Originally Posted by
rfourt
Can't speak for the judges/courts in your area, but, I don't know of many judges that would mitigate your violation based on a "story." Most judges have heard it all before. Imagine a teacher hearing "the dog ate my homework." What many will do is work with you to keep the violation from destroying your driver's history and insurance premiums.
Unless you had a passenger who was holding a gun to your head, ordering you to speed, I can't imagine a "story" that would help. In reality there are almost no legitimate reasons for speeding. (As a cop, I can't think of any.)
In court, what will help, at least down here, is a clean driver's history, demonstrated remorse, courtesy towards the judge and a heartfelt plea for leniency. Be honest and sincere (though I don't think I would say "yup, I was racing"). If you pose questions to the issuing officer, DO NOT impugn their integrity.
Don't expect to get out of the ticket, but do ask the judge for some combination of fine and/or driver's school, etc. that will keep the points off your license and possibly keep the ticket off your driver's record.
Of course, you could just pay the damn thing...
I hate to tell you this, but judges are human too. They have a gift to just know when you are lying. I call it experience. You don't get to talk, you get to answer questions. He won't get to just pay it, as he will have to appear, and answer the questions posed to him. So, a story, no, good answers, yes..... And no, I was drag racing wouldn't be the right answer.... AS a cop here, I like our judges...they are usually fair if honest answers are given, especially if your record is clean. Good luck to you, but be honest short of "yes, your honor, I was drag racing." LOL.... And yes, Ohio is the worse state for speeding citations...as their Highway Patrol is just traffic enforcement...unlike here....