[Jeff Higgins]

Interesting information, Dan. I quite honestly had no idea what I was doing the first time this happened to me. My very straightforward (probably more like simplistic and naive) point of view was I thought the cop should be there so I could ask him a few questions in front of the judge. No lawyer or anything, mind you, just a way too cocky kid with a motorcycle. Darn good thing he didn't show. As the years passed and I made my next couple of appearances, I would still ask for the cop's presence. One day a case ahead of me, with legal representation, had a no-show by the cop. The lawyer politely pointed out his innability to cross-examine the officer, and the case was dismissed. I'm not sure if there is anything to that, or if it was a sympathetic judge.

So Craig, I would sure as hell find out the status of that last ticket before you decide. If it was a deferment, and what these guys are saying about them is true in Washington, it sounds like you are screwed. Way under the time limit. I know a couple of guys in my office that have taken the "traffic school" route, but with back-to-back tickets, I'm not sure that is an option. Big question for me (not that the judge would give a *****), is did you start down this path to destruction after the 3.6 install? The timing looks suspicious... Maybe you could plead insanity; if the judge won't buy it, just show him the car. On second thought, maybe not. They would certainly throw away the key...