Just got a speeding ticket in Gilpin County...

[DriverDave]

69 in a 45 (20-24 over = 6 points) $250.50 fine with surcharges. I stopped right away, was polite, and had everything in order. He wasn't all pissed off, or mean about it, just asked the usual questions about why I was going so fast, and how it "wasn't very safe, wouldn't you agree?". I'm trying to figure out if I should pay it by mail and take the 2 point drop, or go to court.

I know the standard answer is to always go to court, but the cop actually said that the only plea bargain is to mail it within 20 days and get the automatic 2 point drop. He said there is no plea bargaining if I go to court. Was he just saying that to ensure the highest possible fine gets paid right away, or have they changed things around up there in the last couple years? I read through a thread from 2009 where the guy did go to court and got it dropped to 3 points. I'm guessing it's a scare tactic, because the court date is way past 20 days, so you're committed to choosing one or the other.

[Ghost]

Gilpin's clipped a lot of us, the court doesn't accept pleas on speeding, you can mail it and take the 2pt reduction or you can get a lawyer (or represent yourself) and fight it in court, but there's no chat with the DA to plea it out like you can in most of Metro Denver

[Sarge]

I haven't gotten a ticket in years, and never in Colorado *knock on wood*, but in California and Nevada, I've always just gone to court and paid minimal fines, gotten dismissals or been giving a "Traffic Court" option. I have never once paid full price, or received full points for a ticket this way. (I've only even gotten 2 speeding tickets, ever.)

[Bueller]

That's a bargain, usually it's a summons. Of course I have not been ticketed in Gilpin, stopped a few but never ticketed.

[BC14]

69 in a 45 (20-24 over = 6 points) $250.50 fine with surcharges. I stopped right away, was polite, and had everything in order. He wasn't all pissed off, or mean about it, just asked the usual questions about why I was going so fast, and how it "wasn't very safe, wouldn't you agree?". I'm trying to figure out if I should pay it by mail and take the 2 point drop, or go to court.

I know the standard answer is to always go to court, but the cop actually said that the only plea bargain is to mail it within 20 days and get the automatic 2 point drop. He said there is no plea bargaining if I go to court. Was he just saying that to ensure the highest possible fine gets paid right away, or have they changed things around up there in the last couple years? I read through a thread from 2009 where the guy did go to court and got it dropped to 3 points. I'm guessing it's a scare tactic, because the court date is way past 20 days, so you're committed to choosing one or the other.

Golden Gate or P2P? That sucks bud, but that's the reason I don't speed anymore in Gilpin County. They are out in force for speeders it seems.

[GuitarX]

Dave, that sucks! I hate to hear this. You'd think speeding was some sort of real crime the way they treat this stuff. I guess they just need the bucks pretty bad. 69 in a 45 doesn't even feel like speeding on a bike.

This is why I don't dig the northie rides anymore. It's a shame for the business/restaurant owners that the cops are scaring away a lot of possible revenue for them...

I hope you can work it out for less points.

[CaptGoodvibes]

Can you give details to location, direction, and time?

[madvlad]

That sucks man, Gilpin is always on the lookout for speeders. I remember we had a huge CSC group ride when I had the gixxer still back like 2-3 years ago and all of us were haulin' ass going up to Mt Evans and man this Gilpin County Sheriff was PISSED!... Lectured us for like 15 minutes but felt nice enough not to write all of us tickets or it would've been the bust of his life lol

[Ghost]

You'd think speeding was some sort of real crime the way they treat this stuff. I guess they just need the bucks pretty bad.

Real Crimes don't pay--think about, if they could write tickets and impose massive fines for murder, robbery, etc. then maybe they'd be more inclined to pursue violent criminals.

BUT, since they can 1) not risk harm to themselves (typically) and 2) make money, why not just sit around and bust speeders all day? It's win/win.

GEICO used to (might still) donate money to police organizations so they could buy/upgrade their radar guns...which of course means more tickets and thus higher premiums---or safer roads...right, safety first!

(Damn speeders, get off my roads!)

[TinkerinWstuff]

This is why I don't dig the northie rides anymore. It's a shame for the business/restaurant owners that the cops are scaring away a lot of possible revenue for them...

Some might argue that sport bikes terrorizing P2P keeps more tourists away?

I thought I may have seen you last Saturday? Two VFRs were headed south toward Nederland, I was heading north on my DR650.

We still need to get a VFR ride together - may not in Gilpin...

[Darth Do'Urden]

Some might argue that sport bikes terrorizing P2P keeps more tourists away?

I really have to wonder if ANYONE has ever had this conversation:

Jim: "Jane, let's go drivin' around P2P and associated tourist spots and just enjoy the day together in the canyons."

Jane: "No way, Jim. You know there's nuthin' but them damn crotch-rockets out there terrorizin' the roads! My heart's too weak to handle them damn hooligans on their damn motor-sickles rapin' and pillagin' the asphalt while we just wanna enjoy the day at a leisurely 10 miles below the already too slow speed limit!"

