How do I defend going around a police car traffic ticket? Situation below?

How do I defend going around a police car traffic ticket? Situation below?

Postby gillian59 » Tue Jan 10, 2012 10:12 am

It was a really dark night with light snow, I was coming home from a 14 hour shift and my gas is very nearly empty so yeah i was distracted i was trying to get to the next block so i can refuel. then when i looked up to the intersection there was a police car blocking one lane to where i was going. the light just turned green. there was no incoming traffic and plenty of space to go around it so i did and on my left there were cars turning on left turn lane if i detoured i would crash. i admit i was really tired and distracted maybe i would have better judgment if i wasn't at the same time i'm a novice driver but i know that and ignorance of the law is no excuse. when i saw a police car before when there was construction cars were going around it, if there was a police man with neon vest pointing the way or cones blocking the way maybe it would have been clearer what they wanted to happen.

Is there an out with this? they are charging me with misdemeanor how many points is that? will my insurance go up? will i be jailed if i dont go to court? i'll truly appreciate your advice..oh what rotten luck has befallen me
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How do I defend going around a police car traffic ticket? Situation below?

Postby danil70 » Tue Jan 10, 2012 10:16 am

Way out? No
How many points? Depends on the state
Insurance go up? yes
Jailed if you disobey your solemn oath by signing the court summons and refusing to appear in court as ordered? most likely yes
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How do I defend going around a police car traffic ticket? Situation below?

Postby sherborne16 » Tue Jan 10, 2012 10:26 am

Sounds like a move over violation. You need to give police cars and other emergency vehicles a wide bearth when passing them, however the law does not allow for you to enter oncoming lanes to do so. While your intentions may have been good, if you crossed into the oncoming lanes then you are in violation and the ticket stands.

My recommendation as a former police officer would for you to request a mitigation hearing. Mitigation is where you admit that you made the infraction but you wish to explain yourself.
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