ticket tonight, a Drag racing ticket. I have to go to court, the ticket has no mph on it. All it has on it is the S.B. maroon mustang and maroon camaro were accelerating rapidly as I passed near by. Now I was not roasting them nor going over the speed limit. So what to say to the judge, opinios please. Has ayone ever gotten out of one? Thans alot, see ya.

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3:55's,BBK Off-Road H-pipe,BBK jet-hot coated equal length shorty headers,BBK 70mm Throttle Body,BBK adjustable clutch quadrant,C & L 76mm Mass air meter, PRO 5.0, Subframe connectors, Cobra R's 17x9 w/ 245's,Trick Flow Intake,Flowmaster Force II exhaust system, Super Duty T5,Centerforce II Clutch,Heavy Duty Radiator,9mm Ford racing plug wires,Accel cap and Rotor, moroso battery relocation kit, strut tower brace, 4 inch harwood cool hood, autometer phantom gauges

http://www.geocities.com/i8ur

You can say whatever you want but the definition of drag racing (contest of speed, at least here in Metro Detroit, MI) is that two cars accelerating side-by-side (or close to it) IS drag racing and IS illegal here in MI even if you are going under the speed limit.

It's your word against the cops. I would plead guilty. Maybe you can get a reduced sentence (like probation and no points).

I wish you the best of luck. Did you know that in MI you can go to jail for 90 days for drag racing? I almost found that out the hard way. I was so shaken up by my "close call" with prison time that I disassembled my mustang and it still sits here not running today (2 years later).

You are lucky that you didn't get hauled in and get your car impounded....they are very strict here in OKC. I do know that in OKC the minimum fine is $2500, loss of liscense and comm service.

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Dustin
Saleenized 89 GT,428 rwhp,TFS Street Heat Intake,TFS TW Heads,TFS #2 cam,BD-11A 9 psi,FRPP 1.6 rr's,BBK 70mm TB,Pro-M 75mm Bullet,MSD 6BTM, FMS 9mm wires,BBK longtubes,BBK Short H-pipe,American Thunder cat back,3.55's

12.3@119

http://www.mustangworks.com/rides/pictures/Listing1549-slot1.jpg

Dude that sucks. Don't even try to contest it. Just lick your wounds and grow from this experience. Cop's word always wins.

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92 GT, 4:10 gears, centerforce clutch, 6# powerdyne blower, bbk h-pipe, flowmasters

So how can they supposedly prove that I was racing? Should I just eat it and say yes sir I was drag racing etc..... to the Judge? Or should I say I was cruising third gear and this old crappy camaro comes up next to me and guns it, and takes off. Then like 30 seconds later he turns left and so do I on my way home, then he pulls me over.

[This message has been edited by 1BAD89 (edited 07-14-2001).]

That does suck. You are in a dilema. IF you really weren't drag racing, think about what happened carefully and humbly and respectfully explain it to the judge. That's all you can do.

I would personally have an extremely hard time saying that I was guilty when I definately wasn't just to get a lower fine. Personally, I'd rather pay the ******* fine. But that's just how I am. But if I were guilty, I won't waste time trying to "fix it". In that case, I would've just screwed up and live w/ the consequences.

If you were really charged with "contest of speed", why didn't the deputy lock you up. Sounds a bit fishy to me, but laws vary from state to state. Where was the cop when he saw you? Behind? in front going same direction? In front going opposite direction? Perpendicular to you coming of an intersecting street?? Some things to think about.

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'79 Mustang Coup w/ 4" Cowl
Stock 5.8L, C4 w/ shift kit
Holley 750 cfm, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake
1 5/8" MAC shorty headers, Al driveshaft
2.5" Off road H-pipe, 2-chamber Flowmasters
Front: 225/60/15, Rear: 255/60/15 Eagle GT II
Weld wheels (15x6;15x8), 8.8" Rear w/ 3.55s
14 x 4” K&N air filter (getting the Xtreme setup someday) http://www.mustangworks.com/msgboard/cool.gif

"Red, thou art my companion. Hasten now your quickened metamorphosis to
Green that I may conquer all who dare abide there beside me. May they be left
thither behind burnt black." ---Fox Body

I would hate to be you!! Man that is one mean COP. to pull you over. was the camaro ahead of you did you gun it and pass him????
A fiend was Racing a truck and we both just got Speeding tickets and I know we were not going that fast but bit down and payed them..
How fast did you go up to???

the problem is that the 'racing' subset of 'reckless driving' has no speed attached to it. it is simply "a contest of speed between cars", so if the donut ****** thinks that you were racing, then thats what the judge will go by. cops are assholes, get used to it.

