Need help finding work due to ticket

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by adiablushing, Dec 6, 2022.

  1. adiablushing

    adiablushing Bobtail Member

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    Feb 12, 2012
    Oklahoma
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    I'm hoping that someone will be able to help me. I have held A CDL for the past 11 years with no tickets or infractions. Back in August I received a speeding ticket from a speed trap in Chase County Kansas. I took it to court and hired an attorney. I was found guilty even though the state trooper admitted that his equipment had not been calibrated since he received it in 2018. I now have to decide if I'm going to take it further. I've already sunk about $2000 into this ticket, appealing it will cost me another $2000 for the lawyer and to pay a bond equal to the fine for the ticket of $336.00. The only reason that I've taken it this far is because the severity of it it's a 15 plus over ticket. When I received it my company let me know that if I could not get it overturned for insurance reasons they would have to let me go. So now I find myself in a place where I'm gonna have to find a new job. I live outside of Tulsa Oklahoma and I'm looking for OTR work. I do have my tanker endorsement and prefer OTR. Any help anyone can give would be so appreciated. I have no idea what companies will accept me with this on my record. Honestly though I think it's a little ridiculous that there are people with multiple tickets on their license that have no problems and I get one ticket in 11 years and it's a job killer.
     
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  3. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Call this company and ask if you're hirable.
    Merrell Transport, LLC
    17345 E. Admiral Pl.
    Tulsa, Ok. 74116
     
  4. silverspur

    silverspur Road Train Member

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    Did you hire a regular attorney or an attorney that specializes in helping truckers?
     
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  5. Eddiec

    Eddiec Road Train Member

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    According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) regulations, a conviction on a 15 mph over the limit CDL speeding ticket is a serious violation. Two or more within a three-year period will lead to a disqualification for 60 days, and a subsequent conviction within three years will get you a 120-day disqualification. Will your carrier wait for your disqualification period to end before terminating you? Most likely not.
     
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  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Maybe @Moose1958 can inform you on getting the ticket reduced.
     
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  7. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    I don't think I can be of any help. The OP already has an attorney. Unless this attorney is a total Richard I would imagine this case is closed as is. I hate it for the OP, but if the carrier fires because of a table 2 violation, the OP will be looking for another job soon. I advise looking for another carrier that will hire the OP and this OP really needs to get the lead out of their foot! I would also be remiss if I did not warn you that the 2nd violation OF ANYTHING in Table 2 REGARDLESS of vehicle type will get you that 60-day vacation.
     
  8. adiablushing

    adiablushing Bobtail Member

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    Feb 12, 2012
    Oklahoma
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    It was through a cdl legal group so I believe he was specialized. It was obvious from the court proceedings that I was getting railroaded. The judge agreed with the DA that I don't have the knowledge to testify to what it requires to stop a fully loaded CMV from 65 to 30 even though stopping distance is something we have to know to get a cdl. And the cop admitted that his radar equipment had not been calibrated since 2018 and that he had requested more signage in the area alerting traffic to the upcoming speed someone because it had been so much of a problem. The judge also upheld the Da's objection to my attorney talking about the fact that it was going down hill and that that requires additional stopping distance for a truck.
     
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  9. adiablushing

    adiablushing Bobtail Member

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    Feb 12, 2012
    Oklahoma
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    I promise you I do not have a lead foot and anyone that knows me would absolutely be able to agree with me on that. It was a 65 mile an hour zone that reduced down to 30 miles an hour in less time than what I could slow down my truck. Normally in an area like that I'm the driver that is absolutely doing the speed limit and getting passed by other trucks like I'm standing still and like the speed limit never changed.
     
  10. Moose1958

    Moose1958 Road Train Member

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    Very few truckers can go their entire career and not have something unfair happen like this. I am a bit shocked the Judge did not drop the charge even though the cop admitted their radar had not been calibrated. Just be aware of 383.51 table 2. Good luck if you do lose your job come back here and let us know. Maybe we can give you some leads on getting another one.
     
  11. lual

    lual Road Train Member

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    @adiablushing --

    If the push should indeed come to a shove......:(

    Western Express is widely recognized as a "second chance" carrier.

    They hire both recent grads, as well as experienced drivers.

    They also hire out of your area.

    You might just check them out, and/or submit an application:

    Western Express (drivewithwestern.com)

    --Lual
     
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