Traffic ticket, went to court, it was Saturday and closed

[pwrlftngchk04]

I got a traffic ticket for speeding 68mph in a (supposed) 45mph zone. My court date on the ticket was December 12, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. It was a Saturday. I showed to find that no one was there and they were closed as they are on every Saturday. Am I still liable for the ticket? Or, what are my options now? Need help fast!!!

 

[tpajet]

You need to contact the courthouse to reschedule the court date. It's not going to just go away. However I would use the argument that the plaintiff (the officer, etc) did not show up on the noted date on the ticket. It's kind of a thin argument since court wasn't actually called into session in the first place, but worth a try unless you something much better otherwise.

My next question is why do you say a supposedly 45MPH zone?

 

[pwrlftngchk04]

The 45 mph zone was 2 miles up the road and around a corner covered by houses, buildings, and trees. The police officer was parked behind a building on the opposite side that I was traveling. As far as I know, radar guns can't go through buildings, definitely not 3. I sped up too quickly for the 70 mph zone, which was about an eighth of a mile in front of me when I got stopped.

 

[mightymoose]

You local county ordinances should specify the exact location of the 45 mph zone if there is any question, but the location of the signs should be accurate.

You will end up with a warrant if you don't get in touch with the court about the ticket. Let them set a new date.