Legal Question in Traffic Law in Oregon

Speeding Ticket Newport, OR

How do I go about getting my ticket reduced and amended so that my insurance won't increase? I received a $484 ticket for going 77 in a 55(fine was doubled because it was a safety corridor). I've heard that its difficult to fight these tickets and if you lose you end up paying the fine plus a court fee. I've been driving for 15 years and this is my first ticket, also no accidents. Is it of any use to plead no contest and ask for a reduced fine? Can I do this in writing or do I need to be present in court. My court date is this Monday and I can't make it due to work.


Asked on 12/02/08, 5:34 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Sam Hochberg Sam Hochberg & Associates

Re: Speeding Ticket Newport, OR

You need more TIME to figure out your options -- if your court date is Monday and this is just your FIRST appearance for arraignment, this is NOT the trial. There is usually a provision on the back of the citation allowing you to just enter a plea of NOT GUILTY for now -- you can always change it later.

Call the court and see if you can do this by telephone, fax or mail. Again, IF this is just first appearance for a plea (arraignment), you may be able to instead just GO to the courthouse ahead of time, and request a trial. THEN, once again, you'll have time to figure out the best approach.

Pleading "no contest" is functionally the same as pleading guilty -- there's surely no advantage to you in doing that, in terms of your insurance rates. Consider paying a lawyer who handles traffic matters, for a short office visit for advice. There may even be defenses to the charge, who knows. You can't really tell until you go through a discussion with a lawyer skilled in this area of the law.

Good luck!

-- Sam

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Answered on 12/02/08, 9:57 pm


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