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I know the obvious of being polite and respectful. do I show up early like an airport? Do I just show the guard my ticket? Anything I should know or be aware of?

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[-] FuglyDuck@lemmy.world 132 points 1 month ago

Dress as well as you can, be on time or a little early, don’t piss off the judge.

Be honest.

if you’re wanting to talk to somebody before hand… they should have a public defender you can speak to. Bring relevant paperwork.

[-] tiefling@lemmy.blahaj.zone 77 points 1 month ago

Be prepared for the public defender to ask you two questions then shun you the rest of the day while they tend to their other 30 clients that day

[-] Aeao@lemmy.world 36 points 1 month ago

Do I need a public defender? I didn't intentionally do anything wrong I just didn't know my license was expired? I've got a clean record it was just a mistake.

[-] algorithmae 71 points 1 month ago

Probably not. By the sounds of it, it's "just" traffic court... You'll be herded into a courtroom with a couple dozen others, and each of you will be called in turn to speak to the judge. Kinda like a pop quiz. You'll be told your charge and be asked a few questions. If you're polite and genuine you'll likely get off easy, since people LOVE to fight back and dig their hole deeper.

Back in high school I was in a similar situation, and basically got it completely dismissed because I was young and it was my first ever infraction.

IANAL

[-] Aeao@lemmy.world 43 points 1 month ago

Yeah,.even ignoring the joke comments that are funny, alot of people are saying I should fight. I doubt that would be a good idea. It was an honest mistake and I've got a clean record. I think being honest is my best bet.

[-] CosmicTurtle0@lemmy.dbzer0.com 54 points 1 month ago

Traffic court, while yes it's a court of law, is a bit more relaxed. Judges have far more leeway and they have a long docket.

You're not the only one being seen and the judge wants to go home on time.

Be honest, courteous. In the rare event that the police officer starts saying things that are completely egregious, plead the fifth and ask for a continuance. Tell the judge that these facts are new to you and you'll need time to assert a defense.

The judge may ask what you thought the charges were. Say something along the lines of, "Without waiving my fifth amendment right to self incrimination, my understanding is that I'm being charged for driving with an expired license."

But this should be rare. Judges don't like surprises either.

Again, remember that this is traffic court. Everyone is busy. If you're a dick, they won't have patience for you.

[-] deranger@sh.itjust.works 18 points 1 month ago

I went to court for a traffic ticket and the cop didn’t show up, so I didn’t get charged with anything. Poof, gone. Just be honest and courteous and you’ll be as fine as you can be given the situation.

[-] thermal_shock@lemmy.world 15 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

if you didn't go to jail, not that big of a deal. get it fixed, go to court and explain. mistakes happen, you didn't run anyone over. you might get a fine, shit happens.

it's public too, go to your local court during traffic court, you can sit in. usually early morning, listen to other cases and see how it works, then you'll have a better idea.

[-] Cadeillac@lemmy.world 9 points 1 month ago

get it fixed

I've heard of people having luck going in with their renewed license. I can't attest to it personally, and of course your mileage may vary

[-] thermal_shock@lemmy.world 5 points 1 month ago

this is what I'd do. especially if it was an honest mistake, fix it, show you're not a problem, move on.

[-] bluGill@fedia.io 15 points 1 month ago

depends on your state but generally fighting will cost you a lot oi time and you lose anyway - then the judge mad at the waste of time throws the max fine or even jail at you. Just plead guilty pay the $50 fine and move on - it probably will be that cheap.

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this post was submitted on 10 Oct 2024
274 points (98.2% liked)

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