Traffic court question

[LindaJay]

My 18-year-old son ran a redlight and was in a minor accident near Chattanooga. Thank goodness there was only minor scratches to both cars. He was lost, and didn't realize he was coming into a light and was pretty sure he could cause an accident if he slammed on the brakes, so he opted for the get-through-the-light option -- which almost worked. Thank goodness the damage was minor and no one was hurt -- it could have been so much worse! The woman who hit him called the police, who filed a report and gave him a ticket. (It was his fault since he ran through the light). She did contact our insurance company, but so far has not filed a claim.

Anyway -- since we don't live in TN and don't have a clue about traffic court, I am asking advice. We told him that he should go to traffic court and plead guilty, explain what happened and basically beg for mercy!

Any advice from those of you with experience? Of course, our first hope is that he doesn't get lost trying to find traffic court in Chattanooga and get into another accident! Thanks!

[Perry]

Re: Traffic court question

We told him that he should go to traffic court and plead guilty, explain what happened and basically beg for mercy!

Sound advice no matter which state you live in.

He'll likely have to go to traffic school and pay a fine - along with the court costs.

[MotherOfGizmo]

Re: Traffic court question

Do they have the Prayer for Judgement plea there?

[natureboy]

Re: Traffic court question

Do like everyone tells you as far as just going in and pleading guilty, but I would take a good look at your son and decide if he needs to be cleaned up and coached in his Yes sirs and No sirs.
If he mumbles coach him until he can tell his story in his sleep clearly and concisely.
Teach him to make eye contact with the judge as he talks.
If he slouches make him stand up.
Don't be afraid to put a coat and tie on him.

The case is going to be pretty much cut and dried but as a Southern person I can tell you that if the judge is impressed with him as just a young man who made a mistake and not some thug that needs to be taught a lesson it can go a long way. If the judge thinks he's a nice kid he can make those on the book laws magically disappear.

[Kisseslikepearls]

Re: Traffic court question

Do like everyone tells you as far as just going in and pleading guilty, but I would take a good look at your son and decide if he needs to be cleaned up and coached in his Yes sirs and No sirs.

The case is going to be pretty much cut and dried but as a Southern person I can tell you that if the judge is impressed with him as just a young man who made a mistake and not some thug that needs to be taught a lesson it can go a long way. If the judge thinks he's a nice kid he can make those on the book laws magically disappear.

I second this: I caused an accident in Alabama. A little bit of a different circumstance since I was on the highway while it was raining pretty hard and basically hydroplaned into a semi truck. I was given the same advice and the judge at one point even joked with me about how at least my first accident was one I'd remember. I think judges everywhere realize accidents do happen and as long as there aren't other factors (drugs etc) they're pretty nice about it. I ended up having to do the driving school thing, but no fines or anything, lucky me.

I will admit it took some doing to stay polite since he was joking about 'such a little girl in such a big truck'. It was a Durango, something I had learned on and I was a couple months from my 18th birthday at the time. It was a tad nauseating, not to mention annoying, but well worth it to bite my tongue.

[LindaJay]

Re: Traffic court question

Thanks! We did take him a nice oxford shirt and decent khaki pants (no jacket fits him after a summer of raft guiding!) and reviewed the yes sir, etc. manners, and I will review them again when I talk to him! Thanks for advice on looking the judge in the eye and not mumbling -- he is kind of shy, so he will have to remember to speak clearly, etc.

He is a good kid, etc., so I am hoping that will all come across. He is pretty petrified about the whole thing! He's also worried that he'll get lost trying to find traffic court and end up in another accident!!! Hopefully he will take someone with him to help navigate, since he's never been to Chattanooga!

[natureboy]

Re: Traffic court question

Thanks! We did take him a nice oxford shirt and decent khaki pants (no jacket fits him after a summer of raft guiding!) and reviewed the yes sir, etc. manners, and I will review them again when I talk to him! Thanks for advice on looking the judge in the eye and not mumbling -- he is kind of shy, so he will have to remember to speak clearly, etc.

He is a good kid, etc., so I am hoping that will all come across. He is pretty petrified about the whole thing! He's also worried that he'll get lost trying to find traffic court and end up in another accident!!! Hopefully he will take someone with him to help navigate, since he's never been to Chattanooga!

ONe more thing you should coach him on L J, as soon as the judge asks him a question he should say, "YOur Horor, before I answer that question I would just like to say....Go Vols". That should do it..