Evidently I Have Entered the World of Crime

Let me throw myself on your mercy for some advice, because I'm just as befuddled as I can be. 

There is a major north-south street in my city; on one side is a big church, and directly across is a high school.  Corrie and I were minding our happy little business this morning, toodling down this street, when a funeral procession pulled out of the church.  Along with the rest of the cars on the street, I pulled over to a complete stop, out of respect.  When the procession was past, I moved on along, but for only a few seconds--because what to my wondering eyes should appear, but blue lights in my rear-view mirror. 

I was pulled over for speeding in a school zone.  I was, according to the police officer, driving a wildly reckless 35 mph in a 25 mph zone.  He wrote me a ticket, without a dollar amount, because school zone infractions require (lovely!) a court date.  Next week I get to go alllll the way downtown at 8:30 in the morning to plead my case.

And I don't have the foggiest idea what to do.  I'm just as dull and law-abiding as they come, except for my one and only speeding ticket 16 years ago.  But I've watched enough Law and Order to have quite a little case prepared for myself, including:

• Are school zones even enforced at 12:30 in the afternoon?
• When I was pulled over, I had only been driving for a few seconds (after the funeral procession standstill).  I'm not even sure it's physically possible that I'd reached 35 mph yet.
• And even if I had, Your Honor, I'm the kind of girl who stops for funeral processions--don't I deserve a pass on this one?
• Especially, Your Honor, since I have such a squeaky-clean record?  I'm dull.  I drive a mini-van.  I don't jay-walk.  I'm on the PTA board.  I don't wear white shoes after Labor Day.  I have a Barry Manilow CD in my car, for Pete's sake.
• Here, Your Honor, is Exhibit A--the two-year-old little girl I had to bring with me today because I'm a stay-at-home mom and my childcare options are limited.  Isn't she cute?  Did you notice her pigtails?  If you'll let me go, I promise I'll make her stop singing 473 verses of Itsy Bitsy Spider right here in your courtroom.

Okay, seriously, though...how does this court-date stuff work?  Do I even try to say anything in my defense, or do I just smile and nod and show the judge my paperwork?  And is it a major faux pas to take a toddler with you to a court date?  What if she throws a sandwich at the judge?  Would I be jailed on assault charges? 

Y'all help me figure out what I should do.

Comments

[veronica]

From friends with a similar experience (though in a different state): Smile and apologize and pay the fine. If you try to fight it, even if you win, you may have to pay court costs and those may equal or exceed the cost of the ticket. If you have the option of traffic school instead, take it.

[Stacy]

My husband was given a ticket that was not justified and he contested it. On the second court date the ticketing officer did not show up to court and so my husband didn't have to pay anything. He didn't even pay court fees.

Good luck with this situation. I'll be praying for wisdom :)

[Tamara Cosby]

I would discuss it calmly...with all three of my children who are not in school. It would not be the most pleasant experience for the court...but I am a homemaker...and you probably COULD NOT have gotten up to that speed in that amount of time...???

[Krissy]

Not that I am a court expert, but definitely contest this ticket. Even if he did catch you going that fast, you can say that you were distracted by the funeral procession. At the very least you can ask that they please consider not letting this be on your record. And possibly consider ticketing you at 30mph, which is much more likely what you were actually driving anyway.

[Lori]

If the school has open lunch, where the students can leave campus, then the school zone may have been in effect.

Bad news: School zone fines are astronomical compared to other speeding fines. At least where we live.

You can go to court, and they will let you tell your story, but usually, if the police officer shows up, they will accept his version. Once my brother went to court armed with photos. "See, here's where I was. No stop sign." Didn't matter.

BUT. If the officer doesn't show up, chances are you can get out of it. Even if you pay court costs, they may be less than the fine.

RE: the toddler...can you sedate her? If not, keep the sandwiches away from her and hope for the best.

Let us know how it turns out!

[Antique Mommy]

Definitley bring the baby. And wear something low cut too.

I got a school-zone ticket a few months ago, like one block from my house. I "thought" school zones times were like at 7am and 2:30pm, but apparently if there is 1/2 day kindergarten there is school zone time at 11am also. And I got a ticket for going a reckless 30 in a 20. Here in Texas you just pay your ticket ($100 or so - ouch!)and if you don't get another one in 6mo. they don't tell your insurance company on you.

If I were you, I'd go to court and just tell the honest truth about what happened and how you've never had a ticket. Good luck!

