What could I do/say to keep my license?

So you were called for court hearing because you didn’t pay those two tickets in time?

I was a police officer in Arkansas for a couple years and from what I saw, things like this all come down to the judge and the mood he’s in. Just bear in mind that the judge hears B.S. all day every day. Whatever you decide to tell him, make sure you’re sincere and don’t try to blame your problems on anyone else. Also, if you’re in an area where there’s no public transportation make sure you mention that you’ll need to be able to drive to work. Many times they’ll give you a permit that allows you to drive from home to work and back, but no where else.

Try to dress business-like for court. It’s respectful and a little thing like that can help.

Maybe you could attend traffic school before you go to court to show the judge that you are sincere in changing your ways. I agree with Rob though, No excuses, just apologize and throw yourself on the mercy of the court. I have sat in traffic court before and it floors me how many people are so stupid. Listen to the judges instructions and if they just want you to plead then do it. If you choose to plead guilty, then say, guilty with an explanation. Wait for permission to continue then throw your apology and remorse out there. Don’t blame anyone else for your mistake, just be sorry and promise never to do it again and MEAN it! I have friends in Arkansas and I don’t want to hear about a speeder running them off the road and killing them.

@Judi: did you intend that as a pun? “it floors me” haha like if you “floor it”
anyway, this same thing happened to me when I was 17. Except I paid both tickets and then I got a letter saying my license was suspended for 6 months! I applied for a hardship license or “cinderella” license as it’s called. I had to go to court and explain why I desperately needed my license to go to school and work. I brought letters from my boss and parents and wrote a letter of apology that I handed in to the 3 judges that heard me (yes, it was a triad lol). And they granted it to me I could only drive between 7 am and 11pm.

I didn’t see the pun but I’ll take credit for it :-)

Totally untested (by me), but this is worth a look: http://www.adventuresinlegalland.com/index.php?/content/view/72/27/. At the end of the article there are links to a couple of videos that are worthwhile, too.

If you live in Arkansas, then you don’t have a chance, basically.

I got a ticket down there, in the 1960s.

The judge and the police officer who issued the ticket, were first cousins.

Ask if going to driver improvement school will help. In my stsate it does help you to keep a license after you screw up.

Look as plain and respectful as you can. this is not about making a statement with how you look. when your there either. Just like everyone above said.

I also think attending traffic school might not be a bad idea either. it shows how committed you are. Way the time you will spend waiting to get your license back and the inconvenience of not having it and a few hours here and there are insignificant.

Thanks guys. Most of what y’all said is what I had planned. Dressing nice, not being argumentative and being honest.

@makemo, No, I paid the two others but I got them issued to me before I recieved the “Be careful or we might take your license” letter. They don’t go on your record until after you pay them, from what I can tell.

@iweiss, I’ve heard that it’s all in how the judge is feeling that particular day. I’m pretty scared of that.

@Everyone, Do you find classes for a traffic school in the paper?

Here is a link to one, Randy. Google Arkansas Traffic School, and you will see options.

In thinking about what you want to say to the judge, rather than you don’t want to lose or can’t lose your license, think about sincerely convinving him of why you will not speed in future. What changed your mind? What made you awake to the danger of it?

Good luck.

AH! Thank you sooooo much Marina! An online test is perfect considering I don’t have much time these days.

@JackAdams: All due respect, the 1960s was a long time ago.

I haven’t been to Arkansas, but I think it’s pretty fair to say that a lot may have changed in 40 years…just my take on it.

It hasn’t changed. Those two r still cousins, I’m sure.

My friend had to take an online driving school recently. I helped her take the test and we had a good time laughing at all the ridiculous things they ask. Have a friend come over, it’ll turn into a good thing instead of a chore.