1BAD89

Trust me on this. GET A LAWYER. He might be able to get you off completley, if not at least reduce the charges down to reckless driving.

GET A LAWYER. It might be expensive, but if you get convicted of racing, your insurance will either SKYROCKET, or DROP YOU.

In NC its 12 points on your licenense, only one less point than a DUI (Driving Under Influence). Once again, get a LAWYER, especially if your young, like under the age of 21.

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64 1/2 "D" code Red Mustang Coupe. 289, C4, Mallory duel point. Ported & Polished 65 heads shaved .01 with 351 valves, 11:1 comp, 1.7:1 rockers, blue wolverine lumpy cam, modified 4100 Hipo 4 barrel. GT Apperance pkg. And to many others to list
2000 Perf Red Mustang GT. 5spd. BBK Underdrive pulleys, Flotech off-road H pipe. Hurst T-Handle, 40 series Flowmasters, Steeda Tri-Ax
64 1/2 red 6cyl coupe. http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/contrib...uble0smile.gif

I would just tell the truth. Why should you suffer because one car pulls next to you and guns it?? If you're sincere with your story, he may take sympathy on you. From what I've seen though, they almost always go with what the cop says. Be respectful, and dressing nice(in blue) can help. It's worked for me.

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94GT - GT40 Intake & Heads, 65MM TB, BBK Longtubes, Strut tower brace, K&N, 3 chamber Flows, Hurst Shifter, Cobra R's,

Who won the race http://www.mustangworks.com/msgboard/biggrin.gif? No, kidding aside, whatever you do, don't tell your insurance company (let them find out by themselves - sometimes never do until you change companies and then run your record - I work in insurance). Also, try to speak w/ the cop before you get into court, see if he'll agree to reduce your charge. If not, exlain to the judge your story (don't get loud or argumentative - where nice clothes - no ear rings) he may reduce it to a non-mover or lesser fine. Good luck!

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'90 LX 5.0; 12K original miles (no sh*&); 3.55 gears; pulleys;Edelbrock Performer Heads; BBK shorties; MSD 6AL box w/ blaster 2 coil; Motorsport E303 cam; Pro-M 75mm MAF; BBK 70mm TB; Eibach spring kit; Southside welded subs; K&N cone filter charger; Hurst shifter; fiberglass turbo hood; A/C-less; rear seat-less; cat-less; 2 chamber Flos; Corbeau racing seats (fronts);
30# injectors; JMS Chip; 190 lb fp; TFS track heat Intake (12.299 @ 113)

The cop was going the opposite way on the other street I assume. The ticket just says drag racing on it. I'm 18, I don't have any other tickets or encounters with the law. How many points is it on your license again?
We only get 10 before your license is taking away I believe. How much is a drag racing ticket? So you it just depends on the judge if he's cool or not huh? I think I'm just going to plead guilty and take it as an experience. Maybe the judge will reminence of his days and give simpathy? Doubt it. But if they give you community service, does the ticket still go on your record? Thanks for all your help. Bye guys.

Get a lawyer for sure! Most lawyers that deal with traffic court will represent you for less than $500.00. Get one that specializes in traffic court, these guys always hang around the courts and know all the judges, they know which ones are lenient, etc. Also most lawyers will keep filing continuances until you get put on a docket with a good judge or until the cop doesnt show up. If the cop doesnt show up as State's witness against you, your lawyer can move for dimissal. Back in the day, I had many a case where my attorney filed continuances delaying my court appearance as well as any fine payment for more than a year. By the time my case was heard, I was older (insurance impact lessened), and the cop had quit the force so I got off. When I steet race, I keep my attorney's cell phone number and business card in my wallet!


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Black 2000 GT,5 spd,17" wheels,4:10's,flowmasters Steeda pulleys, timing adjuster, K&N filter

definently get a lawyer.

So what all is a lawyer going to do for me? Does he do all the talking instead of me or what?

The lawyer is going to do the talking for you in court, but more importantly he will get all the info together he needs, look at the state laws regarding your case and take a look at other court cases that have allready been tried. Even if you think you can't afford a lawyer it is way worth your time to at least call one to run your case buy. Otherwise, start reading up on the state laws and other court cases, get your story together and go to court yourself as well prepared as you can. Good luck.

A lawyer will also be able to challenge the cop's account of the incident a lot more effectively than you'll be able to (beyond a reasonable doubt?), courts are pretty intimidating to normal people and lawyers are hardly ever intimidated in a courtroom.