[hogphan]

It's what you get for going to Texas, that lawless country, for that long weekend! You got used to that "wild west" kind of lifestyle south of the Red River and it just infected your normally sedate lifestyle! I don't offer you much hope! :(

[Lauren S.]

CONTEST IT! I had a similar situation several years ago. I KNEW that I wasn't speeding. I knew this because someone had flashed his lights at me, warning me of the police officer's presence, and I checked my speed. Even though I wasn't speeding, I slowed some. The cop still pulled me over and gave me a ticket.

I went to court and told the judge all the details (even the part about someone flashing his lights) and honestly explained that I did not believe I was speeding.

The ticket was dismissed. If you explain that you had just stopped for the funeral procession (and ask about school zone at 12:30 in the afternoon) perhaps he will let you off as well.

I would also throw in that it never hurts to be polite, respectful, and dressed nicely as well!

Good luck!

[Kelley]

Just recently got a speeding ticket myself not too long ago. Mine was not quite as "innocent" a situation as yours appears to be, however. I've lived in Atlanta less than two years now, so I still consider myself lost most of the time. But one gorgeous Saturday afternoon, my husband said to me, "Go ahead and get a haircut. I'll watch the kids." (Any wonder why I was SPEEDING away from my house?! Well, if you DO wonder, you haven't met my three precious redheaded children.)

Anyway, I had NO clue how the whole court date thing worked here either, and my husband strongly advised me not to call our insurance company to ask about how it would affect our policy, because he said they could be making notes about any mishaps with the intention of making a case to raise our premiums. I don't know about that, though. Surprising, too, because my husband usually isn't the "conspiracy theory" type. But I digress...

I chickened out and paid the ticket online. Taking my chances as to what it's going to do to my record. I'm bummed though, because I had no tickets on my record since 1993!

This probably has absolutely no helpfulness in your situation, but I thought I'd let you know I can definitely relate.

[motomom]

I would check out the street where you were pulled over. In our state some school zones are enforced when lights are flashing, some during certain hours of the day. I would also play the mommy card, tell the judge how you have school age children and you are concientous about driving in a school zone. Definintly wear a bit more mascara and something low cut. And for Pete's sake take the supercharger off the minivan before you go to court!
0-35 in how many seconds?

[Kelly W]

You may not want to mention your association with one Chilihead, is she not a know movie sneak-thief?

[Pam]

Start a file for your court date. First, take pictures of where you pulled over when the funeral procession passed. Do this tmrw, if possible, at the same time of day. Stand in that spot and take four pictures, north, south, east, and west. Check your local newspaper for funeral services that occured today and try and determine which funeral procession you pulled over for. Next, use your odometer to measure the distance to the funeral home and write it down for you file. Now that you are at the funeral home, go in and speak to the funeral home director. Explain the situation and see if he can provide you with a letter stating someone in his employ saw you pull over for the procession. Next, find out your mini-vans rate of acceleration. This information would be available from car dealer or possibly through google search. In my state, NY, school zones are enforcable throughout the entire school day. You will need to do a little bit of research on this and it may be as easy as calling your local police station. Take your toddler with you to court! Matching spring dresses would be cute, just do it up. Document as much as you can, the bigger your pile of stuff you place before him, the better. Good Luck!

[Merci]

Contest it. Dress professionally, don't take the kids, and pray the officer doesn't show up. If he does, present your case calmly, but don't argue about the school zone - judges will rule in favor of an officer enforcing a school zone (even an inactive one) every time. Explain about the funeral procession and be sure about your speed and tell them how fast you were going. And yes, driving school is a good but annoying option to keep from paying a lot of fines and having your insurance go up. Good luck!

[Emily]

Contest it. My sister had a situation like yours last year - she went to court (twice) and won. She paid nothing. So if you're sure that you're right, go tell your story politely and firmly. I wouldn't bring the kids, though, even though I know it is difficult to find a babysitter! You don't want to run the risk of getting a judge who hates children. ;)

[Mommy Dearest]

I can imagine the sick feeling in the pit of your stomach when you saw those lights. I think you should explain yourself clearly, but I honestly think a lot of it might depend on your judge.

[Gena]

I agree with most of the above. Contest it. Here in Georgia, when the school-zone lights are flashing, that is when you have to slow down. I know because my neighborhood is across the street from the elementary school. The main road is a 55 mph. state road. When the lights are flashing, you have to do 35 mph. I've had to memorize the flashing-light times because I live WITHIN the lights and never see them when I pull out of my neighborhood.

