Hello,

I received a speeding ticket on May 30, 2009. At the time I was unable to pay the fine so I requested an extension, which made me ineligible for traffic school.

I submitted a letter requesting community service or a fine reduction and the opportunity for traffic school because of personal and financial hardship. The court gave me the option of pleading Guilty or No Contest and a fine reduction to $135, with no mention of traffic school. I really can't afford for my insurance rates to go up, I can barely pay my rent.

Is there any benefit to me pleading not guilty and requesting a court date? I've included additional information that might be helpful below:

  • The officer claimed I was clocked at 92 MPH in a 65. He said he would not have stopped me had I been going 85
  • The officer marked that I was going 89 on my ticket so I would be eligible for traffic school but I was not able to afford to pay the ticket and attend.
  • I have been traveling back and forth to visit my family often because of the recent passing of my mother.
  • The ticket was issued near Fort Tejon so it is Kern County - Lamont branch.


Thank you very much for any help you might provide.