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What do I do??- Bench Trial for Following too closely.

Asked in Urbana, IL - 12 months

I have my court date set for this Wednesday. I chose to fight the ticket for following too close based on the fact the women in front of me slammed her brakes because of the person in front of her which made me slam and slide into her. Now I am going to court and representing myself. I need some advice on what to do during the trial. Sit back and be proven guilty or make my case based on a lack of "too close" definition. Any advice helps! I'm hoping no one shows for the trial but would like to prepare for it and maybe understand the process of requesting court supervision instead of te ticket.

Attorney Answers (4)

Judy A. Goldstein

Judy A. Goldstein

Mokena (Will County) Speeding / Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Licensed in IL

Answered 12 months ago. You can request supervision by pleading. Supervision is not a conviction. You really take your chances by going to trial and from what you describe, you may feel justified but legally you may not have stated a defense that would hold up. Even if no one shows up, the officer who wrote the ticket will likely be there and the fact that you hit the car in front of you speaks for itself that you were following too close. If you choose to represent yourself, be prepared with your facts. You might get lucky and then again you might not.
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Daniel G. Galivan

Daniel G. Galivan

Clarendon Hills Criminal Defense Attorney

Licensed in IL

Answered 12 months ago. If the witnesses do not appear, the case will be dismissed or possibly continued for the state to notify them. If they show, you can simply tell the judge you are requesting court supervision. www.galivanlaw.net
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Ted Harvatin

Ted Harvatin

Springfield Speeding / Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Licensed in IL

Answered 12 months ago. The lady in front of you was able to stop. Why weren't you? Maybe too close behind her. You will not fare well in a trial against a lawyer. If you lose, the judge may assess court costs on top of the fine.
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Donald John Ramsell

Donald John Ramsell

Naperville Speeding / Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Licensed in IL

Answered 12 months ago. Do you honestly think that people who are too cheap to hire a lawyer can get free advice on how to practice law?
Every case varies depending on the law and the facts. Because questions often fail to disclose important facts,... more
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