[Bill Roberts]

Don't plea guilty.

First show up is an arraignment. That is when they explain what you are charged with and they ask you if you want to plea nonguilty, non contestant (guilty) or guilty.

What you should do is ask the Judge if he would consider your flawless record and non working speedometer some consideration in your favor and ask if you can do driving school. (That way you appear intelligent, forthright, and willing to dispose of the case.)

Refer to him as "your honor"

Do this during the arraignment.

IF he asks how do you plea, just say, I do not wish to contest these charges, but I do have mitigation information you could consider in the disposition.

They will listen, just be professional, dress in suit and tie, and explain in clear terms that:

1. You want to dispose of the case today.
2. Your record is flawless (he will know that but you pointing this out helps keep open communication)
3. You will be happy to accept a form of driving school as punishment and a court cost situation, if it will not go against your driver liscense.

The Judge must be clear in your intentions here.

Being able to communicate clearly to the Judge also allows him to repect that you, yourself, displays good judgement in court, and will do so on public streets where life, limb and property is at stake.
Driving is a serious reponsability.

He needs to know you know this and it will not happen again.

By the same token, keep it short and sweet and professional, well dressed, clean looking, and don't waste the courts time.

Also remember, if the Judge gets a bad vibe and smells BS, then you are failing.

Just do what I wrote. Simple, sweet. You may not do anything. He may consider it, a PD (public defender may come up to you and say the Judge wants to give you school and court cost, no points..and you agree by saying no contest your honor.

Just deal with it..the facts please.

Now, I know this because I have two friends that are traffic Judges where I grew up and we had partys and get togethers and for the hell of it, I attended some of their courtrooms as an observer and did jury duty 5 times already, traffic , misdermeanor and felony cases.

At 44 years old, you do your time in court from the citizens side...even if you never get sited.

Sorry so long..but first offense?

You got it made..but if they railroad you, you have my words of the throwdown.

Remember, you can contest it..but it is not in your best intrest to do that.

That gives them carte blanch to beat you..and they can and will.