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GT-40 heads (ported, polished, + milled), B303 cam, 1.7rr's, JE pistons, Offy intake, Carter AFB 625cfm carb, Flowtech 1 5/8" shortys, Flowtech X-pipe, MAC Flowpath exhaust, MAC pulleys, 373's, subframes, Eibachs+Tokicos, B&M ripper, FMS Clutch, Zoom Quadrant+cable, 17" CSA Ultra rims, 235/45ZR17 Yokohama AVS S4's, MSD 6A ignition+coil, FMS 9mm wires, Carbed, Naturally Aspirated, and Nasty!

Besides everything else I've already said....yes, I agree, get some legal counsel. He will know the laws, loop holes, cops, judges and terminology.......which will sound a whole lot better than your "uh, uh, umm, umm, uh, ya know, umm, uh....." http://www.mustangworks.com/msgboard/biggrin.gif (nothing personal)!

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'90 LX 5.0; 12K original miles (no sh*&); 3.55 gears; pulleys;Edelbrock Performer Heads; BBK shorties; MSD 6AL box w/ blaster 2 coil; Motorsport E303 cam; Pro-M 75mm MAF; BBK 70mm TB; Eibach spring kit; Southside welded subs; K&N cone filter charger; Hurst shifter; fiberglass turbo hood; A/C-less; rear seat-less; cat-less; 2 chamber Flos; Corbeau racing seats (fronts);
30# injectors; JMS Chip; 190 lb fp; TFS track heat Intake (12.299 @ 113)

Let me just say that I've been in your shoes before...

Definately get a lawyer. I did and it worked out just fine. Drag racing ticket is more serious than most people think. During my court appearance all I ended up saying was "Thank you, Judge Whatever" I had a spotless record going in and ended up with two speeding tickets. Total cost of the tickets was $50 (the minimum) and $25 in court costs. The lawyer was a little more than that but WELL WORTH it in the long run (insurance, could have had my license suspended, etc.)

Do yourself a favor and at least speak with a lawyer - ask around (your family, friends, etc.) a referral usually gets a little better treatment.

Good luck, E

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1991 5.0 LX Coupe - 38,000 miles

13.17 @ 106.14 mph w/ 2.138 60'

I agree, at least talk to an attorney, they will tell you on the first meeting what they will be able to do for you and what you can expect for a penalty.. most attorneys have a free first time visit..

this sounds like a serious violation, i would'nt handle it yourself... one wrong statement to the judge and it's all over (remember most Judges are attorneys, they know what to ask).

Keep us updated... good luck...

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Black,84 GT,ground effects,shorty headers, 'open' dual exh.,302 HO(no pollution control crap),T5,89 ported heads,edelbrock Performer manifold, Edelbrock 2122 cam,600 Holley, high volume oil pump...

gears (4:10's) coming soon. N2O, soon to follow!!!

When I lived in Tacoma, WA I got a speeding ticket. My friend told me about a lawyer that charged 200 dollars. He charged you if he got the ticket thrown out and didn't charge you if he couldn't. Needless to say, on my court day, before the jugde even came in he talked to him in his office and had it thrown out. He did know the judge, I paid the 200 bucks, and that was it.

I don't know if there is more lawyers like that around the country for traffic violations, but it is something to look into.
Brad

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1991 Mustang GT Conv.
Removed silencer, K&N air filter, Cobra manifold, 65mm TB,
Adjustable fuel pressure regulator, 180 thermo., Mac headers,
High flow H-pipe, Force II W/2 chamber Flowmaster,
Hurst Shifter, 3.55 gears, subframes

Thank you guys for all your help! I'll keep you updated on what happens. Thanks.

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3:55's,BBK Off-Road H-pipe,BBK jet-hot coated equal length shorty headers,BBK 70mm Throttle Body,BBK adjustable clutch quadrant,C & L 76mm Mass air meter, PRO 5.0, Subframe connectors, Cobra R's 17x9 w/ 245's,Trick Flow Intake,Flowmaster Force II exhaust system, Super Duty T5,Centerforce II Clutch,Heavy Duty Radiator,9mm Ford racing plug wires,Accel cap and Rotor, moroso battery relocation kit, strut tower brace, 4 inch harwood cool hood, autometer phantom gauges

http://www.geocities.com/i8ur

Sorry to hear about your ticket, bro. Lawyers are there for a reason, and even if he can't get it thrown out, it will allow you to argue your case without you yourself looking like a punk kid who thihnks he knows the law. Cause that's what they think, I've been there. http://www.mustangworks.com/msgboard/frown.gif

speeYUK what kind of car youd drive, your from tulsa right? Yeah I called a lawyer but he wasn't a traffic lawyer, and he was like well a lawyer is going to charge you 500-1000 to stand there and he really can't do anything, it's up to the judge, and then he went into if it was in a school zone etc... you'd have to have a lawyer. So I don't know, I go next Thursday so... Thanks for all your input.

