Speeding Ticket

2

2028usma???!!

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Dec 14, 2023
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This morning whilst driving to work, I was ticketed for 10 over in a 45. Where would I report this to USMA. Do I email the admissions or RC to let them know? Or is it too minor to report since it is a low speed traffic violation? I just want to do the right step so I have no issues with clearances and background checks of that sort in the admissions process.

I am 3q NWL qualified for further information.
 
I'm not familiar with the USMA application, but can you go back and check if there was a question along the lines of "Have you ever been convicted of a crime"? If it includes traffic violations, then you should report this to admissions. If it only asks whether you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, then you shouldn't need to report it. I got a speeding ticket last fall, and had to report it to USNA but not USCGA.
 
They're going to ask for all the "legal documentation" that resolved the situation. DD reported a speeding ticket on both USMA and USNA applications and at different times admissions emailed back asking for all of the documentation including the ticket and then any paperwork showing how it was resolved. It might be sensible to wait until you have resolved it and have those documents in hand (like fine paid, drivers safety course completed, etc). Since DD was under 18 it required a court appearance as well where we live. They wanted all of that...
 
airforce_brat said:
They're going to ask for all the "legal documentation" that resolved the situation. DD reported a speeding ticket on both USMA and USNA applications and at different times admissions emailed back asking for all of the documentation including the ticket and then any paperwork showing how it was resolved. It might be sensible to wait until you have resolved it and have those documents in hand (like fine paid, drivers safety course completed, etc). Since DD was under 18 it required a court appearance as well where we live. They wanted all of that...
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This is my first interaction ever with the police.
Is a Defense Drivers course required for USMA? Because I can just pay the ticket and hopefully resolve everything today?
 
2028usma???!! said:
This is my first interaction ever with the police.
Is a Defense Drivers course required for USMA? Because I can just pay the ticket and hopefully resolve everything today?
Click to expand...
Not necessarily...it depends on where you live and what the local laws are. It was my DD's first and only traffic violation...also at a low speed. Read everything on the ticket...what are your instructions? Follow that and you should be good to go.
 
As a lawyer and parent of a USMA cadet do NOT just pay off the ticket. Simply paying the ticket can result in increased insurance rates for a number of years depending on the jurisdiction. Hire a lawyer knowledgeable regarding traffic tickets. Attorney may well save you significant insurance costs and may get the ticket dismissed. Would not hurt to report to USMA but they will not be concerned regarding such a minor traffic offense.
 
Don't know what state you are in, but in my state such a ticket can be cleared by paying the fine and attending traffic school. If you follow that course, then there is no increase to your insurance premium and no points on your driving record.

I will also say that fighting a ticket when you know you committed the violation is inherently unethical. If you actually believe that you are innocent, then that is a different story.
 
DTT!FSA! said:
Don't know what state you are in, but in my state such a ticket can be cleared by paying the fine and attending traffic school. If you follow that course, then there is no increase to your insurance premium and no points on your driving record.

I will also say that fighting a ticket when you know you committed the violation is inherently unethical. If you actually believe that you are innocent, then that is a different story.
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In my state, you pay the ticket and then nothing. It’s not a big deal.

So before OP goes to the expense of hiring a lawyer and getting worked up about it, figure out if it’s a big deal at all.

It truly depends on where you live.

And don’t speed. Dont do stuff you aren’t supposed to (those temptations with senior pranks, underage drinking, etc…). You are now in a special situation of having a lot to loose. That’s your reality now.
 
Call the local ada - they might reduce it down without an attorney involved.

In his way back from Annapolis- my son got a speeding ticket in PA. I got him a certified check for the ticket and fees, and he mailed it to the court with a letter.

In the letter he admitted he was speeding, explained he was on break from USNA going home, and apologized for breaking PA laws.

The judge dismissed the case and sent the bank check back.
 
airforce_brat said:
They're going to ask for all the "legal documentation" that resolved the situation. DD reported a speeding ticket on both USMA and USNA applications and at different times admissions emailed back asking for all of the documentation including the ticket and then any paperwork showing how it was resolved. It might be sensible to wait until you have resolved it and have those documents in hand (like fine paid, drivers safety course completed, etc). Since DD was under 18 it required a court appearance as well where we live. They wanted all of that...
Click to expand...
Should I email them telling them i got a ticket, or email after I’ve resolved eveything with documents attached? It seems defensive school in my state can only be offered and not requested in the mail. So I would have to wait until then.
 
2028usma???!! said:
This morning whilst driving to work, I was ticketed for 10 over in a 45. Where would I report this to USMA. Do I email the admissions or RC to let them know? Or is it too minor to report since it is a low speed traffic violation? I just want to do the right step so I have no issues with clearances and background checks of that sort in the admissions process.

I am 3q NWL qualified for further information.
Click to expand...
It's an infraction, not a crime. Comply with the requirements of the citation to the letter. Don't worry about it. Just don't exceed 15 mph at West Point...
 
2028usma???!! said:
This morning whilst driving to work, I was ticketed for 10 over in a 45. Where would I report this to USMA. Do I email the admissions or RC to let them know? Or is it too minor to report since it is a low speed traffic violation? I just want to do the right step so I have no issues with clearances and background checks of that sort in the admissions process.

I am 3q NWL qualified for further information.
Click to expand...
Take defense driving class
 
When in doubt, reach out to your RC and/or FFR to find out the answer. Only they will be able to steer you in the right direction. In the meantime, read the instructions on your ticket. If you are required to show up in court, then do so. You may get lucky and get a reduced ticket. Whatever it ends up being, then pay the fine as charged. Make copies of everything JUST IN CASE you need to provide proof at some point. Keep receipt of paying fine.

If and when you do get accepted, you will need your local policy where you live complete the Police Record Check. Section II.10 asks "HAS THE APPLICANT A POLICE OR JUVENILE RECORD, TO INCLUDE MINOR TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS? If Yes, what was the offense or charge, date, disposition and sentence? Explain below." The other answer is No. However, this form is to be completed and signed by the policy department, who will run a check on you. Either this will come up and they will say Yes and explain, or if wiped or thrown out it will say No and they will indicate that.
 
2028usma???!! said:
Should I email them telling them i got a ticket, or email after I’ve resolved eveything with documents attached? It seems defensive school in my state can only be offered and not requested in the mail. So I would have to wait until then.
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That would be an unnecessary complication....
 
Allectus said:
As a lawyer and parent of a USMA cadet do NOT just pay off the ticket. Simply paying the ticket can result in increased insurance rates for a number of years depending on the jurisdiction. Hire a lawyer knowledgeable regarding traffic tickets. Attorney may well save you significant insurance costs and may get the ticket dismissed. Would not hurt to report to USMA but they will not be concerned regarding such a minor traffic offense.
Click to expand...
Good point. I once hired a lawyer for a traffic infraction even though I didn't think it would do any good.

I was wrong - ticket dismissed and cost of lawyer was less than amount of ticket. Didn't even have to meet him. Hired him and submitted info through his website and no need to appear in court. I was skeptical, so I actually went to the court to watch as he presented a bunch of cases including mine. There are many lawyers who specialize in traffic law and know exactly how to present a case.

In California, traffic school is a great option. You pay the ticket, do an easy online course and the infraction never gets reported to the insurance company.
 
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