View Full Version : Traffic lawyer recommendation (Longmont-Firestone area)
mousegun87
12-21-2013, 20:18
I got a bit careless on Friday night on the way home around 6 PM. I usually took a county road with 55 mph speed limit. This time I took the next road which has 45 zone all the way. I went too fast and a Weld co. Sheriff deputy clocked me on radar. He claimed I was going 58 and handed me a ticket.
This is my first traffic ticket of any kind in my 20 some yrs of driving. The fine is $80, but I don't want to have those points in my record for the next 7 years (or at least try to minimize it).
I can use some recommendations for traffic attorneys in Longmont-Firestone-Mead area. Thanks.
PS: The deputy was courteous and professional. I informed him that I have CHL and that I was armed. He simply asked where the gun was and asked me not to reach in that direction. Not planning to. That's it. He got my DL and went back to his cruiser to write the ticket, while I was sitting in my car, still armed. He then came back with the ticket, explained it to me and also checked my insurance and registration. Done. I really appreciate his trusting me to remain armed throughout the stop. I plan to write to Sheriff Cooke to compliment the deputy for his highly professional and pro 2nd conduct during my traffic stop.
In many cases, there should be an option to take a lesser plea on the ticket (i.e. Defective Vehicle, etc.) in regard to a speeding citation. It's been many a good years since I've received one of those, but the last time I did...there was an option to take a lesser plea. You might have to go in and talk to the DA though. My .02
mousegun87
12-21-2013, 20:26
In many cases, there should be an option to take a lesser plea on the ticket (i.e. Defective Vehicle, etc.) in regard to a speeding citation. It's been many a good years since I've received one of those, but the last time I did...there was an option to take a lesser plea. You might have to go in and talk to the DA though. My .02
I plan to do that. My hearing won't be till late Feb. But the municipal court will convene next week after Christmas. I plan to go and ask a few questions to find out if they offer a lesser plea like you said. I will take that if they do (it will knock 4 points down to 1). The lawyer is my backup plan in case they don't offer any lesser plea option. Thanks.
Usually the ticket states what options you have and if you pay the fine early what it will be dropped down to. I Dont think it is worth it in any way to pay a lawyer for a simple speeding ticket.
Great-Kazoo
12-21-2013, 21:03
1st ticket is usually a plea bargain down to 2 pts defective vehicle UNLESS you do a deal and get the 1yr stay out of trouble and it will get dropped plea.
In real life there are 2 people who will make out.
1- the attorney. you will pay him, to go in get the same reduced plea he does
2- the cty. one way or another they will get your cash.
speeding tickets are not rocket science. all they want is someone's money. How you are able to go about getting taken for less that they want, is up to you.
In many cases, there should be an option to take a lesser plea on the ticket (i.e. Defective Vehicle, etc.) in regard to a speeding citation. It's been many a good years since I've received one of those, but the last time I did...there was an option to take a lesser plea. You might have to go in and talk to the DA though. My .02
This.
And they will probably knock it down to a two-pointer given your record. Which I would take because one ticket in 20 years isn't going to hurt you one bit as long as you don't make a habit of it.
I'd just pay the $80. Beats me spending all my time screwing around with it. A point or two off an otherwise spotless record really isn't going to hurt you.
That's my two cents.
newracer
12-21-2013, 23:25
Don't points only last 3 years?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Don't points only last 3 years?
Two years in Colorado according to this site http://www.dmv.org/articles/how-long-points-stay-on-your-driving-record/
I know someone will correct me if i am wrong but i think insurance company's count them against you for 5 years.
Full diclosure: I've been drinking.
Quit planning to waste your time! Just pay early for the reduced points. If you have been driving for 20 years without a ticket, then you have 21 points to spare. Points on insurance only last for three years except for a DUI. Nothing you are planning on spending money on (other than paying the ticket) will be worth it, or change anything.
KevDen2005
12-22-2013, 02:40
PS: The deputy was courteous and professional. I informed him that I have CHL and that I was armed. He simply asked where the gun was and asked me not to reach in that direction. Not planning to. That's it. He got my DL and went back to his cruiser to write the ticket, while I was sitting in my car, still armed. He then came back with the ticket, explained it to me and also checked my insurance and registration. Done. I really appreciate his trusting me to remain armed throughout the stop. I plan to write to Sheriff Cooke to compliment the deputy for his highly professional and pro 2nd conduct during my traffic stop.
Awesome. Glad to hear that.
