Will I qualify for a PJC

[scmomof2]

I received a ticket yesterday for driving 75 in a 55 zone in Mecklenburg couty, NC. I live in South Carolina and have one other minor speeding conviction within the last three years in SC. I have no other infractions on my record. The officer told me I should go to court to see the judge and tell him that I was taking my child to the hospital (not an emergency situation - just a worried mommy situation) at the time to see a specialist. The officer said that I might receive a reduction. The court date is scheduled for 11/25/08 and I will be out of town on that date. Do you know what steps I would need to do to try to qualify for a PJC? I was told that I should probably attend traffic school, is this something I should do before going to see the DA. I was also told when I called the court today that I could go see the DA anytime before my court date. Is this something I can likely handle myself or should I retain an attorney?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I don't think you can use a PJC if you have another violation within the past 3 years.

 

[lwpat]

Since you are out of state you do not qualify for a regular PFJ and this is a suspension of your right to drive in NC. Go in and talk to the prosecutor and see what you can work out. Reduction to a nine over is common (two points in SC) but you really need some type of deferment to keep the ticket off your record. Each court is different so just see what they offer and then decide whether to hire an attorney.