[Lynne]

Contest it. If the police officer doesn't show up, you should have no problem getting out of the ticket. I'd check on signs around the school to see if specific school zone hours are posted.

I don't think it ever hurts to try to tell your side of the story in court. Sometimes, even if you're found guilty, the judge could reduce the speed to lessen the ticket and not have to report it to the insurance company.

I wouldn't take your little girl with you, though.

[Lisa (qtpies7)]

I would not bring children with you. But I would get as much information with you as possible. Prove there was a funeral near that time, show pictures, and if need be, ask when his radar detector had last been tested for accuracy, because you had just been pulling out and could not have been tearing down the road at that point.
Most of the time the officer will not have the information on his detector having been tested. And you have the right to know if it is in working order.
If he doesn't show up, well, you are off the hook, but since the setting of this ticket requires your presence, then he will have to show up.
I got a ticket ONE time, and I paid it without contesting because the nice female officer took pity on me and charged me with a piddly 65 in a 55 instead of the 75 in a 55 that I was actually traveling. (leaving my m-i-l after a VERY stressful event with 4 of my kids in the car)

[Lori]

Might as well plead your case... no harm in that. *If* you have sitter options I'd recommend it, otherwise you do what you gotta do.

If they don't like your argument, request deferred adjudication. It will not appear on your record if you can manage to stay clean for 60-90 days :-) Plus, your insurance won't get a hold of it and increase your rates.

Hope it helps and good luck!

[JanB]

I say contest it too. I would check out that funeral procession too and see if you can track that driver down to pin down a witness. You never know what someone will have noticed. If he saw you stopped at such and such a time, it might be to your advantage. You would probably have to go to your paper and see who was buried that day, but unless you have a huge town, how many could that be.

If you take kids, take another person who can deal with them while you deal with the court.

I'll do it!

Also, you might be required to pay a bond before a court date, but it would be worth it. I say definitely contest it. It's not only worth it for the cost of the ticket, but to save on your car insurance and even save other motorists from the same sort of thing.

Good luck!

[lori m]

the few times we have received a ticket, we have a lawyer that "gets rid of it". yes, you pay for the service but there is no evidence on your record. probably not what you want to hear, but that's what has worked for us.

[Catherine]

I think you should contest it, and I totally agree with what Pam said about taking pictures, checking the distance between where you stopped and where you were pulled over, checking your car's rate of acceleration, and etc.

Judges don't always rule for the policeman. I contested a ticket a few years ago because I felt I had been unfairly pulled over. I had to go from work so I was in a suit, which probably helped, but I was honest and told the judge the situation. The cop did show up, but the judge waived the ticket. i had to pay $40 in court fees, but that was a TON less than the ticket (it was going to be $50) plus the insurance rate increase I would have paid if I had just paid the ticket.

I think you should skip the low cut top and dress nicely, to show respect for the court. I'd try to find a sitter too.

Anyway, I hope it works out for you - keep us posted!

[Tracey Jarrard]

When I worked for Tulsa Municipal Court, children were not allowed in the courtroom, so I would make every effort to find a sitter. Don't know how much the low cut clothes would help either...we also had dress codes..nothing that looked like you were going to the beach...I would recommend contesting the ticket though...as others have said..if the officer doesn't show, which they often don't, it would be dismissed. This is more time consuming as it would probably require another court appearance. Good luck!

[Jen]

They'll ask how you "plead" and always, always, always say "Guilty with Explaination" unless it's absolutely clear cut that you weren't in the wrong. Most times, that's impossible to prove.

Often, when you plead this way, the judge will give you a probation sentence where the instance is wiped from your record at the end. (Probation Before Judgement, I think). You don't speed for say, the 18 months assigned, and it's like it never happened. (and insurance doesn't find out!) You might have to pay court fees.

Good luck!!

Oh, and try to be as brief as possible... judges aren't really interested in long winded explainations with too many details. They will almost always take the word of the officer over you.

[kelli]

I make a mean Cake-With-A-Nail-File-For-Escaping.

Really, I do. Works every time.

[jodi_a4givensinner]

I haven't taken the time to read all the comments, so forgive me if this has already been said.

If you want to negotiate a deal (i.e. not on your record, lesser charge, ask for it to be outright dismissed, etc) you need to talk to the prosecuting attorney (city attorney or county attorney, depending on what jurisdiction you were in when the ticket was issued). The judge won't agree to any plea deal if you haven't got one.