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3:55's,BBK Off-Road H-pipe,BBK jet-hot coated equal length shorty headers,BBK 70mm Throttle Body,BBK adjustable clutch quadrant,C & L 76mm Mass air meter, PRO 5.0, Subframe connectors, Cobra R's 17x9 w/ 245's,Trick Flow Intake,Flowmaster Force II exhaust system, Super Duty T5,Centerforce II Clutch,Heavy Duty Radiator,9mm Ford racing plug wires,Accel cap and Rotor, moroso battery relocation kit, strut tower brace, 4 inch harwood cool hood, autometer phantom gauges

http://www.geocities.com/i8ur

Don't waste your time with a lawyer. Quite frankly, they are worthless in the courtroom vs traffic citations. I've seen at least 10 instances with a lawyer present for a traffic violation, not one SINGLE incident has ever been anything but guilty.

You won't see a judge at your first visit. You'll have an arraignment where you talk to a prosecutor. If you have a lawyer there, and he knows the other lawyer, he may get a little slack, but it's very very doubtful. It'll be one favor for another. (You plead guilty, they reduce it, you still get fucked)Bottom line, you wern't racing.

Here's what you want to do. Talk to the prosecutor at the arraignment. Tell him what really happend. You weren't racing, and if you were, you would have killed that crappy pile 'o Camaro. Tell him you certainly weren't over the speed limit (that ticket is very weak if it's only got that little tidbit written on it), and that just because a car fly's past you doesn't mean you were racing it. Harass the police department. Make sure you get a copy of the officers written report on the incident. He MUST have that document to refer to as the traffic citation isn't worth **** for memory. The officer should have written up the incident at the end of his shift, or soon afterwards so he could use that as a refresher when court time rolls around. Get a copy, and harass the cop shop until you do. If they don't release it to you, tell the prosecutor that you have been asking for it, name off people that you have spoken with at the police department in an effort to obtain that document, and when you called/dropped in, and that you really would like to see it. They MUST by law let you have that document. If they don't, it's withholding evidence.

My best guess is the ******* doughnut eatin, flatfooted, overweight, under brained, powertrip with a nightstick either didn't write up anything worth crap, or there will be so many holes in his document that it'll be worthless.

Memorize that thing, if it exists, and find every conceivable hole in it. Make sure you know more about the cops testimony than the cop does. If the prosecutor claims the officer said something that you know wasn't on the document, point that out to him at the arraignment. Say you have a copy of the document the officer is using, and he doens't make any references to that? How would the officer remember? He makes 20 stops a day, and it's been weeks since then. You'll blow a hole 10 miles wide in the case with that.

Here's the truth, prosecutors do NOT like to lose. They really HATE wasting their time, the judges time, and other people's time with a case that doens't hold water. Did they catch the other party? If not, they are way in **** creek. If they did, try to get to the other party first, let them know that you are going to plead not guilty, because you weren't really racing.

If you get an ******* hick prosecutor and he doesn't see it your way at all, ask for some time to consult a lawyer, and reschedule a brief meeting before the trial itself, it actually goes to trial, and the prosecutor is an *** and doesn't listen. Go ahead and see what the lawyer can do for you. I don't think it'll do you any good, but take all the odds you can get.

This post may be a little disorganized, but I've beaten the ticket you have before.

The prosecutor didn't have any info on me when I showed up for the arraignment, all he had was the citation. He literally asked "Why are you here?" I had to point it out to him on the ticket. He then told me the three possibilities for what would happen based on my story, since the cop is rarely there for the arraignment.

#1 If what you say is true, we'll be dismissing the case.
#2 If the officer that wrote you the ticket isn't the officer that actually witnessed the event, we'll be dismissing.
#3 If the officer really said that ("All I have to go on is what the other officer said he thought he saw." ticketing officer), we'll be dismissing.
#4 If I don't get some more evididence very soon, we'll be dismissing.

Anyway you look at it, we'll pretty much be dismissing.

Good luck, man.

