Speeding tickets are handled in the Connecticut traffic courts. This is under their Superior Court system, with both Geographical Area courts and Judicial District courts.
We do NOT
handle Connecticut traffic cases.
Speeding tickets in Connecticut typically involve fines
imposed by the Court. There are also points on your DMV record, ranging
from one point for simple speeds up to three points for more serious
infractions such as improper passing. In a delightful approach, if you
plead guilty and pay the fine, then you might not get any points. Hmm.
The guilty get no points, while those who insist on defending
themselves
face more serious consequences. Sounds like the nanny state doesn't
like
uppity kids. Oh, and your insurance rates may also go up.
One thing to be careful about is high speeds. If your
ticket says you were going over 85, then you may be facing a reckless
driving charge under Connecticut law: CGS § 14-222. This is a
criminal charge with significantly higher fines and possible jail time.
With a regular speeding ticket for a rgular car, you really have to
work to get the fine over $300. With a reckless driving, the fines will
likely exceed $300 and a second offense pushes the fine well over 600.
But perhaps the bigger concerns are the potential for jail time and the
greater likelihood that it will affect your license and insurance, both
for CT drivers and for out-of-state drivers as well.
Traffic matters are handled by Connecticut Traffic Courts. We have represented many CT drivers on their NY speeding tickets. According to state law in Connecticut, out-of-state violations are supposed to show up on your driving record, per Section 14-111j(5). We have heard that their computer system hasn't caught up to this ... yet. But don't count on that.
Check with an attorney in Connecticut, or with your
insurance company, to get more information.
For out-of-state
drivers accused of speeding in CT it depends on your home state.
Connecticut reports most violations, which may raise insurance rates in
some
states. You should discuss this with a traffic attorney or insurance
professional near you.
Resources:
Connecticut
DMV
Driving
records
©2008 Warren Redlich, Esq.
