Ticket Advice, please

[NoNoNanette]

Dom got a ticket for driving on the shoulder of a 2 lane highway in Hickory. The traffic was stopped because of road construction. He passed 4 vehicles that were stopped and pulled into a gas station to get a pop.

St. Tammany Sheriff lit 'em up and said "You can't get away with that here, boy". Dom said, "What did I do??" :)

Dom called..... ticket will be $218.50!!!!!!!!!

A couple of out of state cops have told him that he doesn't have a chance in getting off, but might be able to explain to the judge, reducing the fine. On the other hand, being MS residents, they figured that LA would just want the money, no matter the explanation.

QUESTION:

Will our insurance company find out about this?

I'd sure appreciate any feedback from you guys.

Thanks.

[Alex]

First off, I stay out of Hickory unless escorted by a resident of Hickory - lol. I have a good friend who lives there, so I know the drill.

I doubt you could get out of it, but if you go to court perhaps you could convince a judge not to notify your insurance company in exchange for a guilty plea. That worked for me once in Jefferson.

As far as I know, no one gets out of anything in St. Tammany without knowing someone.

[Jesse]

Most places will let 1st offenders take a driving course and pay the fine and won't report it to the insurance companies. I would'nt be to hopeful in getting off though. Call the court asap, tell them your a first offender and ask what they can do. The clerks usually will give you the low down as good as anyone. Good luck!

[buzd]

First off, I stay out of Hickory unless escorted by a resident of Hickory - lol. I have a good friend who lives there, so I know the drill.

I doubt you could get out of it, but if you go to court perhaps you could convince a judge not to notify your insurance company in exchange for a guilty plea. That worked for me once in Jefferson.

As far as I know, no one gets out of anything in St. Tammany without knowing someone.

I had a ticket in Mandeville reduced to a nonmoving (seatbelt) violation without too much trouble. Still had to pay the fine though. I don't think your insurance company will find out about it out of state, but no guarantees.

[Schuarta]

Definately ask for a hearing. There is always the chance (maybe small) that the officer won't show for some reason - case dismissed. If he does show, and Dom doesn't have a history of violations, fine reduction is a possibility. Dom was leaving the road, and he could try to make a case that thats the reason he was on the shoulder, and not to pass any stopped cars but to exit the highway. Good luck.

[cstoehr]

Nanette, the only people who get away with it is the St Tammany Sherriff deputies. I watch them do all of that stuff and more to get out of traffic. Too bad our cars don't have dash cams to prove it. They pass on the on- ramp lines of cars and even on the shoulder at times. Sometimes they throw on their lights for a minute, but most times not.

[Mac da Knife]

Nanette,

Call Eddie Price.
I understand he's more flexible lately.

[NoNoNanette]

Thank you, my friends. Sincerely.

We'll probably go to court, and plead guilty with an explanation. (A cop buddy gave me the correct wordage to use....In Michigan, anyway).

Heck.... we'll make a day out of it in Covington.... nice lunch, a couple of beers.... :)

[cstoehr]

Now that is a positive way of looking at it!:)

[NoNoNanette]

Hi guys-

Just hung up the phone with the Sheriff's office. Explained the situation, and the gal urged me to have Dom show up bright and early at the courhouse, and ask to speak to the ADA.

Thanks for all of the feedback. Court date isn't until 9/30. :)

**edited to add that she said our insurance company WILL be notified**

[Admin]

**edited to add that she said our insurance company WILL be notified**
And, assuming he has no other violations over the next 35 months, his rate increase as a result of this one should be lifted.