My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of California, VC 22349(a).
I received the citation of speeding (83mph in a 65 mph zone) on highway 395 near Mono Lake. On the citation the appearance date is 12/19. I just received the notice of bail from the court two days ago. On the bail notice the appearance date is pushed back to beginning of Jan 2012. I called the clerk and the automatic voice said that all traffic citations are automatically extended by two weeks due to technical problems. It conforms to the date on the bail notice. Anyway, I still talked with the clerk over the phone and she extended it to the end of Jan 2012.
I have done Trial by Written Declaration twice in the past and won both cases. However I understand that citation of VC 22349(a) is very hard to fight. So I would like to ask for some insights on the strategy of this citation.
First, a really stupid question. Can I still request trial by written declaration this time? I remember that last time, I was in similar situation that I received the notice pretty late close to the date on the citation. Fortunately I lived close to the court. So I went there directly and submit the request. But this time I live 5 hours away from the court. And I do not think I can go to the court before 12/19. Now the appearance date on the bail notice is in Jan 2012. I assume that is the deadline for me to submit my TBWD request? I just to want to make sure that I can legally do so.
Second, since VC 22349(a) is very hard to fight, I am preparing for the worst. If I was found guilty for TBWD, I would like to ask for traffic school to avoid appearing in the court since it is too far away from where I am living. I have a completely clean record in the past of my driving history. I am wondering if the judge will give me this opportunity? If not, I understand that I can go to TDN, but is there any way to avoid appear in the court on TDN? It is hard for me to travel to the court before May 2012 since the highway is closed due to snow.
Appreciate any comments and insights!![]()