Passing school bus while unloading. Received letter in mail. HELP PLEASE!

[kendramae89]

Okay, so I received a letter in the mail that I had passed a school bus while loading/unloading. I do remember this happening, it was snowing that day. I was on a state road with 2 lanes on each side. I was in the left lane while the school bus was in the right lane. I don't recall seeing the blinking lights on the school bus prior to passing it. The only thing I remember was that I was approximately 10 feet or less behind the school bus when the stop sign came out. Since it was slick outside I kept going because I did not have time to stop. I appeared for court and this is now going to trial.The only witness is the school bus driver, that person is who reported my license plate number to the police. So, no cops witnessed or anything. I'm not sure when my trial date is, however do I have a chance at fighting this?? Should I hire a lawyer?

Thanks for your help.

 

[kendramae89]

Also, forgot to mention that I had 2 speeding tickets within a 3 month period and completed defensive driving for these. I also had gotten a speeding ticket with my permit when I was 15 years old. I had a warning for illegal left turn as well...

 

[army judge]

Hire a lawyer.
You have no other options if you don't want this on your record.
This is an expensive ticket.
But, reread your top post.
Your recollection of events is tantamount to a confession.
What you think is an excuse is a confession.
You need a lawyer.
A lawyer can get this bargained down it even dismissed.
You can't.
Hire a lawyer.

 

[mightymoose]

Usually the lights are blinking yellow and then red before the stop sign ever comes out... your argument that you did not have time to prepare to stop likely won't hold up.

 

[kendramae89]

How much is the ticket? I don't want to end up paying for both the ticket and the lawyer if the lawyer does not get me out of this?

 

[mightymoose]

Contact the court and they can advise you of the cost. Expect it to be at least a few hundred dollars. Also ask about options for traffic court which will keep it off your record and won't increase your insurance rate.