Bailey Guns
12-22-2013, 07:06
What they said. You don't need to pay for an atty for the same deal you'll get from the prosecutor. Defective vehicle, 2 pts, fine, done...or something equivalent.
There are more defective vehicles on Colorado highways than you can shake a stick at...
mousegun87
12-22-2013, 07:37
What does defective vehicle mean? The car I was driving is only 8 months old and still under warranty. Will this prevent the plea based on defective vehicle argument?
If such plea is used, does it mean I am obligated to have repair done on my car?
centrarchidae
12-22-2013, 07:46
What does defective vehicle mean? The car I was driving is only 8 months old and still under warranty. Will this prevent the plea based on defective vehicle argument?
If such plea is used, does it mean I am obligated to have repair done on my car?
No. All it means is that you have a violation on your record that is worth two points against the license. The court will call it "defective vehicle" because they have to call it something, which violates a statute whose penalty includes two points. It was just coincidence that the courts all go with "driving a defective vehicle" instead of "failure to use headlamps between sunset and sunrise."
That your car isn't defective won't prevent the plea.
BTW, two points is pretty much the going rate for traffic plea deals. Statewide, plea deals are almost always (I'm tempted to say "always") two points off of whatever the original charge would have had. Speeding 10-19 over, running a stop sign, running a red light, whatever, always show up on a driving history as "driving a defective vehicle" when the driver takes the deal.
Bailey Guns
12-22-2013, 07:54
Exactly. "Defective Vehicle" translates to "we cut him the standard deal".
mousegun87
12-22-2013, 08:05
Thanks for the explanation.
thedave1164
12-22-2013, 08:22
In MO I paid a $200 parking ticket for going 95 :)
mousegun87
12-22-2013, 08:30
In MO I paid a $200 parking ticket for going 95 :)
They let you plea bargain it to "parking ticket" ? LOL
I have been ticketed 4 times the last 10 years in Aurora. Same defective vehicle. Only thing I had to do to repair the defect was ease my foot off the gas. Btw, based on my experiences $80 is a bargain.
If you have nothing on your record in the past 7 years, the Judge (or CA) does have the discretion to let you pay the fine with no points on a one year deferred. The 2 points is pretty much offered to anyone that has less than half of their "allowable" points used up.
Did you look at the ticket? In many cases the reduced points plea is already filled out on the back. Read the entire ticket.
Great-Kazoo
12-22-2013, 09:26
If you have nothing on your record in the past 7 years, the Judge (or CA) does have the discretion to let you pay the fine with no points on a one year deferred. The 2 points is pretty much offered to anyone that has less than half of their "allowable" points used up.
Did you look at the ticket? In many cases the reduced points plea is already filled out on the back. Read the entire ticket.
That's the word i couldn't remember.
BTW: Has anyone suggested you do a Plea Bargain, yet ?
mousegun87
12-22-2013, 09:30
That's the word i couldn't remember.
BTW: Has anyone suggested you do a Plea Bargain, yet ?
Plea bargain was mentioned by several members here. The ticket does not say anything about plea bargain. I think I must speak with the prosecutor to find out.
It will be great if I can get a one year deferred status on the points. Will gladly pay the fine.
Great-Kazoo
12-22-2013, 09:33
Plea bargain was mentioned by several members here. The ticket does not say anything about plea bargain. I think I must speak with the prosecutor to find out.
It will be great if I can get a one year deferred status on the points. Will gladly pay the fine.
Read you #$%^& ticket. small print on the bottom where you sign . Says IF YOU PAY BEFORE xxx send XXX and the points will be reduced to XXX. or something similar.
The only thing appearing before the appointed bill collector will do is get you the deferred plea. Which in your case seems likely. And Still pay an "ADMINISTRATIVE FEE"
FWIW: the fine is equal to or 2-3x as much as you have in your pocket. ;)
Also one ticket leads to another. They're like guns. Sooner or later another one gets added to your collection. I like the speed camera ones myself. It shows my many moods while driving. It also shows my distinguish gray highlights, without paying a professional photographer. They make nice Christmas cards. win-win
kidicarus13
12-22-2013, 09:42
Plea bargain was mentioned by several members here. The ticket does not say anything about plea bargain. I think I must speak with the prosecutor to find out.
It will be great if I can get a one year deferred status on the points. Will gladly pay the fine.
