My question involves a speeding ticket from the State of: Montana.
A Yellowstone Park police issued me a speeding ticket: 75 mph on 55 mph two-lane road at night, 36 CFR4.21C. The violation will be recorded by the Central Violation Bureau, because the Park is the federal property. The police explained that the information will be stored at the federal level. The ticket is a federal misdemeanor. I asked the police if he can write the ticket as infraction (apparently he did not). My questions are
- misdemeanor is more serious than infraction. What would be the consequences of such misdemeanor at the federal level? I am a greencard holder and heard that a federal misdemeanor can cause a denial of entry at airports.
- my driving record is spotless. Would it be possible to ask the judge to issue a less serious ticket such as infraction or parking violation (in consideration of my clean record; and of any negative impact on greencard status)?
- when the police asked me 'how fast were you going?'. I unknowingly said '65-75'. I suspect if he did not clock my speed. Can I ask for 'discovery request' at court hearing?
- I don't think I can fight a ticket. But I hope to reduce the severity of the violation by going to the court. In a situation like this, should I hire a laywer; what help could a lawyer provide?
Thank you in advance for your expert advice!
PS. The police told me that the violation will not be reported to the state DMV and the insurance. He suggested I just pay fine. But reading the ticket in detail, I don't think he was telling the truth.

