Well, I had my day in court. Here's the cliff's notes for those of you who aren't up to date:

****CLIFF'S NOTES****
Back in June I was busted doing 56 over the posted limit. I was not issued a ticket, but given a summons to appear in court.
****CLIFF'S NOTES****

In the mean time I met with the provincial prosecutor for a "resolution meeting". During this meeting I explained my situation, and gave him my best attempt at an excuse. He decided to help me out. He reduced my speed to 49 over the limit, but I had to agree to pay the original fine. By reducing my speed, the JP couldn't touch my licence.

I appeared in court today, and received my sentence. I picked up 4 demerits and was given 180 days to pay my fine of $546 plus taxes.

I would advise anyone in a similar situation to pay the prosecutor a visit. It was definitely worth while for me. The best part is that I never paid one red cent to a lawyer (liar).

PS: DRESS NEAT IF YOU GO TO COURT!!!! I watched 3 different filthy guys in beaters walk up and get their asses fried. Everyone that was dressed up received a reduced sentence.

 

I got a speeding ticket a while ago, like in September in my old camaro.

The guy told me to schedule a court date. I was doing 90 in a 60 zone, he reduced it to 80 and told me "schedule a court date, that way you won't lose demerit points".

Now I'm just curious, the courtdate is in october or something. He told me if I schedule one he'll make sure I lose no points and cut my fine in half.

So in the event that I walk into court and they say "what is your defense?" what exactly do I do?

 

This is different than my situation. Anytime you are doing 50+ over the posted limit you are automatically going to court.

It sounds to me like the officer is planning on either not showing up, or he doesn't have solid proof.

I would suggest that you pay your provincial prosecutor a visit, inquire about a resolution meeting, and ask for the disclosure information which you are entitled to. The disclosure information basically gives you all of the "facts" that THEY are working with.

If you do end up in court, dress neat and bring a portfolio or brief case... even if it's empty. Be very humble, but also VERY VERY clear about what you say.

If you present yourself in the manner that you display on this board, you COULD be in trouble... just a heads up

 

Definately dress appropriately! The last thing the judge wants to see is some guy that looks like he doesn't give a shiat. I should have my court date some time this week. I need all the tips I can get.

 

What did you get busted for IROCKER?

 

I got nailed at 140 in a 90 zone. The cop at the scene took pity on me after some creative bargaining and brought the charge to 1 km under the need for a summons. I still took it to court to see if I could bring it down. I talked to the prosecutor prior to meeting the judge and she further reduced it to 110 in a 90 zone and got off with a fine and some points. The point is if you can wing it and be nice and don't give off that "*****/fob" attitude and give off the pleasant I'm a human being that makes the oddball mistake from time to time, they will more or less try to help you out.

Dress well, but not to the point you look like you can afford the fines they give... make it look decent, hard working guy that just tried to look decent type of look.

Speak with emotion and empathy and never get angry, they are just doing their jobs. Show them the person behind the ticket, because the ticket gives off the I'm a reckless idiot concept of the person until they are actually met. If you are lucky the cop that nailed you may not show up in court and you get off with a judge's warning.

Good luck.