From experience:

The fact of the matter is you admitted to speeding. Even if you admitted to doing 71 in a 70 zone...you have admitted guilt. (Never-EVER give them any info like that next time, only review the data and ask questions, never give answers).

You might be able to arge the fine down from 18 over to 10(or less) over, but 1-10over is usually the same price.

Pay the fine, take the class, get it dropped from your record. You can even take the class online these days.

$.02,
Aaron

 

Sorry to hear about that.

Yes, I had a run in once with a Michigan state cop who was a real prick. Most are polite but they do have their bad apples.

My advice on the ticket is get a lawyer and fight it. If you have a good record, they will probably fine you and take it on advisement. This avoids a record and insurance issues. You could also keep postponing your court date over and over(as many times as possible)and hope the cop won't show up.

A good trick with local cops is to find out when they are off duty and schedule your court date accordingly...they usually won't show up-dismissed.

 

Paying over the amount due to trip up the system and keep your ticket from being processed is an urban legend.

 

S2000 Owner has it about right!

I don't know your local laws - if you fight it to the end is there a chance that it will be dropped? Especially as it is probably trumped up? It sometimes works like that in the UK.

 

Laser can measure your speed from as much as 200 meters away from you.

The last time I was caught for speeding, the policeman showed me the readings on the laser gun and it read "Speed: 155km/h" and "Distance: 202.0 meters". By the way, I noticed he was using a tripod (like those for camera) to mount the laser and I don't think he could have got me from 202 meters away if he was holding it by hand (well, unless he had a very steady arm)