Q: I'm 18.. Should I just plea guilty to my class B misdemeanor speeding ticket?
I was going 66 on a 35. The speed limit was originally 45 but dropped to 35. I didn't notice that. It was at night by the way when there was no cars.
A:
First, you should be aware that if you received a moving violation conviction in the last 2 years, you WILL be suspended and that suspension will likely be at least 2 months and most likely 3 months. Having 2 convictions for moving violations in 24 months WILL have that result if you are under 21 years of age.
That said, pleading guilty is usually how most of these turn out. The main goal is preventing a suspension from going into effect. This is made harder because a class B misdemeanor isn't supervision eligible unless it is amended to a lower level charge. As for the other factors you've stated, they will do little to defeat this ticket.
Lastly, as for the actual pleading, the judge will want you to have a lawyer present because this is a class B misdemeanor and is potentially punishable by 180 days in jail and/or $1500 fine. This along with the risk of suspension caused by the offense not being supervision eligible makes hiring an attorney an EXTREMELY advisable option.
Hope that helps!
Jason A. Wilkins
Attorney at Law
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