I was ticketed for an expired license plate in Baton Rouge, LA. Should I take it to court hoping the officer doesn't show? Isn't there a class I can take that is cheaper than the $200 ticket?
by 
charisse
ANSWERS: 2
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If you renew the plate before the court date and have a clean record, they will usually either drop it altogether or reduce it to a no seat belt which is only $25 fine. I have done it in Baton Rouge before with no proof of insurance and an expired driver's license. It's worth going to court and doesn't cost any more to go than it does not to go.
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Are you asking how to evade your personal resonsibility? First, it's more the norm than not for officers to show up at court; it's become departmental procedure. Second, you don't really need the officer present, as it's not a he said/she said. The DMV records will clearly indicate the tag was expired. Third, this kind of ticket doesn't qualify for a driving course as it wasn't a moving violation. $200 is a steep fine, but it's every diver's responsibility to keep up to date on paperwork. Check and see if your state has a "less than six months" statute. If it does and the tag was expired for less than six months, you may be able to get the fine reduced. Check with your clerk of the court.
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