How can I beg an entry into traffic school?

[DeAnna L'am]

Dear Community,
Yep, I got a ticket,
and nope, I'm not eligible for traffic school...
(done one a year ago, apparently not long enough ago...)

When I attended traffic school,
there were a couple of people who were going to traffic school again, within the same month!

Well, if it is possible for some,
does anyone know how/where I can do it?... beg my way into traffic school?

Any and all tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

DeAnna

[scorpiomoon]

you cannot beg at this point. It might be possible to do your class online however which is what several of my friends have done. Check it out, drive safely and good luck!

[bnarelle]

I believe the criteria for how often you can go to traffic school varies by virtue of where you live and/or where you violated. Going twice in the same month is extraordinary! You probably need to check that out with the DMV or AAA. Good luck.

Brian Narelle (former Traffic Violator School Instructor)

[Braggi]

When I attended traffic school,
there were a couple of people who were going to traffic school again, within the same month!


It's possible they got a ticket within days of the last one and the court system didn't show they were going to be in traffic school. Sorry, you've done what you're supposed to do, so you don't qualify.

However, you do have a chance.

Your only hope is to go before the judge. Find out who you'll be going in front of. Actually, there are few "judges" that hear traffic cases. Usually you'll appear before a "referee" or some other noxious title that means "I'll be a judge some day." In any case, look the judge in the eyes for a second or two, then spend a lot of time watching your shoes as you softly explain you got the ticket by making a mistake or mistakes, or because you didn't understand the law(s) you broke, but now you do, and you'd really like an opportunity to attend traffic school so the integrity of your license won't be affected, since you need your ability to drive your car to take grandmothers to therapy or something like that. Your kid needs daily doctor appointments, you need to get to work every day since you have 12 foster kids ... you get the idea. Just make sure you're telling the truth!!! Be sure you call him or her "Your Honor" and mean it. They can tell. Sir or Ma'am also is functional but not as good unless you've already said Your Honor six times.

If you have the chance, and you really want to get the hang of this, you might do well to go into the courtroom of the judge you'll be appearing in front of the day before and watch how people present themselves and how the judge reacts to each of the people. It's quite an education even if you're not going before the judge yourself. Some people are just absurd.

Never, never argue with a judge! That's such bad manners. Remember this turkey can throw you in jail for 30 days if he doesn't like you. (OK, maybe that's an exaggeration but you want to appear respectful and apologetic, not arrogant and angry).

Remember, you actually have to show up at the right time, in the right courtroom so be super careful you don't blow it. There is an information desk in the lobby of most courtrooms that will direct you.

It doesn't hurt to cry just a little.

Good luck,

-Jeff

PS. It takes a lot longer to find a parking space and get to the courtroom than you think. Think of it like an airline trip. Get there an hour early and bring a really good book like Nolo Press "Beat Your Traffic Ticket."

[Rucira]

probly u would have to petition the judge in writing. if u want to impress him u can get a sheet of pleading paper at the stationery store.