Q: How do i beat a traffic ticket for avoiding a stop light should i make a plee or no plee?
I had one vehicle in front of me they were to far right blocking my space to make my right at light after stopping. It was 5 in the morning an I went threw the liquor store parking lot stopped at the main street checked for cars an then continued on my way an got pulled over a mile down the road an didn't have proof of my insurance an the office gave me two tickets avoiding light an no insurance also the officer told me he was by law to take my license but he didn't and it was in lake county.
A:
Hello Asker,
There is little that can realistically be done to beat this ticket. It is against the law to use a private lot for the purposes of avoiding a traffic control device (stop light, stop sign, etc). Since the store was likely closed at 5am and the time is written on the ticket, there is no defense that you were going to the store. The only defense requires the judge to conclude that the officer is lying. This is highly unlikely to occur unless the officer testifies poorly and this is unlikely given he/she often testifies on traffic offenses.
As for the plea, it would be advisable if it gives you court supervision. You should anticipate paying high court costs as I am often in Lake County and its court costs are among the highest in the collar counties. Fortunately, this may pay off as court supervision prevents your insurance rates from rising, prevents employers from knowing (unless you have a CDL), and prevents damage to your license.
The insurance ticket is a bigger issue. If you had insurance, this can be dismissed but if you did not, you should expect to hold SR22 for the next 3 years or face suspension of your license. You also cannot mail the ticket in because insurance tickets require appearance in court. WHATEVER YOU DO, DO NOT MISS COURT! You WILL be suspended and face a large fine of up to $2000. Fixing a missed court date for insurance tickets will cost you at least $40 and may even require an attorney.
Lastly, the officer didn't take your license because 2015 had new laws regarding traffic ticket bonds and there is no longer a requirement for officers to confiscate licenses for certain offenses.
I hope that answers your question and let me know if you have any other questions.
Sincerely,
Jason A. Wilkins
Attorney at Law
(630) 445-2293
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