State: New York

Story: Court of The Town of Patterson NY, PO Box 416, Rte 311, Patterson, NY 12563

November 15, 1998

Dear Sirs,

I ask for a moment of your time to plead for leniency and/or forgiveness.

I am aware that I can hire an attorney to represent me and plead "not guilty". I, however, am an honest working man. I was guilty of speeding and will not fabricate a story nor lie to try to get out of a ticket.

As you can see, I have been an Illinois resident for my last 16 years. I have had a spotless driving record for the last 6+ years. I do not even have an outstanding parking ticket. My insurance company has awarded me every eligible good driving discount, etc.

I live modestly and drive a 1989 Plymouth Reliant K. The car has many miles on its small, 1.8 ltr 4-cylinder engine. The car is basic transportation and really struggles to maintain speeds of 65 on the flat highways of the Midwest. Slow, but safe.

While en route to New England I was pulled over by an officer. The road (I84) is only two lanes. It is hilly---especially when compared to the terrain in the Midwest. The road is heavily used by large trucks. Some trucks, especially those heavily loaded, travel at a modest pace in the right lane (@35-40mph). Other trucks barrel down hills to try to keep their momentum up for the next uphill.

I was caught in a situation where I was passing a parade of slow moving (40 mph) trucks. I did not realize that another truck, in the passing lane with me now, was screaming down the hill to maintain speed over the crest. Not wanting to anger the speeding trucker and justly concerned for my safety, I sped up. I never intended to go 70+ mph; I wanted to pass and move over. As we crested the hill, the truck suddenly backed off. I can only speculate that he had been alerted to the officers ahead.

Thus, I was speeding. Attempting to do the right thing on difficult and uncertain terrain, I was recorded at a speed of 73mph. The officer was courteous and professional and asked me to reserve my explanation for the court. I offer these words as my defense to maintain a clean driving record. I apologize to you and the state for my actions.

I must stay in Massachusetts for 6-9 months and will get a Massachusetts Drivers License soon so I can insure my car at more favorable rates, etc. While concerned about the severity of the fine, I am worried about the points and the lasting effect it will have upon my driving record.

I thank you for your time and ask to you to please minimize the effect on my driving record.