No Proof of Insurance - Likely to Get Reduced

[kcackler]

My question involves traffic court in the State of: Arkansas

The whole story here - I purchased a new truck on a Sunday. I wasn't thinking before making the trip to get the truck, and as such, had not arranged to get it insured yet. Since it was impossible to insure on a Sunday, but I had to get back home (5+ hours away) for school and work, I took a chance and drove it home. On the way home, I pulled over for gas, and about a minute later, a cop pulled up behind me and issued me a ticket for no proof of insurance. I have no idea what her original reasoning was for pulling me over, but I suppose that doesn't really matter.

I am guilty of not having insurance on the truck on the date of the ticket. This was simply due to a lack of forethought on my part. I did secure insurance the following day, so it's not as if I was avoiding getting insured.

My question is this: If I go to court, will I likely have my fine reduced for showing that I secured insurance on the day following the ticket? Will I be able to explain my side at all, or will I simply be given the option to say Guilty or Not Guilty (Never been to traffic court before)

Any advice you can give me is very much appreciated. Court is tomorrow (Just found this helpful site) so I'm looking for quick answers. The court appearance is about 3 hours away, so I'm trying to decide whether or not it's worth it to spend $60 in gas only to possibly have to pay the full ticket ($350) anyway.

Thanks in advance.

[seniorjudge]

GENERALLY a court may give you leniency if you bring in proof that you got insurance as soon as possible.

ALSO if you had insurance on another car, you MAY have automatically been covered.

Check with your insurance agent.

[kcackler]

Already checked with the insurance company. Here's the LONG version of the story:

Before heading up to possibly buy the truck, I called the insurance company to see if automatic coverage is extended to new purchases. They said Yes and that was the end of it.

The thing is that I am apparently NOT ON the insurance coverage in the normal sense. Instead, I am simply an "additional driver" on my parent-in-law's coverage. As such, the auto coverage doesn't extend to me like it does to the coverage holders. I didn't realize this when I called the insurance company originally, or I would have mentioned it to them...

So, if I show up in court tomorrow, what is the court process like? Do I just go in, they call my name, and ask how I plead and I say guilty or not? If I say guilty, will they still look over my coverage that I now have, or let me explain or anything? Just confused about the whole process and can't find any good info on it.

Thanks again.

[seniorjudge]

Plead guilty with an explanation and then produce the documentation showing you have insurance.

Before court, if you have a chance, discuss this with the prosecutor and show him your documentation.

[kcackler]

Thank you for your advice. I'm a bit nervous about the whole ordeal, to be honest. Having never been any trouble, ever..This is new territory to me

Thanks again

[seniorjudge]

All this may not apply to you:



Here are some hints on appearing in court:

Dress professionally in clean clothes.

Do not wear message shirts.

Don't chew gum, smoke, or eat. (Smokers...pot or tobacco...literally stink. Remember that before you head for court.)

Bathe and wash your hair.

Do not bring small children or your friends.

Go to court beforehand some day before you actually have to go to watch how things go.

Speak politely and deferentially. If you argue or dispute something, do it professionally and without emotion.

Ask the court clerk who you talk to about a diversion (meaning you want to plead to a different, lesser charge), if applicable in your situation. Ask about traffic school and that the ticket not go on your record, if applicable. Ask also about getting a hardship driving permit, if applicable. Ask about drug court, if applicable.

Leave your cellphone in your car.

Here are five stories that criminal court judges hear the most (and I suggest you do not use them or variations of them):

1. I’ve been saved! (This is not religion specific; folks from all kinds of religious backgrounds use this one.)

2. My girlfriend/mother/sister/daughter/wife/ex-wife/niece/grandma/grand-daughter is pregnant/sick/dying/dead/crippled/crazy and needs my help.

3. I’ve got a job/military posting in [name a place five hundred miles away].

4. This is the first time I ever did this. (This conflicts with number 5 below, but that hasn’t stopped some defendants from using both.)

5. You’ve got the wrong guy. (A variation of this one is the phantom defendant story: “It wasn’t me driving, it was a hitchhiker I picked up. He wrecked the car, drug me behind the wheel then took off.” Or, another variation: “I was forced into it by a bad guy!”)


Public defender’s advice
http://newyork.craigslist.org/about/.../70300494.html