[DriverDave]

Gilpin's clipped a lot of us, the court doesn't accept pleas on speeding, you can mail it and take the 2pt reduction or you can get a lawyer (or represent yourself) and fight it in court, but there's no chat with the DA to plea it out like you can in most of Metro Denver

Thanks, Ghost, that's exactly what I wanted to know.

Golden Gate or P2P? That sucks bud, but that's the reason I don't speed anymore in Gilpin County. They are out in force for speeders it seems.

Can you give details to location, direction, and time?

I was on 119 going north, about 3/4 of the way from Central City to GG turn off (mm 11.8, according to the ticket).

It was such a perfect day, too...endless blue sky, low 70's...what a waste. I don't think I've ever gone down Golden Gate so slow!

[GuitarX]

Some might argue that sport bikes terrorizing P2P keeps more tourists away?

I thought I may have seen you last Saturday? Two VFRs were headed south toward Nederland, I was heading north on my DR650.

We still need to get a VFR ride together - may not in Gilpin...

Ha! Nice try. I guarantee you that's not true and you know it. The last thing tourists (and most others) have on their minds is motorcycles. They're foremost in OUR minds because we're afflicted.

That wasn't me, I've been riding the Ninja 1K lately and the VFR has been languishing in the garage. I'd love to ride with you, good excuse to exercise the Viffer.

[TinkerinWstuff]

Ha! Nice try. I guarantee you that's not true and you know it. The last thing tourists (and most others) have on their minds is motorcycles. They're foremost in OUR minds because we're afflicted.

I'll agree with that. Like people who first get their conceal permit are hyper paranoid that everyone can see their piece through their shirt.

No one gives a shit

[brennahm]

Once again, we're the poor victims here.

I have a great aunt who was a CU professor for YEARS. When she found out I moved here and rode a bike she now makes a comment every time I see her about how she hopes I'm not one of those guys who blows past the cars (she had a place in Estes Park). So yes, there are a good number of folks who - god forbid - think passing on double yellow and doing more than 20 over is pretty dangerous. If you think it's not, maybe you should try riding with your head OUT of your ass for once.

Don't freak out, I ride like an asshole too. But I'm also willing to get a ticket. I understand that's part of the gig. Just because there are worse crimes out there (someone mentioned murder?) doesn't mean speeding isn't a ticketable offense with fines. HTFU.

[BC14]

I was on 119 going north, about 3/4 of the way from Central City to GG turn off (mm 11.8, according to the ticket).

It was such a perfect day, too...endless blue sky, low 70's...what a waste. I don't think I've ever gone down Golden Gate so slow!

That is a hot bed for LEO activity. I try to avoid that area as much as I can, since they love nabbing people coming outta BH. I hope the ensuing points/fine don't affect your insurance rates too badly.

[Cars-R-Coffins]

Gamble in Gilpin County casinos or on Gilpin County roads- you'll likely lose money both places. Sucks!

[CaptGoodvibes]

I try to "choose my battles" so to speak. Like BC14 said, close to the casinos is not the best place to let the bike do it's thing. There are places to ride where you won't see any LEO's for 100 miles. It takes effort to get there but when you do, it's the place to stretch your legs.

[DriverDave]

The funny thing is that I wasn't even pushing it hard at all. I was just sorta cruising along, enjoying the perfect day. I knew I was going over 45, but I was actually surprised when he said I was going almost 70.

[BC14]

The funny thing is that I wasn't even pushing it hard at all. I was just sorta cruising along, enjoying the perfect day. I knew I was going over 45, but I was actually surprised when he said I was going almost 70.

Believe me, I have to keep my bike in check, so I can imagine it being the same for you. I have been routinely way over the posted limit just "putsing" along.

[Ghost]

Believe me, I have to keep my bike in check, so I can imagine it being the same for you. I have been routinely way over the posted limit just "putsing" along.

I think, partly, it's because when you're "actively" screwing around/speeding you're much more focused/aware and looking for trouble (or cops) and you're also very aware of your speed.

But, when you're out cruising and enjoying the day, taking in the scenery, etc., you can easily slide past the idiotic/lowest-common-denominator speed limits...and right past the cop you didn't notice...

[TinkerinWstuff]

The funny thing is that I wasn't even pushing it hard at all. I was just sorta cruising along, enjoying the perfect day. I knew I was going over 45, but I was actually surprised when he said I was going almost 70.

Every ticket I've ever had was when I was just driving a comfortable speed for conditions and had no idea I was breaking the law.

[Matt]

Consider yourself lucky DriverDave, 20+ is usually a reckless with a mandatory court date. I'd pay the fine and avoid Gilpin County.

My last ticket was in Golden Gate, the cops (yes there were 2 of them) acted like we were escaped felons that needed a "good shooting" when they pulled us over.

[DriverDave]

Consider yourself lucky DriverDave, 20+ is usually a reckless with a mandatory court date. I'd pay the fine and avoid Gilpin County.

That's just what I plan to do. Unless anyone has any objections, I will be mailing in my ticket and a check by the end of the week...and avoiding Gilpin County!

Thanks for all the input and support from everyone. It's nice to be associated with such a descent group of people.