Unit 5302: That all sounds great to beat the system and all, but the fact is he is an 18 year old kid. He will most likely be nervous and fumble his words, etc... 9 times out of 10 the court will eat him alive if he tries to fight it by himself. It has happened to me a few times.

An 18 year old kid in a Mustang accused of racing? Your hit. Get the lawyer. Get one you are comfortable with. You will never even see a judge. He will talk behind the scenes with the prosecutor and they will tell you how much your reduced fine is. If you have no previous record you'll probably get no points and just pay a small fine and court costs. Plus 300-500 for the lawyer. Don't pay more than this. Before I found my lawyer a couple wanted to charge me 1000.00!!!!! For a freakin' drag racing ticket!!!

I too have experience. I have had about 4 drag racing tickets that I can remember.

THANKS ALOT GUYS. I will keep you posted on what happens. That is kind of what I was thinking, that if I say guilty then I am screwed hardcore either way I look at it. They did NOT pull over the other guy, so.... I just hope I don't get bent over, and have to squel like a pig for 30 minutes. =P heh I am kind of siding with UNIT'S approach, I am semi-nervous, or I will be at the time. So I need to decide on what I am going to say now, so I can get a copy of his report? Thanks again.

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3:55's,BBK Off-Road H-pipe,BBK jet-hot coated equal length shorty headers,BBK 70mm Throttle Body,BBK adjustable clutch quadrant,C & L 76mm Mass air meter, PRO 5.0, Subframe connectors, Cobra R's 17x9 w/ 245's,Trick Flow Intake,Flowmaster Force II exhaust system, Super Duty T5,Centerforce II Clutch,Heavy Duty Radiator,9mm Ford racing plug wires,Accel cap and Rotor, moroso battery relocation kit, strut tower brace, 4 inch harwood cool hood, autometer phantom gauges

http://www.geocities.com/i8ur

By the way I am going to wear black dress pants, a long sleeved white shirt(the fancy ones) =P, and a tie, and some black shoes. And I'm taking all my earrings out, and I have let my hair grow out, it was kinda shaved. I think this would help a little bit, rather me show up in a tank top and shorts. Thanks again you guys are great.

Well, I guess since I was 19 at the time, I had a tremendous amount more composure. http://www.mustangworks.com/msgboard/biggrin.gif

LOL, I'm only 24 now!

The most important thing to remember is the prosecutor doesn't want to waste his time on a case that he can't, won't, or probably won't win. They are people too, and they'd rather bust the real bad guys.

Ok I talked to another Lawyer and his cost was $500, he said he would plea bargain and offer community service, and he could probaly get it down to a couple hundred dollars. He was going to get a copy of the police report, and he said 99.9% of the time people plead NOT GUILTY, they are found GUILTY. And he said if I did that, there is a possibility I could go to Jail. Then I got to thinking that if he doesn't get anything reduced, or dismissed, there's a waste of $500. Quite a bit of money too me. =o/ So I went down to got a copy of the police report, well the guy told me there was not one......So.......? Then I called the court clerk I believe and asked if I "really" needed a lawyer and she said " No, not on your first offense." , she acted like it was not a big deal. And she also said I would take care of everything that day, pay for it and all, but the lawyer said they would set another date. Which one is it? I also got a copy of the actual law, and it says the a fine of no less than $25.00 and no more than $500.00. I was writting a reply a second ago and I spent about 30 minutes on it and wrote the exact law word for word and everything, and I made a spelling error and backspaced and it went back to the last page and it wouldn't let me go foward and IT ERASED IT! Oh Well....So here is my plans for Thursday, Go in there, well dressed, very respectful, and if I have the chance to talk/ or make a request, then I am going to ask if there is a chance I could take a Defensive Driving Course and do community service to lessen the fine or etc....? Any input??? I mean no police report, not a detailed write up on the ticket, this is my first EVER ticket, they didn't stop the other guy, I've never been in trouble with the law before, I wasn't speeding, nor burning out. That all makes me want to try and get out of it, but if I do that, then I am in front of a jury etc.... and jail? No thank you please. So I am probaly going to plead guilty and hope the judge sees that I am a good guy, and I made a mistake, and it won't happen again!(Like 500 people ranging from old guys in odd ball cars to kid's in newer GT's to a 95 ZR1<---sweet car, and a nice guy I might add) have tried to race me since the ticket) all I can say is I have alot of self control and I'm pretty smart not to do it again(on the street).....=P Well what do you guys think?