I would NOT take a toddler to court. However, there would be no problem taking one to the county attorney's office (or city attorney's office) if you're sure she can be well-behaved for the time you're there.

I'd also suggest driving by the area again and checking the signs. If you're right about the time they can enforce the speed limit, tell the attorney that, then point out your spotless driving record and ask him if he'd please consider dismissing the ticket. If the signs support your situation don't even try to dispute how fast you were going.

If the signs say you can be ticketed, I'd explain about the funeral, bring up your driving record, and ask him to dismiss it.

Just my opinion :) Let us know how it turns out!

[Tammi K]

I actually had a cop tell me to fight a ticket he wrote me. (I skidded through a stop sign on a very slick,sleety road and almost sideswiped HIS car! Yeah, he kinda' had to write me a ticket.)
I had 3 options, plead guilty (pay the fine), plead guilty with and explanation, or plead not guilty. I chose guilty with an explanation- after all I did slide through a slick intersection and almost hit his car.
Several people who had cases heard on the same day as mine had their cases dismissed outright because their officer didn't show up, including mine. Since I had already pleaded guilty, mine was heard. My fine was dismissed and I only had to pay court costs. No points, no penalty on the license.

[Clemntine]

I've successfully fought a ticket in our great state. Email me for specifics -- too much for the comments, but the Clif's Notes version is you have a case and I'd **L*O*V*E** to help you contest the citation.

[Fiddledeedee (It Coulda' Been Worse)]

I'm only going by experience, so, when they ask you if you'd like the striped two piece outfit, or the orange jumpsuit, go for the orange jumper. It's oh so much more slimming. And besides, I hear that stripes are out this season. :)

[allison]

I have been in traffic court twice, once for failing to update my registration, and once as a witness.
Sounds like your case will depend on whether or not the officer shows up, and on how forgiving your judge is. Judges are likely to rule in favor of the officer, and they don't want any excuses. Being distracted by the funeral won't buy you any points, unless your going to use that to prove you couldn't have gotten up to that speed. Still, I would keep it short and sweet. The judge wants to see you show respect, dressed nicely and conservatively, say "yes, sir" and such. They DO NOT want any kids in the courtroom. As sweet and wonderful and well-behaved as she may be, don't bring her.
In my case, I was a striking contrast to most of the drunk drivers, and repeat speeders who showed up in baggy jeans and stained shirts. I pled no contest and because of my clean record and respectful attitude, the judge waved all fees and fine. I didn't even have to pay court costs.
Keep it short and sweet (unlike my really long comment!)

[amanda]

Yikes, there were lots of comments! So, if you do get down to reading this one, my dh AND I just had to go to court this week. Both for expired tags and my dh also had a speeding ticket. He talked to the prosecutor first (I think this is normal) and then the judge. The judge reduced his fine. So, even if you plead "no contest" or "guilty", maybe he'll reduce the fine. That's worth a couple of hours in court!

[Donna]

My advice is not very popular according to all the advice you have received so far....but I have a bit of *experience* with speeding tickets...ahem..a few times more than I like to admit...

Don't waste your time trying to contest this. If you go in to court dressed modestly, speak politely and honestly and ask for the indulgence of the court, you may get a greatly reduced fine. Be concise because the court has to listen to hundreds of these each week. Be a refreshing change for the judge and when you walk out, be proud because you didn't try to "pass the buck" and waste the court's time. (Something that sadly seems to be happening more and more.) Besides, many of the officers are working to keep our streets safe--a dangerous and thankless job. I felt like it was the least I could do to just be a good citizen and take the consequences.

**By the way, school zones are usually, but not always, enforced during school hours: 8:15-3:30 for example.
**If you decide to go for the "mascara and low-cut" routine--be forewarned, you will get a female judge!

God bless you and good luck!

[Polly]

FIGHT SHANNON, FIGHT!
Seriously, my sister in law brought evidence to court that there was no way that she could have been speeding. The judge did not agree with her logic, but because she brought the evidence he let her go without a fine.
Get evidence that the funeral was going on at that time. And that you pulled over. And anything else you could think of.
Also, this is for all of you in blogityville... you might want to look into Pre Paid Legal. If you get a speeding ticket, they will send a lawyer to court with you at no cost! I couldn't believe it. I wouldn't have believed it if my husband's son hadn't used that part of the service.
Obviously, I'm a rep. Shannon, if this is too much self promotion, I understand you editing this post. But it is indeed a good service.
Check it out stankus.com.

