Paying a Speeding Ticket in New York State

[DHA]

There is nothing like night court in a small town in upstate NY for "culture". I contested a speeding ticket a couple of years ago. My "conference" with the DA was out a side door to the "courtroom", on the gravel and grass, in the rain. The DA was a county employee, but everyone else were townies. The DA was the only person in the room who looked like he belonged in a courtroom, but he'd obviously had a few beers at supper. HE suggested I plead guilty to faulty equipment and my $500 fine for going 20+ over the limit became a $40 ticket plus $100 in court costs, all of which the town keeps I found out that night. Lessons learned: If its a small town in upstate NY, they need the revenue, the elected judge is not there to get people angry, if you go to court you'll save yourself some money by supporting the local town "justice" system. Also don't expect much sympathy if you are facing a DWI and show up with an attitude and no lawyer. That could get you handcuffed after the sheriff shows up. And for god's sake show some respect, AND show up on time. I saw one hostile idiot show up late and they threw the proverbial book at him. I now realize why so many people used to fill the courtroom before TV. It can be kind of entertaining!