Rockwall County Texas Speeding Ticket

[arcacia]

I was recently pulled over by the Rockwall County Sheriff's office - I was paced going 100 in a 65 in Rockwall County, TX. Since this ticket is over the limit by more than 25 mph I am not eligible for Defensive Driving or Deferred Adjudiciation. I cannot plead guilty because I am under 25 and my insurance will shoot up. The fine is $290 (including $30 state fee and $70 court fee = $100 total fees), and the case is going to be heard by the JP1 Court (Judge David Karr).

1) If I plead not guilty and go to pre-trial by myself, what are my chances of getting a good plea bargain? Can I lower the speeding charge to a non-moving violation, or a lower speed limit so that I could do defensive driving or deferred adjudiciation?

2) If the case goes to pre-trial, would I have to pay additional court fees (in addition to the $70)?

3) If I go to pre-trial and I am not happy with the plea bargain or don't get an offer at all, can I still hire a lawyer after the pre-trial? How much time is there between the pre-trial and the trial?

4) Does it cost more for a jury trial vs. a bench trial?

5) Anyone happen to have any information about this court, the judge, and the procedures? Anything will help!

As a result of this ticket, I will pay more attention to my speed at night - I am just interested in putting this matter behind me and moving on with my life. I appreciate your advice.

[arcacia]

I have a clean driving record as well - will that help my case?

[lwpat]

No one can predict what will happen in court. Normally at pre-trial they will offer you a reduction. My crystal ball is cloudy today so I don't know what they will offer or whether you will accept or the court's case load.

To have any chance you usually should request a jury trial but it doesn't sound like you have any defense either way.

I would recommend hiring an attorney and let him handle the pretrial.