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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    4

    Question Canadian Received Speeding Ticket in Washington

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


    Hi there,

    I received a speeding ticket shortly after crossing the border into the United States, in Bellingham, WA. I was apparently going 72 in a 60 zone.

    It is my first time receiving a ticket in the USA, and also one of my first times driving in the USA. Not to give excuses, but I was having quite a bit of trouble determining the conversion between Kilometers per hour and Miles per hour in relation to the speed limit. I was keeping up with traffic.

    I do not know the laws in regard to the tickets in Washington, on the back of the ticket it has an option to Mitigate. Should I do this?

    Advice?

    Thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Posts
    1,383

    Default Re: Canadian Received Speeding Ticket in Washington

    You could always mitigate, but 72 in a 60 is kinda ridiculous. If you live close enough, I'd fight it. But either way, you have to go to the court. So you might as well contest.

    And as far as your excuse goes, it won't hold up in a court of law, but it is intriguing. Better than some of the other excuses I've seen on the forum.

    Just my 2 cents.

    Brendan

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: Canadian Received Speeding Ticket in Washington

    Yeah, I realize there really isnt any excuse and im not trying to get out of it completely - I obviously was going fast (I got the ticket for it!)

    What will happen when I select the option to Mitigate is this the same as contesting it? Is there a chance the ticket would be reduced? If so, do you know what its usually reduced by? My ticket is $144.

    Thanks for the advice! Sorry if my questions sound silly.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Posts
    238

    Default Re: Canadian Received Speeding Ticket in Washington

    Your three options are;
    1) Plead guilty - Send in the full fine amount.
    2) Mitigation - Same as pleading guilty but with an explanation in hopes the judge will reduce the fine. Usually this works.
    3) Contested hearing - Plead not guilty and prove to the judge by a preponderance of evidence and beyond reasonable doubt that you did not commit the infraction. If the judge agrees with you off you go. If not you pay the fine as if you plead guilty.

    this link will help you understand how the system works here in Washington --> http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89115

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: Canadian Received Speeding Ticket in Washington

    Thanks for the info! If anyone else has any further information or tips, please feel free to post! thanks.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Posts
    276

    Default Re: Canadian Received Speeding Ticket in Washington

    116 KM PER HOUR is 72 Miles per hour...my car is outfitted with both MPH and Kilometers.....my 1st suggestion would be to buy a car with both options :-)

    And my 2nd would be to contest it, go to court and beat the ticket.....

    Oh and Welcome to the US!

    PS (LURKER TOM) reasonable doubt does not come into play with infraction. Criminal cases, yes, but not infractions. the preponderance of evidence is the only aspect used...

    And in infractions there is NEVER a guilty or not guilty finding as a traffic infraction is not a crime....its either found not committed or committed.....

    And to the OP, if you dont want the hassle etc.....mitigate it and i would bet you get a reduction of 30-40 us dollars or so....i dont exactly know how much as it differs in every court and the judge..

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Posts
    238

    Default Re: Canadian Received Speeding Ticket in Washington

    Thanks colemac65 I stand corrected - preponderance, committed/did not commit

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Posts
    4

    Default Re: Canadian Received Speeding Ticket in Washington

    Just a quick update - I completed an online mitigation and was sucessful - my fine was reduced by more than 50%.

    Thanks for your advice everyone.

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