Big speeding ticket problem, help!

[AD6776]

I got a speeding ticket in L.A. and the officers didn't have me on radar. I filed for an extension and was planning on writing up a trial by declaration and sending it in, but I messed up bad and thought my new appearance date was for the 19th, however it was really for the 9th of July. So now it's too late to send in a TBD and I'm probably going to be charged with failure to appear, FML.

I went online to look at the status of my ticket and it says that my options are either to pay the ticket or select an arraignment day (no trials). My question is, since I have an out of state license (NY), will my insurance be notified of everything if I just decide to pay and get all of this over with? And, will I get points on my license? If yes, I would rather fight it since I really wasn't even speeding (I know, I know, sounds so cliché). What are my chances in court? (BTW the ticket was issued by the UC Los Angeles PD, if that makes any difference)

Not sure if the info I provided is a little vague or not, but any advice guys/gals? I'm just really worried about my insurance being notified about all of this, so what would be my best way of handling this?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

1) My understanding is that notification of out of state tickets is more routine at present than it was many years ago. Your insurance company will probably discover this speeding ticket during a routine or periodic audit.

2) From what I understand, your state will probably find out about the ticket. Driver's license information is kept in three large databases which most states participate in: the National Driver Register, the Driver License Compact (DLC) and the Non-Resident Violator Compact. There is a sharing of information which occurs. However, my understanding is that while New York may know about the ticket, it may not assign the speeding ticket points against your license for the summons that was issued in California.

3) I have no idea what your chances are in court. You'll probably first need to file for a hearing for a ticket in judgment. The strength of your case is based upon the facts and circumstances. You say you know you weren't speeding - so cross examine the officers with zeal and rake them over the coals. Make sure that they can prove that you were traveling a rate in excess of the speed limit.