Deferral Unlikely, What Next

[Y4me]

My question involves a speeding ticket from the State of: Washington

A few months ago I received my first traffic ticket in umpteen years which I deferred. I think it was like 36/25 or something like that.

Ok, so now I just received from a trooper in an unmarked car a speeding ticket of 73/60 right before the I-5 onramp . I usually am in left lane there to make room for the majority of the cars which are exiting before this onramp. I passed a car and am embarrassed to say I don't know what my speed was because I was looking for space to pull back into the Right lane. He sped up and then tailed me. I felt uncomfortable so I sped up myself. I don't like to cut in on people and I don't like being tailed, so I guess I just subconsiously did that. Well wrong move, after a little while, he turned on lights and pulled me over and when I complained that he was 'pushing' me he said he was pacing me!

Ok, I know I should be paying more attention. I normally don't speed there because just a few miles later the limit is 70 which is about what I do routinely, depending on traffic. I usually drive 65 to save gas.

He said I could defer it and I said I just got one. He then said it was in a different jurisdiction so it would be ok but call and checkI don't see on the internet where that is true. (And he should have known better!)

He also marked my ticket SMD, but told me he was pacing me. Does this matter? People say I should go to court. There are only 3 boxes to check (none have anything about deferral). It's pay, mitigation or contested. I'm a fulltime student and mother of college kids so insurance is already high even though the kids are good. I don't have much money or time to take this to court unless it's truly worthwhile. Missing school or clinic would be a very big hardship on me since I am already pushed to the limit timewise.

Also, I don't know if there is such a thing as traffic school in Washington State for Clark County district court. Plenty of websites wanting to sell me something though! Any advice? I know this is an opportunity to rethink my driving habits, but I'm worried about my driving record.

[Mr. Knowitall]

You can try taking it to hearing, as described in any number of threads in this forum. I don't think your chances are great, but maybe they'll make a procedural error or the officer won't show up despite your subpoena.