Got a speeding ticket in Arkansas... what’s the best way to handle it?

Tax Law Forum
1

Hey everyone, I got pulled over near Bryant, AR on 10/9 for allegedly going 77 in a 60 zone. Thing is, I don’t think I was going that fast—maybe 73. Anyway, I’m from Nebraska, and my court date is set for 11/13 at 9 am in Saline County.

I have no clue how much the fine will be or what the best way to handle this is. Should I plead guilty by mail or show up in person? Also, would hiring a lawyer help, or should I just pay the fine? I’d love any advice from someone who’s dealt with something like this before.

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You can plead guilty by mail or online if you want to avoid showing up in court. Just sign the waiver they send you, and they’ll mail back the fine details.

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Gale said:
You can plead guilty by mail or online if you want to avoid showing up in court. Just sign the waiver they send you, and they’ll mail back the fine details.

Oh, that’s good to know. Do you happen to know if there are court costs if I do it by mail?

4

Gale said:
You can plead guilty by mail or online if you want to avoid showing up in court. Just sign the waiver they send you, and they’ll mail back the fine details.

Nope, no court costs if you go the mail route. Just the fine itself.

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If you show up in court, you can plead guilty with an explanation. Sometimes they’ll reduce the fine if you’ve got a good reason.

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Hayden said:
If you show up in court, you can plead guilty with an explanation. Sometimes they’ll reduce the fine if you’ve got a good reason.

What kind of reasons work? Like, does it help to say you were tired or unfamiliar with the area?

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Hayden said:
If you show up in court, you can plead guilty with an explanation. Sometimes they’ll reduce the fine if you’ve got a good reason.

Tbh, it depends on the judge. Just be honest. Saying it was late and you weren’t familiar with the area might work.

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Honestly, it’s probably cheaper to just pay the fine instead of hiring a lawyer. These things usually aren’t worth the extra cost.

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Bevin said:
Honestly, it’s probably cheaper to just pay the fine instead of hiring a lawyer. These things usually aren’t worth the extra cost.

Do you know how much the fine is? I hate surprises like this.

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Bevin said:
Honestly, it’s probably cheaper to just pay the fine instead of hiring a lawyer. These things usually aren’t worth the extra cost.

Should be under $200. Also, no points on your Nebraska license, but your insurance might notice.

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FYI, Arkansas State Police use radar and lidar, so disputing the speed might be tough unless you’ve got solid evidence.

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MaryJane said:
FYI, Arkansas State Police use radar and lidar, so disputing the speed might be tough unless you’ve got solid evidence.

What’s lidar? I’ve only heard of radar before.

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MaryJane said:
FYI, Arkansas State Police use radar and lidar, so disputing the speed might be tough unless you’ve got solid evidence.

It’s like radar but uses lasers. More precise for speed readings.

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If you plead guilty by mail, try attaching an explanation. They might lower the fine if it’s a good one.

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Ripley said:
If you plead guilty by mail, try attaching an explanation. They might lower the fine if it’s a good one.

Do I just write it on a separate piece of paper and send it with the waiver?

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Ripley said:
If you plead guilty by mail, try attaching an explanation. They might lower the fine if it’s a good one.

Exactly. Keep it short and polite—something like explaining it was late, and you weren’t familiar with the area.