Q: Speeding ticket for 70 in a 60 in MN. Clean record for previous 5.5 years. Can I get a continuance for dismissal?
I haven’t had a speeding ticket in 5.5 years. I don’t mind paying the fine, I would like to avoid the insurance hike. Is it possible to get a continuance for dismissal based on my driving record or will previous tickets remove that option altogether? Ticket was issued in Steele County, MN.
A: The bigger issue for you is the county where the citation was issued. Not all counties give continuances for dismissal during the negotiation process. They are far harder to come by the further from the metro that you get. Steele County may not offer continuances for dismissal as a matter of policy, but it certainly cannot hurt to ask. Set the case for an arraignment and see what happens.
A: If it were me, I would contest the speeding citation, set a court appearance date. Then talk to the prosecuting attorney to see if they are willing to settle the case in a way that avoids a "conviction" (since "conviction" trigger a certification to Minnesota Department of Public Safety for inclusion on the DL record). Alternatively, a "Dimmler speed" conviction of 65 or less in a 60 mph or 55 mph zone, would not go on the driver's Minnesota DL record (assuming Minnesota DL, Minnesota resident, no CDL). If the prosecuting attorney is unwilling, then I would set it for a court trial and try to win the trial. Speeding measuring devices are not always accurate. Ten over at 60mph could result from a RADAR issue.
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