[Marian]

I've not been to traffic court, but someone I know walked in, just plead guilty, and said simply, "Your Honor, I plead the mercy of the court." The judge dropped it, I think for reasons similar to what Donna described a couple of comments ago. Hard call!

[Megan]

I've been in that courthouse for a ticket. Once. 1991. I was 18 and scared. to. death. They gave me 20 hours of community service and told me to serve it AT THE COURTHOUSE DURING THE EVENING SHIFT. Me, at 17, working 20 hours at that courthouse after 10pm??? I got it changed to 20 hours at my high school which was actually pretty fun, but I was scared. to. death. before that change occured...

Also - we had a different court matter in Colorado and I noticed when we went that they had court-appointed day care for situations like this which I IN NO WAY ON GOD'S GREEN EARTH would have ever put my children into. I think it'd be better to find a sitter, though it's a hassel.

[Toblerone]

This has probably already been said, but the only tickets (2) I've gotten were both in school zones. In Texas, by law they HAVE to give tickets to anyone speeding in a school zone; even a lame 35 mph. That's what my speed was, too.

So, it's quite the bummer, but from my experience, even when you go to court if you plea mercy or whatever, they have to charge you b/c of the school zone thing. Lame-o.

[Nancy]

As a former 10 year school employee who got a ticket in front of my daughter's elementary school....and who was NOT speeding....um, good luck. I knew I was below the limit, I had just topped a hill by the school and was behind all the afternoon pick-up traffic, the cop was at the bottom on the other side. He said he "radar-ed" me. I asked when did radar start "bending" since I was over the hill away from him and how did he KNOW it was MY car? He was not amused. I got a $175.00 ticket anyway. I went back and took pictures of the only speed limit sign which was MORE than he said I was traveling plus it was facing a cow pasture! I called the local judge (small town, we all knew each other). He told me I was welcome to contest it but it was cop's word against mine and I quote, "We have to make an example of someone...it IS a school zone."
Yeah, I not-so-politely asked him if they could make an example of someone other than a poor single mom living on measly school nurse wage?! He said no. I paid. And yeah, I REALLLLLY wanted to do it in pennies!

[Megan]

Looks like I can't keep my story straight. I was 17, though when I started the post thought I was 18. I actually remember answering the officer's question as to my age like this, "I'm supposed to be 18 next week, but after my parents find this out..."

[GiBee]

As if my two cents matter ... it sounds as if the police officer had to meet his/her quota of tickets for the day/week/month.

Since you have to go to court, I would be 100% honest with the judge. Don't exaggerate anything, and explain exactly what happened as you did in your blog. And please, for all that is good and holy in this country ... don't try the sexy woman act. Just be yourself. Child and all.

Be sure to tell the judge that you have a clean record, are a respectful and law-abiding citizen, and try your best to drive safely with your kids in the car, and that there was no way you could have reached the speed the officer claims after having been at a complete stop.

Something similar happened to me, and I respectfully addressed the judge, told him there was no way I could have been speeding because I was stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic at 8:00 in the morning. He let me off.

And even if you don't get off because of a hard-nosed judge or mean police officer, I think honesty, respect and humility is worth far more than "getting off" in the eyes of your children. Certainly, a good object lesson for the kids.

Let us know when you're going to court. I'll be praying for you and the judge.

[Jamie]

Wow, that really sucks!

I have a friend that got out of a ticket because her "speeding mph" was really close to the designated mph and when they are that close, it is too close to call. The police speed checker things are not perfect, they make mistakes and can be off by a couple mph. All she had to do was say that she disagreed and that it was too close to call. She got out of the ticket no problem.

Also, I would say no to the bringing a child to court thing. They really frown on that. I recently had to go in for jury duty and there were signs all over the courthouse saying "no children allowed" "please do not bring your children". This was probably just for us jurors but I still got the "we find children annoying" vibe...

Good luck Shannon! I say fight it. That's a bunch of crap. Officers need to be out there taking care of real crime, not wasting tax dollars on this kind of stuff. Plus, who hasn't heard of a warning! I get warnings all the time! Maybe Boise cops are more relaxed....

