ticket help
 

HI,

I got a ticket that says: (violation type is P170) - fail to display current tags

I got this along with a parking ticket of 25.00, in DC... my registration is valid just didnt have the correct sticker on the licenses plate.. Do I have a chance if I want to fight the ticket ? These 2 tickets were given while I had the car parked so I am guessing its the "meter maids" ? that gave it?

I have paid for the parking (meter expired) but dont feel liek paying 100 for the other one...

what are your thoughts?

Can you go to court to proof that you had a valid registration and just forgot to display it?

well thats what the ticket is for... so prolly not a gd idea to say that... I was thinking what If I say the sticker reading 12 was on there or on the plate in front by mistake... also if its a meter maid do they go to court ?

You can go two ways. Take photographic proof showing that it is correct and file a motion for dismissal; or go to the hearing and admit that the sticker was not displayed but corrective action has been taken, bringing documentation to show that you were legal the whole time. In MD all the audio is digitally captured so if you win you can purchase a copy of the audio for prosperity. :)

it would be in DC court... Just not sure yet which way to go...

DC Superior Court uses the same recording system (the central recording room is an impressive setup). I don't recall whether they use hearing officers or judges for traffic matters. A lot of the time it just depends what judge you get, some are pretty quick to dismiss matters, others are hard core. If you're not the first one up you can analyze how the judge handles the previous cases and change your tactics accordingly.

Just go to court, and plea you'll probably get a good deal. Thats what I would do.

I need to decide on this...

should I deny, or admit with an explanation I am 50/50 as of now...

Dude, go to court and contest it, bring your registration, and say it was a mistake on your part, admit guilt, and hope for the best.

If you admit guilt then you should plead no contest and offer the explaination with paperwork. You can't plead not guilty and then admit guilt, the judge will just send you on your way.

I look at it this way, is fighting the ticket worth the hours you would lose from not going into work (if you even have to take off for work that is)? Not to mention the time it takes waiting for your name to be called to go in front of the judge? Then you arent even guaranteed that the judge will go for it, then all that time was for nothing.

Personally if I were to take off work for a hundred dollar ticket, id lose more money by going to court than if I were to pay it, but thats just me. Now if this were some reckless driving ticket that is gonna cost you 300 bucks and jack your insurance rates up then youd be stupid not to fight it, but since this isnt even a moving violation I wouldnt worry about it. (unless of course you dont have anything planned that day) Just my opinion.

good point Chris, however wont have to take "off" work for doing this, i work all odd hours so its pretty flexible. Just felt like 100 being wasted as the registration was valid....however I do agree with you on going there and waiting etc..

you were clearly in violation, pay the fine and be on with your life. No one is going to feel sorry for you because you were too lazy to properly display your registration sticker.