I've gotten like 9 tickets. ( not all speeding)

Every single one I showed up to the court date in nice clothes and a tie. Don't make an excuse. Just say you know you were speeding and that you accept responsibility, but are simply wondering if the court would be willing to lower the points or fine or both. And if there is anyway you could either do community service or take a class to get it completely dropped.
Don't forget to tell them your in school studying hard!

Good luck

 

As far as the ticket goes, what those guys said. ^

As far as the backpack situation goes, maybe try riding with your backpack facing the front next time. I had an anatomy class about 45 minutes away, and I'd ride with my backpack in front resting on the tank. Just make sure the straps are staying in place over your shoulders.

 

Always always always go to the court date if you can. Most places will be willing to negotiate something. If you're lucky, they knock it down like crazy. Otherwise most will also be willing to raise the fine slightly but take the points off. (at least in my history - I haven't gotten a speeding ticket in a long time, though).

Wisconsin gives good advice, too. Show up early, dress nicely. It shows that you're serious.

 

Doing this would get you laughed at. No requirement for the Police Officer to show you the radar and they probably won't, that is what court is for; so take it to court. Explain that you didn't realize how fast you were going, accept responsibility, and if you don't have a list of infractions/extensive history or haven't had one in a while(8-12 months) you have a good chance of getting it reduced.

The "defensive driving class" is also a good way to get the infraction/points reduced or even eliminated. Some states offer an online option, CD costs about 60 bucks or so.

As what to plea, that's up to you. Pleading no contest simply means you are conceding there is sufficient evidence against you and you choose not to contest the charge without admitting guilt and the court can determine the punishment. The judge will hold a conversation with you to ensure you understand the plea and the possible punishment. This gives you an opportunity to explain the circumstances and why you are pleading no contest instead of guilty or not guily. Through this conversation, the judge gains a better perspective on the situation. Basically no contest is you claiming you are neiter guilty or innocent; however, you will not contest the charges if the case goes to trial. It will still go down as a conviction and the points can be reduced or dropped but the fine will more than likely remain the same.

Pleading innocent/not guilty means you either didn't commit the crime or you feel there is not significant evidence against you to be convicted. If you do this, they will set up a court date, bring the Police Officer in and based on the Officer's testimony and radar findings... you will more than likely be charged. You can try to say, "When was the last time it was calibrated?? Are you the only person that drives the vehicle?" But more often than not, the evidence against you will weigh more and a conviction is probable.

As to the Officer not showing up, that is a toss up. You could still be charged since the Officer wrote the findings on the ticket (radar information) and the judge looks at that as a sworn statement. Most citations have a Probable Cause Statement on the back of the Officer's copy, which is where they write what happened and the circumstances surrounding the infraction and that can be used in court by the judge/state as the Officer being present and his testimony.(Sworn Statement). You don't get to see this and in court it would be your word against his.

In my opinion, since it was YOUR FIRST SPEEDING TICKET, take it to court and lean heavily on your being a "law abiding citizen" and about it being your first infraction... et cetera

Hope this helps.