Jamie

[Sally]

I got a speeding ticket last May that cost me $89, but I did not have to make a court appearance, so I really don't know what to tell you about how to handle that. We have a University right here in the middle of our little town, and I was driving 40 in a 25 zone right by there. I couldn't argue with it because I knew I was going that fast-in fact, my then 11-year-old daughter had just gotten done telling me that the cops ALWAYS sit there and I should slow down. I didn't heed her advice and as I flew over the hill, there was the cop sitting there just like she had said he would be!! Out of the mouths of babes.....evidently she is wiser than her mother!!

[Mommy, the Human Napkin]

My husband and I both got tickets within two days of each other, in different cities, for expired registration on the same car. I had to go to two different municipal courts because the car was totaled the day after I got my ticket and I had no option but to take my then-2-year-old son with me AND I was very obviously pregnant. I was stressed out and because of the first letter of my last name, had to sit there until almost everyone else had gone before the judge. The first judge dismissed the ticket and gave me a sympathetic look, but the police officer in the courtroom was giving me the evil eye every time my son made a peep. The second judge was a woman, and dismissed the ticket, too, after offering me her sympathy on my unruly child, my very large pregnancy, and my need to get a new vehicle. I don't know how other courts handle children, but I got lucky here.

I would at least ask about deferred adjudication.

[trixie]

Hello,

So enjoyed your vacation post!

Last year I got a ticket for "not stopping long enough" (to quote the policeman) at a stop sign. Not stopping long enough?! I reasearched this in Michigan law and found there is no such thing. I came to a complete stop and was ready to tell the judge so on my day in court.

Well, I didn't get to tell my story because the policeman did not show up. In my area, if the officer does not come to the court day, you get the ticket taken off your record. Plain and simple. It is my understanding from watching all the other people there that day with tickets that the officers rarely come to court; they are needed on the streets.

Good Luck!

Trixie

[Savannah]

Here's the thing. If he got you on radar it is certified and therefore your opinion on your speed is null and void. The court will ony consider the speed that was observed on the radar gun.

[Liz]

definitely flirt with the judge.

Unless it's Wanda Sims. In that case just pay the fine.

[Chelsea]

Trixie's right -- if the cop doesn't show, the ticket gets dismissed. As a bonus, though, you'll get to observe all sorts of interesting people at the courthouse and then write about them. It's a melting pot of misfits.

[chewymom]

In our town (or is it a state thing?) you can get out of a ticket once per year by going to "traffic school." It is usually about a four hour class, and you do pay for it, but it costs less than the ticket. And they will not report anything to your insurance.

If you don't have an option like that, my DH got a school-zone speeding ticket, and he contested it. Basically they don't even listen to WHY you are contesting it, they just offer to reduce the speed they put on your ticket by 1/2 and reduce your fine. The lower the speed, the better in terms of insurance. You may need to ask someone local (someone who is a habitual speeder) to see what they do where you live, though.

[Carrie]

Wow, you've gotten a lot of opinions on what you should and shouldn't do.

I'll just say that if the officer doesn't show up, your case and ticket gets dismissed; and radar guns are not always calibrated - I saw a lot of cases dismissed one day because the officer didn't have a current calibration record.

No opinions on what you should or shouldn't do.

Best of luck with this one, hun.

[HolyMama!]

take the cutie with you (Corrie, not Hubs) and maybe borrow chili's boots again. or one of those 4 so cute skirts from bass?

i'm not suggesting you seduce the judge. i'm just fantasizing about your wardrobe for some reason. and who said wear something low cut?! don't listen shannon!

ooo! i know. bring the jesus storybook bible with you, too!

[Notalone]

I have been struggling with a similar issue. Where we live, the school zone signs clearly state that the 25 mph speed limit is in effect, "When children are present." I was coming up a hill in a 45 zone and going 40. I saw the motorcops at the intersection and thought nothing of it because nobody was off campus--no kids on the sidewalks or streets. They pulled over some other unlucky soul at the same time too.

The law seems vague. If you have to go 25 all the time just because students are on campus, then I would prefer my community change the speed limit to 25 mph. My ticket cost $309 (including a $29 fee for traffic school registration). I haven't even gotten my traffic school packet yet so I have no idea how much that will cost.

When I calculated the cost of gas to the get to the traffic courts, the cost of hiring a babysitter or having hubby take off work, I incur all of those costs too if I loose my case.

We will not offer any donations to the police/traffic divison in our community.

I will not patronize any of the businesses and will not provide any donations to the school