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3:55's,BBK Off-Road H-pipe,BBK jet-hot coated equal length shorty headers,BBK 70mm Throttle Body,BBK adjustable clutch quadrant,C & L 76mm Mass air meter, PRO 5.0, Subframe connectors, Cobra R's 17x9 w/ 245's,Trick Flow Intake,Flowmaster Force II exhaust system, Super Duty T5,Centerforce II Clutch,Heavy Duty Radiator,9mm Ford racing plug wires,Accel cap and Rotor, moroso battery relocation kit, strut tower brace, 4 inch harwood cool hood, autometer phantom gauges

http://www.geocities.com/i8ur

You sound like a smart kid who got the crap scared out of him buy all this, which is a good thing. Eventually you'll come back to the dark side and race again! http://www.mustangworks.com/msgboard/smile.gif Anyways, good luck, sounds like you have a good plan and let us know what happens!

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'95 Chrome Yellow GT ragtop, KN filter charger, Dynomax cat back, Accel plugs and wires.

What are you tellin this guy?? DONT GET A LWAYER??? THERE USLESS AGAINST TRAFFIC OFENSES??? your on crack dude you gotta get a lawyer itl cost ya but youll get off wont be on your license youll pay a fine might have to take a driver course but its worth it im tellin ya get a good lawyer!!!!

It's my first offense ever.....I don't think they will be too hard on me, maybe a couple hundred, that's my feeling on this. It really hasn't scared the crap out of me, I've been realatively calm throughout this whole ordeal. It's just if there is a chance of going to jail, however minor that chance might be, I think it would be stupid of me to take it. And the Lawyer was going to be $500. And he said he could get it to a couple hundred dollars maybe..... So this is why I decided against a lawyer.....First off I think I am going to come out of this lucky....since it is my first offense etc....2nd of all, in the worst case scenario, the judge gives me a $500 dollar fine(which I seriously seriously doubt he will) but....$500+court costs etc.....let's say $600. OK well a lawyer = $500+if he can get it down to a couple hundred, that is if.....so that is $700 at least. And my gut feeling is I won't get much on my first offense, but if I do then it's still cheaper.

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3:55's,BBK Off-Road H-pipe,BBK jet-hot coated equal length shorty headers,BBK 70mm Throttle Body,BBK adjustable clutch quadrant,C & L 76mm Mass air meter, PRO 5.0, Subframe connectors, Cobra R's 17x9 w/ 245's,Trick Flow Intake,Flowmaster Force II exhaust system, Super Duty T5,Centerforce II Clutch,Heavy Duty Radiator,9mm Ford racing plug wires,Accel cap and Rotor, moroso battery relocation kit, strut tower brace, 4 inch harwood cool hood, autometer phantom gauges

http://www.geocities.com/i8ur

Do you have a friend or relitive that will go into court with you ? "It helps if you Dad
or a respectable friend goes in with you. The judge tends to believe your parents wouldnt back you up in something like this.
Also dont offer things at first they see that as kinda guilty. Just tell the judge what happened. And if things arent going good them offer an alternitive. Also "Explain that you wouldnt endanger your own life Street racing and can see how the polic e officer over reacted but wouldnt let you explain at the time.

When i was 16 i got a dangerous driving tiket because another driver complained at a minor fender bender "my brothers brakes gave out when i borrowed his car my parents backed me up at court and the cop finally told the judge he ticketed me because the other guy bit@hed so much.

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89 with 395 single stage n2o .garret t3. 373's Suspention worked out finnaly . need cage .

Thanks for all your help guys. I think I am going to just plead guilty, because if not then I have to have a trial with a jurry and the works...If I plead guilty though I hope, the judge hasn't had a bad experience with someone drag racing. Thanks again.

[This message has been edited by 1BAD89 (edited 07-24-2001).]

Good luck dude! Hopefully the judge will remember his fast car/girl chasing days!

Hopefully....=P

89- I've got both cars in my sig. Right now the VR-4's interior is stripped out for some speakers to replace the blown factory ones, so I'm driving Ghetto Thunder down there. That poor SC has been through hell. Been broken into twice in 6 months (once at the dealership while having warranty work done), windows broken out, ford screwing up work on her, just a big run of bad luck. But anyway, it's alright. I'm out on memorial pretty often in the green VR-4, so if you see me, give me a yell or something. My name's Will. What does your car look like?

