Drag Racing

[dumby]

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

Just today me and a buddy got pulled over on our way home from school, We were supposedly doing 63 in a 35, I honestly don't think i was going the fast, my buddy was passing me, the cop was parallel to the road, facing us, if that helps. Luckily it wasn't a school zone, My car is currently impounded, going to get it tomorrow, From what i have found, it is a misdemeanor, and i will get four points on my license.

The court date is May 25 at 8:30 am, is there anything i can do or say that will help me, This is my first ticket and I'm 17, I honestly have no clue what to do, cash is tight as my dad is layed off, and i cant find a job...

Any information will help, thanks

[dumby]

Michigan law states:
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any vehicle upon any highway, or any other place open to the general public, including any area designated for the parking of motor vehicles, within this state, in a speed or acceleration contest or for the purpose of making a speed record, whether from a standing start or otherwise over a measured or unmeasured distance, or in a drag race as herein defined.

“Drag racing� means the operation of 2 or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to out-distance each other over a common selected course or where timing is involved or where timing devices are used in competitive accelerations of speeds by participating vehicles. Persons rendering assistance in any manner to such competitive use of vehicles shall be equally charged as participants. The operation of 2 or more vehicles either at speeds in excess of prima facie lawfully established speeds or rapidly accelerating from a common starting point to a speed in excess of such prima facie lawful speed is prima facie evidence of drag racing and is unlawful.

By this definition, we were not drag racing, he pulled out of the driveway behind me, and tried to pass me, i didnt want him infront of me, the police saw me as i was slowing down to get over because my lane ended, and i was just messing with the guy, not drag racing him, would it be better for me to argue into a speeding ticket?

[Mr. Knowitall]

You're charged with a misdemeanor criminal offense, drag racing; but from your description the officer probably should have charged a different misdemeanor offense, reckless driving (6 points).

I suggest getting a lawyer and trying to at least get it knocked down to a careless (civil infraction (non-misdemeanor), 3 points).

[dumby]

You're charged with a misdemeanor criminal offense, drag racing; but from your description the officer probably should have charged a different misdemeanor offense, reckless driving (6 points).

I suggest getting a lawyer and trying to at least get it knocked down to a careless (civil infraction (non-misdemeanor), 3 points).

Thank you sir, Do you think i stand a chance trying to do it without a lawyer? Because as i stated before, money is really tight these days, and i sure wont be doing anything stupid like this for a real long time, such a freaking nightmare.... I like the way my dad worded it, "I got caught up in the moment," it all happened so fast, that's exactly what happened... now i cant sleep....

[greenskeeper]

Sounds like you gunned it to keep your buddy from passing. You deserve what you got, actually as mentioned 6pts should be the penalty so you got off some.

Slow down and enjoy your increased insurance rates until you're 25.

[aaron]

This is a criminal offense. I think it's sensible to use a lawyer.