Confused about Speeding Ticket Given?

[nickson]

I was given a speeding ticket in california in violation of civ 22349 (b), in wet conditions. The speed limit was posted as 55 mph, I was travelling supposedly 80+ mph (written on ticket) but in reality I was going just about 78-80 (cruise control was enabled). Officer did not use a radar gun, just floored it until he caught up with me and used his lights. It was in the middle of night and i was just trying to get home. I am 19, this is my first ticket and first traffic violation, I know that the choice for speeding was wrong, I don't want to fight the ticket but I would like to lower it to about 79 or 78mph and maybe attend traffic school. The Modesto CHP pulled me over as well. What am I to expect from this ticket?

[jerard]

We all speed it's part of being American. We like to get to where we are going.

The only real recommendation for handling speeding tickets is to go to the first court date and you will meet with the prosecutor that will generally offer you a plea bargain. In a plea bargain you get the ticket reduced to a lower cost ticket or even a non-moving violation in some cases.

This works by allowing the court to collect the court fee of 50 to 100 USD and the ticket income while NOT having to take the case to trial. Cheaper for the local government and easier on the police, judge, and prosecutor. Plus most of us hate going to court over and over again so works for the individual usually.

So don't worry about this so much and just show up to the court. Hopefully you can get a decent plea bargain - very likely if this is your first violation. But government is hurting for money so no one can make any guarantees these days.

[troyes]

A large enough fine and insurance hike to give you incentive to not speed on wet roads so, you don't hydroplane and kill someone, some day.

[tiernan]

Unfortunately for you , that's a bad one. I am not a law enforcement, however my best friend is, so I will answer what I've been told. Few things working against you:
#1. CHP will not budge on anything!
#2. Your age would work against you.
#3. Your ticket states you were doing well over 25mph+ (more expensive borderline reckless)
#4. Don't bother fighting or negotiating, the Judge will side with CHP over 99% of the time. Hell they gave my PD friend a ticket!
#5. With traffic school and the fine itself expect to pay close or even over $500

Sorry for all the bad news my friend, hope you drive more cautiously next time.