Oh, there are a few green 3000GT's on memorial, and I've been told that one guy with a green VR-4 is a jerk. So, anyway, here's link to a pic of my car, just so you know what it looks like. I'm a pretty friendly guy, so if you run up on a jerk in a VR-4, it's probably not me. http://www.mustangworks.com/msgboard/smile.gif
http://www.3si.org/upload/catfishfront.jpg

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'96 3000GT VR-4
'94 Thunderbird SC

[This message has been edited by Speeyuk (edited 07-18-2001).]

I am surprised that no one has told you this yet. I am going to assume that laws and court are the same state state or at least for the most part. You are going to Traffic court and other small offenses... there is not going to be a Jury.... before court you are going to met with the prosecutor... you will be given the oppurtunity to to state you case and facts, and discuss what your plea is going to be. Yes if you plead guilty the prosecutor will tell the Judge and also recommand to the Judge what the state thinks should happen. I also know that 99% is really high for convicting not guilty pleas. Even my wife was given two tickets for burnng my tires in my stang.. Exabition of spped and careless, she bet both no tickets no lawyer and no court fees, she just told the prosecutor... her deal.. they will work with you depending on evidence, past history, and etc... You sound like a good kid and I think that you should first explain your innocense to the pros. before you think about telling your judge that you are guilty. I think that you have a good chance... and also if the cop doesn't show then they will reschedule and then if it happens again it will be dismissed.. I share this first hand knowedgle with you because I was a witness to a incidence in the parking lot at work, I was the only witness and I have been to court 6 times since last feb. I have seen many cases and have become somewhat fimiliar with the procedures, since everytime I have been there it was a full house....... NOT ALWAYS IS THE POLICE OFFICERS WORD GOLDEN!

GOOD LUCK AND I WILL SAY A PRAYER FOR YOU TONIGHT!

No police report, no evidence. If there is a police report, you have been denied access to evidence. Did the guy in the Camaro get a ticket, too? If not, selective prosecution. How can only one person be drag racing? Getting penalized for asking for your rightful day in court? I think not. It's really unAmerican having to fear your day in court, especially if you're innocent.

I pled not guilty once in my life because the cop had the speed limit for the road wrong and he didn't get his radar gun properly calibrated. I lost, but the fine was only $44 which is what it was supposed to be. I was pissed that the cop lied, but that's nothing I can change.

If you legitimately don't think you were breaking the law, you should definitely fight it. If you were racing and you knew it, then try to make a deal with the prosecutor for probation or something.

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351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

I'm going with jimberg, why would you want to plead guilty if you don't thin that you are? I didn't realise you were just going to traffic court, if so talk to the prosecutor like the others have said.


Maybe I'm just stubborn, but there's no way I'd just plead guilty without a fight if I were innocent, make sure you do mention the lack of a police report and the fact the other driver wasn't charged as well.

Well I am going with guilty, 8:30 in the morning. =P I'll post when I get back.

Hey guys...I got back from court about 12'ish. Here's how it went. I was in the court room, they called my name, and he said you can either higher a lawyer or represent yourself and talk to the prosecutor. Since I choose not to go with a lawyer, I spoke to him myself. He said I've recommended to the Judge that you do these things, and gave me two options. 1st option, pay $200+court costs and it's a done deal. 2nd option, 6 months probation, within that 6 months I cannot get any kind of ticket, and I am banished from 41st-81st memorial for the 6 months, I cannot go there with a friend in another car so on.......BANISHED! =*( 48 hours of community service, and a defensive drivers course(8 hours). And after the 6 months is over and if I have followed my probation the ticket will be reduced to a 50mph in a 40mph($100) and THAT will not go on my record! No points etc.....Overall it will probaly be around $300 for everything.....The course, court costs, the ticket, etc....So at first I was like option 1, I'll just pay it and it's over! But then I got to thinking and I am going to have to be careful either way I decide. But TWO drag racing tickets is JAIL time, so I'd rather not have one of those on my record. Plus my insurance won't go up now. I have suspended my street racing for probaly a long time now(maybe for good)......Drag strip every weekend I guess. All in all it didn't turn out too bad. I am glad I didn't waste my money on a lawyer! He would have done nothing for me...and guess what, when I first got into court today, I saw the guy that was "racing" me! Ends up he got busted like an hour later at a QUICKTRIP for "racing" me. But all in all I think I got a pretty good deal....Except for the banishment thing. WTF we don't live in OLD ENGLAND and it's not 1492....BANISHED?!?! HMMM but anyway.....6 months, JAN. 19, 2002. Just thought I'd fill you guys in, appreciate all your help. Guys be careful, you really don't want to go threw this big hassle. It could have been alot worse also. So look before you dump.(your clutch) =P Not that I did that, just telling you guys. See ya.

