Do I Need an Attorney for My Speeding Ticket

[emptypockets]

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

Hello everyone. I got cited for misdemeanor 23109(c) exhibition of speed. After making a u-turn, I got on the throttle and squealed the tires for about 2 seconds. Since I was going about 5 mph and got up to about 20 in a 40 zone before pulling into driveway, I would like to try and reduce to infraction and attend traffic school. Since booking is required, sounds like this is a big deal and will involve arraignments, multiple appearances etc. Can I personally ask the judge about my request or does a lawyer have to do it? Thanks

[Mr. Knowitall]

CVC 23109.

The judge doesn't make a charging decision - that's the prosecutor's prerogative - so if you want to try to reduce the charge you need to talk to the prosecutor.

[HonkingAntelope]

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

Hello everyone. I got cited for misdemeanor 23109(c) exhibition of speed. After making a u-turn, I got on the throttle and squealed the tires for about 2 seconds. Since I was going about 5 mph and got up to about 20 in a 40 zone before pulling into driveway, I would like to try and reduce to infraction and attend traffic school. Since booking is required, sounds like this is a big deal and will involve arraignments, multiple appearances etc. Can I personally ask the judge about my request or does a lawyer have to do it? Thanks

You can always wing it and ask the judge personally, but your chances of getting a reduction improve significantly if you have your attorney do it for you.

[EWYLTJ]

For a charge as ridiculous as exhibition of speed, I'd almost rather have a misdemeanor charge vice an infraction. I'd ask for a jury trial. This is a law that is so vague that absolutely anything could be considered "exhibition of speed". However, most traffic judges seem to have a predisposition about the guilt of those who appear before them. I'd much rather have a jury decide.