Story: My story is only beginning, but here is where it currently stands.

On 22NOV98 while driving from FL to VA to visit relatives for the holidays I was pulled over by an officer of the North Carolina State Police near Gastonia NC. I was told I was clocked at 84 in a 55mph construction zone on I-85.(by VASCAR)

I was told by the officer that I had the option of either being arrested or following her to the courthouse. Upon my arrival I was taken in front of a magistrate, who happened to be in on Sunday to handle the several other out-of-state speeders who were being processed at the courthouse. I was told I had to either post a $500 bond or spend an unspecified amount of time in jail. At this point I attemted to tell the magistrate that 1. There was no way I was going that fast (my speedometer was reading a solid 74 mph) and 2. that I never saw the resumption of the construction zone signs (there had been several switches between 55 and 65 mph speed limits in the preceeding several miles to my ticket). the result: I am currently out on bail of $500 and I have to return IN PERSON to Gastonia NC on 28 JAN99 which means I will miss my ship (Literally, I am a professional merchant marine... this ticket/arrest may also affect my upcoming captain's license renewal) etc etc.that's about all I have to say right now, everything in Gastonia has been shut down for the holidays.