Q: Federally issued speeding ticket 36 CFR 4.21(c). Result in misdemeanor on record although no required court appearance?
I received a speeding ticket on the Natchez Trace in TN...a federal violation. 36 CFR 4.21 (c) for 72 in a 50. I have been asked to pay a fine of $150 and don’t have to appear in court. (Box B). I have a clean driving record. My question is: if I pay the fine, am I admitting guilt and will this show up on my record as a misdemeanor? Box B states, “...you must pay the total collateral due or in lieu of payment appear in court.” The instructions on the reverse side state, “By paying the amount due you may be admitting to a criminal offense...” and “If you appear before the court and plead guilty, or are convicted after trial, the court may impose any penalty the law authorizes, not limited to the amount due shown on the violation notice.” It seems I can either pay the fine immediately or wait until I’m notified by mail of a date and time to appear in court. I’m trying to figure out the best way to deal with this with the least amount of repercussions to my record. Thank you in advance.
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A: Paying the Citation by mail is a Concviction, and adds 4 points to your MVR. If possible go to Court and act respectful to the US Attorney. It may go better.
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