The Pleading Down Scam

[franklin]

Latest and greatest revenue tool for municipal prosecutors. Offer a plea deal to marginal speeding ticket recipients from speeding 1-15mph over the speed limit, to "Disobeyed a Traffic Control Device" which carries a penalty of 2 points on your license plus a hefty fine as opposed to taking your chances in trial. Most opt for this deal because it's seemingly safer than taking the chance on getting a larger fine and more points.
Why are they doing this?
If you are charged with speeding - the state gets the bulk of the revenue from the fine. If you are charged with "Disobeyed a Traffic Control Device" the municipality gets the bulk of the revenue. Put 2 and 2 together and figure out why these prosecutors are so eager to plea down from speeding.
Some municipalities are pulling in as much $500,000 and up yearly on this type of scheme.
Outrageous, but true - this is the world we live in.
Don't like it? Move to a state with an honest government and that's not in financial trouble...if you can find one.