Look on the back of the ticket. They usually allow you 20 days to accept the plea and mail it in. If you wait longer than that you'll be headed to court. It's possible you could end up with the same penalty in court but you'll also have to pay "court costs" at that point.
As far as points go... 12 points in 12 months or 18 points in 24 months will get your license suspended as an adult (21+ years old).
mousegun87
12-22-2013, 09:42
Read you #$%^& ticket. small print on the bottom where you sign . Says IF YOU PAY BEFORE xxx send XXX and the points will be reduced to XXX. or something similar.
The only thing appearing before the appointed bill collector will do is get you the deferred plea. Which in your case seems likely. And Still pay an "ADMINISTRATIVE FEE"
FWIW: the fine is equal to or 2-3x as much as you have in your pocket. ;)
Also one ticket leads to another. They're like guns. Sooner or later another one gets added to your collection. I like the speed camera ones myself. It shows my many moods while driving. It also shows my distinguish gray highlights, without paying a professional photographer. They make nice Christmas cards. win-win
I just reread the ticket again, start to finish. There is nothing on plea bargain, or paying higher fine for fewer points by mail. It has provisions for pleading guilty (as stated in the ticket) and pay by mail, or to appear in the hearing to plea not guilty which upon which a trial date will be set.
The municipal court will have a session this coming Thursday. I'll go there to find out if they will offer a plea bargain or 1yr deferred points.
BPTactical
12-22-2013, 10:24
You wanna spend $1K to beat an $80.00 ticket?
Great-Kazoo
12-22-2013, 10:30
You wanna spend $1K to beat an $80.00 ticket?
he's never had a ticket and possibly unable to grasp the sage advice numerous replies have suggested. he / she also does not correlate plea bargain with provisions for pleading guilty
It has provisions for pleading guilty (as stated in the ticket) and pay by mail, or to appear in the hearing to plea not guilty which upon which a trial date will be set.
I understand his "anxiety" over points on his license . Hopefully he will be successful receiving a deferred sentence.
wctriumph
12-22-2013, 10:35
The last time a I got a ticket (sooo long ago) I paid by mail within the week and there were no points added to my record. This was in JefCo though, not Weld.
KevDen2005
12-22-2013, 11:14
I just reread the ticket again, start to finish. There is nothing on plea bargain, or paying higher fine for fewer points by mail. It has provisions for pleading guilty (as stated in the ticket) and pay by mail, or to appear in the hearing to plea not guilty which upon which a trial date will be set.
The municipal court will have a session this coming Thursday. I'll go there to find out if they will offer a plea bargain or 1yr deferred points.
You can look for "Penalty Assessment." Also $80 is pretty cheap. I thought we were the cheapest but apparently not. I hear lots of people say that speeding tickets are in the low $200s
I handed my wife a ticket, a check, and an envelope to mail the payment in early. She sent it to the wrong address and by the time it was forwarded to the correct address, it was one day late. Theu sent me the whole thing back and said "too bad, see you in court." I showed up to court and got a better deal than the early pay plea deal.
eneranch
12-22-2013, 13:52
Pay the $80 & call it a day; or take a gamble & talk to the Judge, either way I don't see a need for a Lawyer.
I understand his "anxiety" over points on his license .
I must be dense as I don't grasp that aspect at all. If he averages one ticket every 20 years, as seems to be the case, ink the check/lick the stamp/drop in mail/go have a beer.
Limited GM
12-22-2013, 15:32
Two years in Colorado according to this site http://www.dmv.org/articles/how-long-points-stay-on-your-driving-record/
I know someone will correct me if i am wrong but i think insurance company's count them against you for 5 years.
Dont forget that some employers also watch over your points. A 15over for me and the powers above get to discuss rather I'm worth keeping on the payroll.
I must be dense as I don't grasp that aspect at all. If he averages one ticket every 20 years, as seems to be the case, ink the check/lick the stamp/drop in mail/go have a beer.
He could have a CDL or other occupation that requires him to drive for a living. If not, people care about how many points are on your license about as much as they care about your high school GPA.
KevDen2005
12-22-2013, 18:23
He could have a CDL or other occupation that requires him to drive for a living. If not, people care about how many points are on your license about as much as they care about your high school GPA.
I care about your high school GPA
I care about your high school GPA
They weren't high enough to become a traffic lawyer. :(
Great-Kazoo
12-22-2013, 18:52
I must be dense as I don't grasp that aspect at all. If he averages one ticket every 20 years, as seems to be the case, ink the check/lick the stamp/drop in mail/go have a beer.
