Need advice from someone in Law Enforcement?

[bercnan72]

I am a college senior and tonight I signed my contract for OCS in the United States Marine Corps.
On my way back to school I was cut off by an 18 wheeler for my exit. It was raining and trucks everywhere so I pulled off because I was in unknown territory at this point. I decided to turn around where I pulled off which ended up being a U-turn for authorized vehicles only. I pulled right in front of an officer and was given a citation. The only thing I could do to ruin my future career as a Marine Corps Officer was to get a 5th traffic citation. I am 22 years old and haven't had a ticket for the past 2 years. The officer who gave me the citation made me aware of the severity of what I did and I do not disagree with him. But my entire career is in the balance now due to my idiotic, yet unknowing mistake. I have wanted to be a Marine my entire life and will do whatever it takes to make this go away. My question to you, is can it go away? Am I able to do community service, or anything of this kind. I am going to plead not guilty and try to talk to the judge or officer, but I don't want to beg, not only is it not in my nature but I feel as if officers and judges probably wouldn't look highly on that. BASIC INFO:The incident happened in central PA on I-80. I was leaving state college and trying to get to Lock Haven University. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

[deangelo51]

I am a college senior and tonight I signed my contract for OCS in the United States Marine Corps.
On my way back to school I was cut off by an 18 wheeler for my exit. It was raining and trucks everywhere so I pulled off because I was in unknown territory at this point. I decided to turn around where I pulled off which ended up being a U-turn for authorized vehicles only. I pulled right in front of an officer and was given a citation. The only thing I could do to ruin my future career as a Marine Corps Officer was to get a 5th traffic citation. I am 22 years old and haven't had a ticket for the past 2 years. The officer who gave me the citation made me aware of the severity of what I did and I do not disagree with him. But my entire career is in the balance now due to my idiotic, yet unknowing mistake. I have wanted to be a Marine my entire life and will do whatever it takes to make this go away. My question to you, is can it go away? Am I able to do community service, or anything of this kind. I am going to plead not guilty and try to talk to the judge or officer, but I don't want to beg, not only is it not in my nature but I feel as if officers and judges probably wouldn't look highly on that. BASIC INFO:The incident happened in central PA on I-80. I was leaving state college and trying to get to Lock Haven University. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Go to court and talk to the prosecutor or the judge.

No one wants to see you throw away your career over a traffic ticket.

And thank you for your (future) service.

[ezri]

i'm going to give you the most helpful advice you can get right now...

GET A LAWYER!!!!

this is obviously a very big deal, so treat it like one. Yes, it will be ridiculously expensive, and yes, you have a CHANCE at avoiding it by talking to the judge without one, but is it worth it? Just pony up the money, do what the lawyer tells you to do, and serve our country proudly. Thanks!