Big Trouble, 5 criminal CDL tickets..

Hi guys, I'd like to hear from any arizona CDL class A holder who is familiar with the laws particularily in scottsdale.

I'm 24 years old and I operate a front loader and other equipment and I have some experience driving desiel trucks as well. I'm also a day laborer when the job calls for it.. I'm a hard working individual, i'm honest, and sometimes, like anybody else, I sometimes make bone head decisions.

Here's what happened:

We had a job about 2 miles from where our truck was stationed and I volunteered (stupid, stupid, stupid!) to drive the vehicle to the job site. I was trying to do my boss a favor and I like operating machines/vehicles.. But had I known the trouble I was about to get into I never, ever would of taken the vehicle out on the road P E R I O D.

I was pulled over less than a qaurter mile up the road by a mobile DOT inspection trap. The Officer pulled me over because he could not see my DOT inspection number which the vehicle did not have..

Here's what I'm charged with:

1) unsafe vehicle (out of service violation.)

2) no valid commercial license (out of service.)

3) No medical Card (out of service.)

4) Audible airleak on one of the chambers (out of service.)

5) Inoperative trailer brakes.

All of which are Criminal tickets.

The truck was an empty aeromax water truck with a flat bed trailer.

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Within 48 hours of receiving my ticket I was able to obtain my ADOT med card and my CDL class A w/ tanker endorsement permit. I should be able to obtain my CDL license before my court date. The vehicle is currently being repaired and will* pass ADOT inspection when the work is finished.

Considering the circumstances.. is their any chance the judge would defer my sentencing in light of the corrections I've made? If not.. What do you think I'll be facing on judgement day? Do I even have a prayer?

I know I screwed up big time. And I apologize to the professional drivers on the forum for my actions. Believe me I feel bad enough so their is no need to give me hell.. I'd just like to know what i'll be facing.

 

A lawyer may or may not be such a great idea. Usually you can talk to the judge yourself or the prosecutor and ask for a reduced sentence in return for whatever it is they want. The way I see it.. I might just be using a lawyer to 'threaten' taking this to trial. And if the prosecutors office is over loaded with cases they might wanna reduce my sentence just so I get out of their hair.
But the bottom line is.. the Police Officer got me dead to rights. What's my defence? zip. I'd simply be pleading for the mercy of the Jury. I can do that myself and save the 300.00.

Anyways, I took my CDL pre-trip/manuevers/on the road test. I passed .

So where am I now?

1) I have my DOT med card.
2) I have my Class A CDL / tanker license.
3) I have the vehicles repair/parts receipts.
4) I have its registration/insurance card.

I basically corrected everything.. other than driving without a CDL in the first place + unsafe vehicle. Maybe the judge will be pleased with my diligence and hopefully be in a forgiving mood.

I'll let you guys know how things turn out for me.

Be safe out there guys and always do your pre-trip inspection!