new 3/26/02
For most of you out there, you may see a judge about a citation maybe 3 to 5
times in your lifetime. I see people with those citations about 50 times a day.
Most, and I mean like 99.999% of them do not bring any relevant information or
evidence at all. Most come with, "HE" said this, or "THEY"
told me that. If the defendants that I see would come with the same relevant
info that the officer brings they would stand a much better chance at leniency.
10 great tips for court:
1. Know the officers name that pulled you over.
2. Always refer to him or her as Officer, not Cop.
3. Take pictures of the area if it is in dispute.
4. Understand that at least in California, if the officer has started to fill out the citation then you will not be getting a warning, stop begging at that point.
5. It NEVER helps to get angry or belligerent with the officer.
6. If you are claiming that you were not speeding, did not roll through the stop sign, or whatever, make absolutely sure you make that statement in the presence of the judge. If all you do is beat around the point and I don't hear you say it, then I take that as you're not sincere.
7. If you know you are guilty and feel like rolling the dice, plead no contest. Sometimes you catch a break.
8. Even if you are no longer eligible for traffic school, ask the judge if you can go. I bend the rules all the time for those I feel are sincere.
9. If you get a fix it citation, either have it fixed and verified BEFORE you go to court, or have an extremely good reason why you couldn't get it done. i.e., I went on vacation is NOT a good reason. My Dad passed away will work.
10. Last but definitely NOT least, all that anybody in authority wants to really know is that you are sorry for what you did, you realize that it was wrong and that you will not ever do it again. If you convey that you are only sorry because you got caught, well them stand bye for heavy rolls.
Hope this helps,
His Honor Brian _______
97 SF, UDP, K&N & ZEX