First Ticket for Speeding; Trying to Keep Insurance As Safe Driver

[felisha404]

My question involves a speeding ticket from the State of: Mass

I was clocked at 47 in a 30 mph zone.

I generally never speed and have a safe driving record.

This ticket was issued and when the officer asked me what the speed was in the zone, I thought for sure it was 35; but it was 30. Just as he caught me it changed from 35 to 30, which I now know since I drove back over to check it.

I was speeding, but I only saw 40 mph, and thought it was a 35 mph zone.

What is the best thing to say, plea, and ask for one time pardon of this ticket. It is a 170 fine, which is excessive in my opinion.

The officer who stopped me was cold and distant, and mumbled a bit so I didn't even understand what he was saying after he issued the ticket. I did not argue since I knew it would not help the situation.

I was speeding, but in all honesty feel it was a bit of a trap, and I wonder if this police officer (using radar) may have "embellished" my actual speed.
Of course I can't say, but it's a feeling. I have never been treated in such an unfriendly manner, and twice he asked me if I had seen him over to the side of the road. Obviously not, or perhaps I didn't think twice since I thought i was within the range of speed, and was shocked when he told me I was 17 over.

I know to dress professionally, show remorse, be respectful, and of course I plan on doing all that.....but is there anything else?

Also, if the officer does not show up, does it matter?

I am upset about the way he treated me, and the fact that I was speeding, but not overly so, and feel he kind of set me up, both in the zone and by upping my actual speed. But I know it's impossible to prove, and the judge will believe him over me.

But thanks for any help you can offer.

[shehzaadi]

I generally never speed and have a safe driving record.

Also, if the officer does not show up, does it matter?

If you do not have any ticket in last 18 months, maybe you are eligible to traffic school. Did you get court date? Do you have citation with you...is it infraction ? Refer to your state's laws for speeding on Pg.3 at following link

http://www.mass.gov/rmv/dmanual/chapter2.pdf

You will have to pay some fine and your insurance can go up..I would suggest you to go through a traffic attorney if you are very keen on not spoling your records. They can help reduce charges or dismiss csae based on some deal with District Attorney