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Well, that was interesting.

I was in court with all the other rabble-rousers who happened to be assigned to see the judge that day. Including about a dozen teenagers busted for underage drinking. Most pleaded no contest and were immediately assessed $250 fines. You could tell their parents were not pleased. One dude had 4 violations against him for the same day. Rot roh. Must have been one hell of a party!

Then there was the guy who slithered up to the podium with his pants hanging off his ass. I so wanted to tell him to have some respect for the court and pull his britches up, but I thought better of it, what with being in court and all. No need to do some time in a small town jail.

I had to meet with the DA after the initial take-in. The officer wasn’t there but representing him was – drumroll please – the freaking Chief of Police. So much for the “you’ll get off if the cop doesn’t show” theory.

I pled my case and they gave me two options they offer people with their first offense. Option 1: I can have the points reduced by 1 down to 3 and pay the original $175 fine by pleading guilty to driving 9 over the limit. The points drop off after a year, but the violation stays on my record for 5 years.

Or, Option 2: They will move it from a moving violation to an ordinance violation of “Disorderly conduct while in a motor vehicle” with zero points and an increase in the fine by $50. They explained that although it sounds ominous, it’s how their city cites folks for doing things like revving their car engine, popping wheelies on motorcycles or driving with dogs on their laps.

AJ isn’t too keen on me taking that rap because then for five years, I’d have to answer “Yes” to the question asking if I’ve ever been convicted of a crime or offense other than a moving violation, and to have “disorderly” in the wording probably wouldn’t be the best thing. As I’m in a serious job hunt, I’ll have to think that option through after I speak with my insurance agent on the points deal, but at the end of the day, I’ll probably pass on that choice. I have until tomorrow morning to decide what I want to do.

The DA and the Chief were totally cool dudes, though, allowing me to call AJ while I was with them, and when he didn’t answer (he was in the shower getting ready for work ) they let me off until I could speak with him. I thanked them for their courtesy and took off for work. While obeying EVERY speed limit along the way, I bought a Powerball ticket and a Subway sandwich and high-tailed it out of there.

AJ’s MOM

[This message edited by ajsmom at 3:37 PM, July 11th (Thursday)]

Not bad, all things considered.

Could be a lot worse

and high-tailed it out of there

I believe you were caught on hidden camera passing another car on the way out ...

How does 'probation' sound??

You should enjoy this, TR. When I mentioned the other black SUV behind me, the Chief told me that he thought the reason there was another car behind me was because they had actually clocked my speed several streets back from where they actually stopped me.

Whoops!

I agree with AJ--anything with "disorderly" in it wouldn't be good at all in a job search. Talk to the insurance people and make your decision.

Sorry this happened!

Cat

ajsmom,

I don't know about your state, but here in NC, I'd JUMP at the "disorderly" non-moving violation. 3 points here would jack up your insurance by at least 50%. Yes, I said 50 PERCENT. I also don't know who your insurance is with, but insurance companies can penalize you for those 3 points for 3 years, and some of the big companies (Allstate, Nationwide, etc.) will penalize you for FIVE.

Definitely check with your insurance company. I know the "disorderly" sounds bad, but I'd take a non-moving, no points violation ANY day.

Just my $.02...

um, yeah insurance points could mean thousands of dollars. I would take $50 in fine increase and ask the court if this is a moving violation? Or don't ask and assume that it is.

Or ask how it shows up on a background search?

It seems like you wouldn't plead down from a moving violation to something you would have to report...

Job search aspect makes this tough. Future extra costs vs. getting a job at all is not a contest. sigh... unfair.

What happened to taking a drivers class and getting points lowered. When I was out there, there was even a 2 day comedy drivers course

[This message edited by sullymeishadomi at 8:23 PM, July 11th (Thursday)]

I have several different thoughts on this.

I had 4 moving violations (speed and avoiding a traffic control device) within 2 years (right after I left the X--a very angry period ) and my insurance never went up. I never reported it and I had been with the same company (State Farm) for centuries, so I guess they rarely check my records.

However, back when I was working in personal auto insurance, we could only charge the increase for moving violations for 3 years, and it was on a descending scale as the years ticked off. So, even if the record stays for 5 years, we could only increase the premium for 3 years. You would have to check with your insurance company to find out, though. It probably has something to do with how they are filed with the state to write insurance. PM me if you need more info.