How Can I Ask the Judge to Reduce a Traffic Fine

[Zadders]

My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: CA

Hi, I was recently given a citation for entering the carpool lane on an on-ramp (21655.5 VC: solo occupant in HOV lane).
I completely understand that i broke the law, and although i only did it because i was potentially about to hit the car in front of me ( i didn't realize the pile of cars backed up in the regular lane), i still broke the law when i shouldn't have.

My question is, is there any way to attempt to reduce this fine? I don't necessarily want to plead NOT guilty and fight it in court, because i 100% broke the law and entered the freeway via carpool lane. But at my arraignment, which according to the ticket is in about 3 weeks, how would i go about asking for a reduction or community service?

I don't mean to sound ignorant, i just have never been in this situation before. At my arraignment, am i going to speak to the actual judge or just the clerk? And how would the process go about for asking for community service or a reduction?

Thank you in advance for all your help.


p.s. i did get a ticket last year for driving without my headlights on, so i guess i can't tell the judge i'm a first time offender.

[That Guy]

My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: CA

Hi, I was recently given a citation for entering the carpool lane on an on-ramp (21655.5 VC: solo occupant in HOV lane).
I completely understand that i broke the law, and although i only did it because i was potentially about to hit the car in front of me ( i didn't realize the pile of cars backed up in the regular lane), i still broke the law when i shouldn't have.

My question is, is there any way to attempt to reduce this fine? I don't necessarily want to plead NOT guilty and fight it in court, because i 100% broke the law and entered the freeway via carpool lane. But at my arraignment, which according to the ticket is in about 3 weeks, how would i go about asking for a reduction or community service?

I don't mean to sound ignorant, i just have never been in this situation before. At my arraignment, am i going to speak to the actual judge or just the clerk? And how would the process go about for asking for community service or a reduction?

There is no magic to it. You appear at the arraignment, wait until your name is called, go up and ask for a fine reduction... More often you don't even have to ask, you'll know if the judge is being generous or not by what he's offered others before you!

p.s. i did get a ticket last year for driving without my headlights on, so i guess i can't tell the judge i'm a first time offender.

Well, and then there's your driving without a license ticket...

[Zadders]

hahahaha you're good! But that was only a fix it ticket! But honestly do you think that's kind of sad/embarrassing that i've been cited these 3 times in less than 2 years?

[That Guy]

hahahaha you're good!

Expect the judge to be even better!

But that was only a fix it ticket!

I see that as an even worse violation that what you have now! Not because its a fix it ticket but simply because driving while unlicensed can be charged as a misdemeanor under similar circumstances to yours.

But honestly do you think that's kind of sad/embarrassing that i've been cited these 3 times in less than 2 years?

I think it prompts one to pause and think... But overall, your driving record should have little impact on your guilt or innocence. So go with the flow, if the judge offers a reduction, take it and run, if he doesn't, then don't act like you're entitled to one, because you're not! You're stuck without one!