You're not dense. The OP had his cherry popped over a speeding ticket. We're just massaging his lack of understanding, how tickets and the state. city, county cash cow works. I racked up 3- 20+ overs in one month period. Paid the "reduced points" and slept good. Not OMG, on a gun forum.
mousegun87
12-22-2013, 22:31
All the Weld county Tickets I have seen have had a place that says if you pay by mail before a certain time they automatically reduce the points. It really is all about money.
Yes, you can go to court and plea it down. BUT, you are then costing them money and I would think they are less likely to give you a bigger break.
I would forget the whole idea of a lawyer for this circumstance unless there is something you are not telling us. It will not save you money, Im sure it will be the opposite.
Post your ticket here but redact your personal info and the LEOs info. Maybe someone here can interpret it for you.
The ticket was issued by a Weld co. sheriff deputy, but the ticket forms is from the local town, not county. The town may not put the option of getting reduced points by paying early. I am going to stop by the town center and ask about that option tomorrow morning.
The last ticket I got, 10+ years ago, the officer told me "if you want to reduce the points down to defective vehicle, show up to court and talk to the prosecutor". Littleton, many years ago though.
BPTactical
12-23-2013, 06:50
Isn't it easier to NOT GET THE TICKET in the first place?
Just a thought.
You wanna spend $1K to beat an $80.00 ticket?
That's what I'm thinking..
sent from a soup can and some string..
mousegun87
12-23-2013, 07:47
Isn't it easier to NOT GET THE TICKET in the first place?
Just a thought.
I agree. My driving record has been spotless since I got my DL about 20 yrs ago. Following the speed limit is usually my mode of driving, but I was careless last Friday night.
mousegun87
12-23-2013, 07:50
That's what I'm thinking..
sent from a soup can and some string..
I have a lawyer friend in another state. He told me that traffic attorneys typically charges $100-200 to fix a simple ticket like this (esp. first ticket). DUI or other violations that results in suspended license will cost a lot more.
Great-Kazoo
12-23-2013, 07:56
I have a lawyer friend in another state. He told me that traffic attorneys typically charges $100-200 to fix a simple ticket like this (esp. first ticket). DUI or other violations that results in suspended license will cost a lot more.
add the $1-200 for the atty to the $80-200 for court. If you're that smart to drive the speed limit, you "should" be smart enough to handle it on your own.
It's a ticket. one way or the other you will be paying something. once you come to accept it, life is easier.
Of course the denial from CBI on your next gun purchase might cause some issues[Sarcasm2]
My bad this is still CO, not CA or NY, YET
mousegun87
12-23-2013, 08:10
add the $1-200 for the atty to the $80-200 for court. If you're that smart to drive the speed limit, you "should" be smart enough to handle it on your own.
It's a ticket. one way or the other you will be paying something. once you come to accept it, life is easier.
Of course the denial from CBI on your next gun purchase might cause some issues[Sarcasm2]
My bad this is still CO, not CA or NY, YET
LOL. Oh yes, I know I will pay some fines. I am inclined to handle this myself after learning how the system works from others here. But having a backup plan is not so bad, is it? :)
Great-Kazoo
12-23-2013, 08:25
LOL. Oh yes, I know I will pay some fines. I am inclined to handle this myself after learning how the system works from others here. But having a backup plan is not so bad, is it? :)
Never bad to have a back up plan, if it was some issue that would affect your DL, or freedom. You first ever ticket, not so much
Regarding the WCSO writing the ticket, and it needing to be done in some town. A lot of smaller towns have the county sheriffs handle their LE coverage, versus footing the bill them self.
If a simple 13-over speeding ticket can garnish this much bandwidth, just think what we might be able to achieve with a good 9-vs-45 debate!
Great-Kazoo
12-23-2013, 10:04
If a simple 13-over speeding ticket can garnish this much bandwidth, just think what we might be able to achieve with a good 9-vs-45 debate!
Perhaps, but which one would be a better investment, being my first caliber decision and all.
TheWeeze
12-23-2013, 10:07
I went in to fight a ticket I got in Greeley because there were two additional 'safety' fees added to the ticket in addition to the actual fine for speeding. Went from a $105 speeding ticket to a $185 total cost. Well, once I was there I was plead down to 1 point from 4 but had to pay the full fine plus an additional court costs. So the whole thing ended up costing me $225 if I remember right. It was 4 or 5 years ago.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.