if waiver plead guilty what is the point?

[newb]

I received a traffic citation and do not think I am guilty. I do not want to go to court. I am in the process of hiring an attorney. I am wondering what is the difference between signing the citation and paying the fine and court costs (which means I would be pleading guilty) and hiring an attorney and signing a waiver (pleading guilty)?? If in both instances I am pleading guilty, how can an attorney help or is it a waste of money? Should I only hire an attorney if I want to plead not guilty? Why can't one plead not guilty and not go to Court? Would it be better for a person who doesn't understand how to defend himself/herself to plead not guilty or plead guilty and have an attorney to defend them? Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[mafioso]

If you feel you are guilty, then don't hire an attorney and just do whatever by mail. If it is a citation which can affect you negatively, then get an attorney. If you feel you are innocent and can't defend yourself, get an attorney. You can't stay away from court and just say you are not guilty. You need to prove you innocence…….under due process of the law.

 

[newb]

Hello mafioso.

Thank you for your response.

Some years ago, I received my first traffic citation. I was guilty. I received letters from attorneys asking to help me. I was scared and chose one. I wasn't really sure what was involved so I thought it was a good idea to have an attorney. I signed a waiver and he also told me to sign the pink citation. I look back now and wonder what he did for me. He never really spoke to me about what he would do and he never spoke to nor wrote to me about the results. I basically had to make my own phone calls to find out. I received exactly the points for what I did.

Now, I have received a traffic citation for which I do not believe I am guilty for. I have briefly talked with a few attorneys and or their ... assistants?? Attorneys are very busy in the mornings. Anyways, I feel more comfortable with women and unfortunately I am finding more male attorneys than female attorneys, especially with traffic as one of or their specialties. In addition, the men seem to be the fighters (not guilty). Of course, this is all a generalization of what I am seeing in my little experience. The attorney I chose has already chosen for me to sign a waiver (plead guilty) without even asking what I want to do.

So that is why I asked what I asked. Why do I not want to go to court? Don't want to sit in court for 3 or 4 hours straight. I have anxiety especially in crowds. I don't want to take the stand where I might be asked questions that have nothing to do with the incident. I am kind of a private person and I there will be all these people that I don't know sitting there looking at me...listening to me. I am lucky I wasn't accused of something far worse. I could possible talk to the attorney I have chosen and say I want to plead not guilty and I just pray I can stand being in court for however long it takes. Can a person wait outside the courtroom???

Anyhow, thank you again mafioso.