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Old 07-06-2001, 12:25 AM   #1
1BAD89
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Post 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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Old 07-06-2001, 12:54 AM   #2
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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).
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Old 07-06-2001, 01:21 AM   #3
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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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Old 07-06-2001, 01:30 AM   #4
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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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Old 07-06-2001, 01:33 AM   #5
1BAD89
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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).]
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Old 07-06-2001, 03:42 AM   #6
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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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Old 07-06-2001, 07:23 AM   #7
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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???
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Old 07-06-2001, 10:49 AM   #8
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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.
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Old 07-06-2001, 11:36 AM   #9
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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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Old 07-06-2001, 11:47 AM   #10
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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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Old 07-06-2001, 01:23 PM   #11
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Who won the race ? 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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Old 07-06-2001, 01:59 PM   #12
1BAD89
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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.
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Old 07-06-2001, 02:20 PM   #13
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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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Old 07-06-2001, 05:06 PM   #14
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definently get a lawyer.
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Old 07-08-2001, 04:33 PM   #15
1BAD89
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So what all is a lawyer going to do for me? Does he do all the talking instead of me or what?
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Old 07-08-2001, 07:52 PM   #16
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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.
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Old 07-09-2001, 04:39 PM   #17
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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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Old 07-09-2001, 04:48 PM   #18
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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....." (nothing personal)!

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Old 07-10-2001, 08:18 AM   #19
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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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Old 07-10-2001, 12:48 PM   #20
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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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