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3:55's,BBK Off-Road H-pipe,BBK jet-hot coated equal length shorty headers,BBK 70mm Throttle Body,BBK adjustable clutch quadrant,C & L 76mm Mass air meter, PRO 5.0, Subframe connectors, Cobra R's 17x9 w/ 245's,Trick Flow Intake,Flowmaster Force II exhaust system, Super Duty T5,Centerforce II Clutch,Heavy Duty Radiator,9mm Ford racing plug wires,Accel cap and Rotor, moroso battery relocation kit, strut tower brace, 4 inch harwood cool hood, autometer phantom gauges

http://www.geocities.com/i8ur

Hey man, really glad it worked out for you (except for the flippin "banishment" thing). At least you got a choice and it won't go on your record.

Take care.

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351W-powered 1979 Ford Mustang notchback
Stock 5.8L under 4" cowl, C4 w/ shift kit
Holley 750 cfm, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake
1 5/8" MAC shorty headers, Al driveshaft
2.5" Off road H-pipe, 2-chamber Flowmasters
Front: 225/60/15, Rear: 255/60/15 Eagle GT II
Weld wheels (15x6;15x8), 8.8" Rear w/ 3.55s
14 x 4” K&N air filter (getting the Xtreme setup someday) http://www.mustangworks.com/msgboard/cool.gif

"Red, thou art my companion. Hasten now your quickened metamorphosis to Green that I may conquer all who dare abide there beside me. May they be left thither behind burnt black." ---Fox Body

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[This message has been edited by Fox Body (edited 07-20-2001).]

I think you got hosed. I also think the prosecutor doesn't have a **** 's worth of say for what does, and does not go on your record. When you pay that fine, the state see's it, and they update the motor vehicle record on it.

They told my friend it wouldn't go on his driving record when he got busted for fleeing. Kissed his license goodbye for a year. Six months no work/school.

If there was no police report, the cop wouldn't have had a leg to stand on in court. The judge would have dismissed.

As for the person above who thought I was on crack for recommending you don't go with a lawyer, spend some time in the courtrooms. It'll enhance your non-existant knowledge of how things work.

I've only seen about 30 cases. Not a single one did a lawyer make a difference. How about you?

I thought a little more about the no police report thing and the ticket pretty much is the evidence. The important thing is that when the judge passed sentence on you according to the DA's recommendation that there is a transcript. There should be so I wouldn't worry about getting screwed. Plea bargains must be kept otherwise it is a coerced plea.

You did well.



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351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible

I guess the local police around here don't write reports on incidents like mine. The guy that was "racing" plead guilty, so I mean why fight it. It would have been a bigger hassle and it probaly would've had a worse outcome, yeah lawyers in traffic, especially first offense would have done nothing. Maybe if you were GOING to jail it would help. But kinda killed all my street racing energy...for good I think.

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3:55's,BBK Off-Road H-pipe,BBK jet-hot coated equal length shorty headers,BBK 70mm Throttle Body,BBK adjustable clutch quadrant,C & L 76mm Mass air meter, PRO 5.0, Subframe connectors, Cobra R's 17x9 w/ 245's,Trick Flow Intake,Flowmaster Force II exhaust system, Super Duty T5,Centerforce II Clutch,Heavy Duty Radiator,9mm Ford racing plug wires,Accel cap and Rotor, moroso battery relocation kit, strut tower brace, 4 inch harwood cool hood, autometer phantom gauges

http://www.geocities.com/i8ur

Fella's,
I've been away for a while - i'm in the same boat as this pour sap.

2 months ago, i was following a '97 Cobra who lost control and crashed a few hundred in font of me. He was racing. While doing a 360 in the opposite lane, he narrowly missed 2 cars and a pedestrian. I estimate his speed
at 160-170KPH.

When i stopped to help, ha broke his car loose from the guardrail he was hung up on, came screaming through the intersection and nailed my MustangGT. Cops show up, 2 Mustangs completely totalled, two young guys in the street waiting for two trucks.

Other dude confesses to racing. I denied it. The cop was a cocksucking pig and accused me of all sorts of things. Here i am, a wrecked car with $9,000 in damaages and insurance company who won't pay because the PIG said i was racing http://www.mustangworks.com/msgboard/frown.gif

Dude - GET A LAWYER, A REAL GOOD LAWYER AND FIGHT THAT PIG TILL YOU WIN THE DAY!

Did you not read that it's already over with?
Justin.