Traffic/Night Court Questions

[abnk]

Asking for a friend of course.

What are the chances of having a speeding violation (IC 9-21-5-6) converted to non-moving violation(s) (parking, light, etc.) of equal monetary value? The goal is to avoid points assessed; the state can have their money. Not interested in deferral. Any tips or advice? This is the first hearing at night court; no lawyers involved.

What about dress code? Is a suit too much?

 

[Kutnupe14]

Depends on your history, and the willingness of the prosecutor. And, short of wearing a tux with tails, one is never overdressed in court.

 

[T.Lex]

My experience is limited to Hamilton County and specifically Carmel City Court (and even that's getting further and further into the rear view mirror).

1. Chance of getting reduced to non-moving violation? A number mathematically approaching zero, unless you have a REALLY good defense to the speeding.

2. If you're a dude, sportcoat and tie would put you in the top 1 percentile of attendees (who aren't lawyers). That's probably a good place to be. If you're a woman, then whatever you'd wear to a professional job interview, like a nice skirt and jacket. These days, that might work if you're a dude, too.

Tips? I'd say to do the deferral, but for some reason you've already ruled that out. If you already have active points, then your chance in answer #1 dropped even lower.

 

[churchmouse]

Referral if it is available. Costs a bit more but worth the coin.
Ask me how I know....

 

[Fargo]

What county/court?

 

[churchmouse]

What county/court?

Question....once you opt for court the referral comes off the table...???

 

[abnk]

Thanks, all.

What county/court?

Hamilton Superior.

 

[Fargo]

Question....once you opt for court the referral comes off the table...???

Not in my jurisdiction. Tons of people sign up for deferral at their court date.

 

[Fargo]

Thanks, all.



Hamilton Superior.

Can't help you there, I didn't even know infractions made it into the Superior Courts up there. No reason your friend can't ask the prosecutor assigned to that court if he is willing to do it, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[steve0322]

The extra $50 or whatever it is for the deferral is worth it. Pay it and don't screw up for the next 6 months or year.

 

[T.Lex]

Hamilton Superior.

I do not know the prosecutor in that court (I don't think).

Just generally, in Hamilton County, the deferral is the best option to avoid points.

Wait.

Is a CDL involved and that's why deferral isn't an option? That would add a layer of complication to this that makes the already remote chance of a non-moving violation even smaller.

 

[HoughMade]

The extra $50 or whatever it is for the deferral is worth it. Pay it and don't screw up for the next 6 months or year.

This is HoughMade approved advice...who has about 3 months left in his (latest) deferral period.

 

[Vigilant]

This is HoughMade approved advice...who has about 3 months left in his (latest) deferral period.

Wait, wut? You can get more than 1 deferral?

 

[HoughMade]

Wait, wut? You can get more than 1 deferral?

Not at the same time. You didn't think was a once in a lifetime thing, did you?

 

[abnk]

I do not know the prosecutor in that court (I don't think).

Just generally, in Hamilton County, the deferral is the best option to avoid points.

Wait.

Is a CDL involved and that's why deferral isn't an option? That would add a layer of complication to this that makes the already remote chance of a non-moving violation even smaller.

No CDL.

 

[Vigilant]

Not at the same time. You didn't think was a once in a lifetime thing, did you?

Was told that by a Vigo county attorney/former prosecutor? Haven't had a speeding infraction since the early 90's but it was a doozie, never needed to find out if you could have more than one!