First Time Getting a Ticket, What Can I Expect

[calidiot]

My question involves traffic court in the State of: California

Hey guys, so this is my first time getting in any kind of trouble with the law so I'm kinda nervous and don't know what to expect. I'll spare you guys the details of why i was speeding and just list out the info as written on the ticket.

Date:5-3-11

Time:12:30 (has both a.m. and p.m. boxes X'ed although a.m. appears to be scratched out [correct time is p.m.]) Tuesday

Violation: 22349(a) VC SPEED #1 HOVs (infraction)

Speed Approx.: 95+

P.F./ Max Spd.: 65

Location: 57 North

Appearance date: 7-08-11 Santa Ana Court house

The Radar/Lidar Unit/Patrol Vehicle No. box is unchecked and empty.

What am I looking at in regards of fines and my ability to take traffic school? Would I be able to fight this in regards to my right to a speedy trial since the date of citation is 5-3-11 and the appearance date is 7-8-11 (greater than 45 days)? My biggest concern really is just being able to get the option for traffic school, I'll pay the fine for my mistake but I honestly can't afford higher insurance right now.

And yes, I know, I'm an idiot...

[cyjeff]

You were caught 30 miles per hour above. Your insurance rates WILL go up.

Traffic school may not be an option. Wait for Carl... he will tell you exactly.

[calidiot]

You were caught 30 miles per hour above. Your insurance rates WILL go up.

Traffic school may not be an option. Wait for Carl... he will tell you exactly.

Alright, thanks cyjeff.

[That Guy]

What am I looking at in regards of fines and my ability to take traffic school?

The fine for 22349(a) with 30mph in excess of the limit is approximately $475
The fine for the HOV lane violation (assuming you were cited for riding alone in the carpool lane VC21655.5(b)) is approximately $475

California Rules of Court 4.104(b)(2)(G) prohibit the court clerk from granting the traffic school request for violations where the alleged speed was 25+mph over the limit and leaves it up to the discretion of the judge. So if you want to request traffic school, you will have to appear before the judge and request it from him/her.

Would I be able to fight this in regards to my right to a speedy trial since the date of citation is 5-3-11 and the appearance date is 7-8-11 (greater than 45 days)?

If 7/8/2011 is the appearance date on the citation (or the appearance date after an extension), then that is your "arraignment" and NOT your trial. It has nothing to do with your right to a speedy trial.

[calidiot]

The fine for 22349(a) with 30mph in excess of the limit is approximately $475
The fine for the HOV lane violation (assuming you were cited for riding alone in the carpool lane VC21655.5(b)) is approximately $475

California Rules of Court 4.104(b)(2)(G) prohibit the court clerk from granting the traffic school request for violations where the alleged speed was 25+mph over the limit and leaves it up to the discretion of the judge. So if you want to request traffic school, you will have to appear before the judge and request it from him/her.


If 7/8/2011 is the appearance date on the citation (or the appearance date after an extension), then that is your "arraignment" and NOT your trial. It has nothing to do with your right to a speedy trial.

Ok, thank you very much for the information.