Violation of No Left Turn Sign
My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Maryland - Anne Arundel County
Hello I received a traffic citation about a week ago for making a left turn when there was a sign that said I should not make a left turn. When the officer pulled me over I was so shocked, I didn't know what to say or do other than get my license and registration out and give it to him. He told me that there were two signs saying not to make a left turn. I didn't see them! Since this is my first citation and I've never done anything wrong or unlawful ever in my life, my friends are telling me to take it to court and fight it. I was looking up traffic court online and I really don't have any evidence to help me, or anything to say in my defense other than "I didn't see the sign." The fine on my citation is $90 and it gives me one point. I really don't want that point. I've heard if I just show up to court then they will dismiss it, or there is a chance I can get the fine lowered. My question is how I can avoid getting a point on my license? What about traffic school?
Re: Violation of No Left Turn Sign
Were there, in fact, 2 No Left Turn signs where you turned left? That's about the only avenue of defense you have and whether the signs are up to code based on regulations. "I didn't see it" is not a valid defense.
And you heard wrong, they aren't simply going to dismiss it if you show up. Is there a chance you could get a deal? It might be possible but we can't say for sure.
Re: Violation of No Left Turn Sign
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Quoting
Tres85
I've heard if I just show up to court then they will dismiss it
Seriously, try and keep your expectations somewhere in the neighborhood of real... You may be able to negotiate with a prosecuting attorney for some sort of plea bargain that might entail payment of a fine in exchange for a non moving violation that carries no points. Other than that, you're setting yourself up to be disappointed.
Re: Violation of No Left Turn Sign
On my citation I am given three options: Pay the fine, request a hearing regarding sentencing and disposition instead of a trial, or request a trial. I was looking up information on the website for courts in Maryland and found out that if I request a hearing, it would be with the judge only and not the officer who ticketed me. That I can explain to the judge why I committed the offense and request that my fine be reduced. If I were to choose this option, could I request to the judge that I attend traffic school instead of get the point on my record? I know I will most likely still have to pay a fine, which is okay. I don't care about the fine. Is this a good option for me?
Re: Violation of No Left Turn Sign
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Quoting
Tres85
"I didn't see the sign."?
This could be a viable defense of the signs are not posted per the MUTCD ; if you just neglected to see them then this is on you.
You did not specify if the signs were posted per MUTCD or if you just missed them so I don't know if you have a defense or not.