I'm back from court - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

bstnsportsfan · 6th January 2004, 17:47

Well today was the day for me to go to court for not wearing my glasses. The court room was packed but my dad and I got there early and its a first come first serve basis. The judge was nice and for the people prior to me he was just making them pay the $200 court cost. He did hand out a 3 month probation to one 17-yr old who was in there for reckless driving. The kid had several prior incidents and like the judge said "I have to put a stop to this". Which you can't blame the judge. I was about the 6th or 7th person in to go up and 3 or 4 of the people before me were in there for DUI. Two of which plead innocent and they were taking it to trial with a lawyer. The other one had no prior conviction and he got 6 months probation, lose of license for 6 months, $500 fine and about another $500 in smaller fines. Finally I go up, I plead guilty and the guy said since I had a clean record and nothing on it, I will just pay the $200 court cost. He said he didn't want to since I had a clean record but he has to do it. I believe him, since I plead guilty it must be a standard thing. I should have plead no contest and made my plea. It may have resulted in a smaller fine. But then again, it could have been worse.

I paid the $200 and nothing goes on my record, not driving record or criminal...its over! In the future, I will plead no contest. I know if I ever get a ticket *knock on wood*, I will contest it. You have a better chance at court. Just letting people know how it turned out.

And Yes...now I wear my glasses

M Power · 6th January 2004, 20:44

very glad that all went as smoothly as that. Sounds like the judge was reasonable, which always helps.

Take carer..

Charlie · 6th January 2004, 22:10

I've got contacts aswell and where them all the time. I can't very clear without them and just would feel unsafe without them... You got off okay, so hopefully there wont be a next time! Take care,

TCM · 6th January 2004, 23:31

Glad to see things turned out ok for you Chris. As Andre mentioned, it sounds like the judge was very fair with his rulings in every case.

bstnsportsfan · 6th January 2004, 23:43

Thanks guys! Yes the judge was fair and although I only saw him hand down a few sentences, nothing was harsh. Now I am second guessing myself and thinking if I plead 'no contest' could I have gotten the fine reduced?

Thank you!

MAVERICK · 7th January 2004, 08:08

Quote:

Now I am second guessing myself and thinking if I plead 'no contest' could I have gotten the fine reduced?

I don't think so. I always plead "no contest" and I still have to pay the ticket fine plus court costs. Usually, the judge/magistrate reduces the dollar amount of the ticket fine by a little but court costs are never reduced.

No contest is no different from pleading "guilty" in terms of fines. "No contest" means you do not contest the charges brought against you, BUT you are not admitting to being guilty.