I was just pulled over for not coming to a complete stop, and for not signalling as I entered the Kroger parking lot. The officer just gave me a warning (for which I am THRILLED).

 

My question is this: what factors determine whether the officer issues a ticket or a warning.

 

Here were my circumstances.

- He asked me if I had any good reason for not obeying the rules. I said that I couldn't give him a good reason. I DID mention that I am usually pretty anal about signalling

- I was polite

- I gave him my license AND my concealed carry permit. I immediately told him that I would cooperate completely with him regarding the firearm

- He asked me to keep my hands on the wheel (which I did)

- He asked what I had been doing & I told him: singing at a retirement center, and was now headed home.

- Because of the gig, I was dressed nicely

 

Again, what factors determine whether the officer gives out a ticket or a warning?

I'm pretty sure the police officer can use his/her own discretion when deciding to give out a ticket in that situation.

I'm pretty sure the police officer can use his/her own discretion when deciding to give out a ticket in that situation.

 

Fine. But what factors into that discretion? His mood? Our attitude? Whether he thinks we will do it again? Whether he thinks we will immediately ignore him?

Fine. But what factors into that discretion? His mood? Our attitude? Whether he thinks we will do it again? Whether he thinks we will immediately ignore him?

 

I'm not a police officer so I couldn't tell you. Maybe all of those.

If you are out of state or not.

I would love to hear from "BGP's Finest".

I was driving home from school the other night after studying all day and got pulled over for being all over the road.

 

The cop asked what I was doing and I told him how I was worn out and explained why. Then he asked if I had been drinking and I told him "I wish" and he let me go with a "goodluck in school". I liked him

I was driving home from school the other night after studying all day and got pulled over for being all over the road.

 

The cop asked what I was doing and I told him how I was worn out and explained why. Then he asked if I had been drinking and I told him "I wish" and he let me go with a "goodluck in school". I liked him

 

My gut (& it's a big gut...) tells me that being honest and not trying to weasle out of a ticket probably goes over well.

Usually just seeing you fail to stop gives probable cause, therefore, a stop is made. If anything feels fishy to the officer, notices your appearence as having bloodhsot eyes, smells, etc. more charges can arise. Your politeness and willingness to cooperate as well as having a feel good story probably led to the warning. Officers have to have probable cause to make a traffic stop and most of the time they are very petty, high beams on, failure to signal, failure to stop, no seat belt, no tag light, etc. Those are a few reasons to actually find something much more relevant such as DUI, No OL, OL SUSP, warrant check are just a few reasons. In the end unless the chief has issued a no warning clause for the officers, it is their discretion solely and it sounded like the officer made a good decision in letting you go.

Usually just seeing you fail to stop gives probable cause, therefore, a stop is made. If anything feels fishy to the officer, notices your appearence as having bloodhsot eyes, smells, etc. more charges can arise. Your politeness and willingness to cooperate as well as having a feel good story probably led to the warning. Officers have to have probable cause to make a traffic stop and most of the time they are very petty, high beams on, failure to signal, failure to stop, no seat belt, no tag light, etc. Those are a few reasons to actually find something much more relevant such as DUI, No OL, OL SUSP, warrant check are just a few reasons. In the end unless the chief has issued a no warning clause for the officers, it is their discretion solely and it sounded like the officer made a good decision in letting you go.

 

On top of all of the above, I believe that your behavior and willingness to cooperate goes a long way! Just as I have told my newly driving son, If you don't want to get get jerked through the window when pulled over, be polite courteous and do what you are asked with a Yes Sir and Thank You Sir.

 

:taz:

Had to go to court in London this morning for a speeding ticket. Got off with a $40 fine plus court costs...Good times...

My gut (& it's a big gut...) tells me that being honest and not trying to weasle out of a ticket probably goes over well.

 

This is the approach I always use.

 

I've been pulled over 3 or 4 times and only received one ticket. I always tell them I have no excuse other than stupidity for what I did. It seems to work out well most of the time.

I've always heard you can talk yourself into a ticket 10 times faster than you can talk yourself out of one.

I've had more warnings than tickets. I always say sir/ma'am/ and never give an excuse. I also say "be careful out there" when they start to walk away.

 

They should get paid at least doubled what they get. $100K at least.

I also say "be careful out there" when they start to walk away.

 

.

 

The American Idol judges would call that a threat...