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I've been pulled over about a half dozen times over the last 17 years. The last time I had a ticket that stuck was in 1986. I do a lot of driving for work (as much as 500 miles a week) and I do get burned in the occasional speed trap. But almost everytime I get pulled over, I get just a warning. I do sport an American flag on my back window and a Marine Corps bumber sticker. Maybe that has something to do with the cops giving me a break. Or maybe it's that I'm unfailingly polite to the officer and readily admit that I might have been going a "bit too fast." Cops evidently aren't used to that kind of honesty so they might be more inclined to give you a break.

The one time I did get a ticket, I fought it and showed up in court with a shirt and tie and yes-sired and no-sired everybody. During my testimony, I made sure to point out that the police officer who stopped me was very professional and polite but mentioned that perhaps in an honest mistake, he overestimated my speed.

Others showed up in sneakers and jeans and had sort of a slovenly and sloppy appearance. I got my ticket dismissed. Don't know about the others but I don't think they fared as well as they had sour expressions as they shuffled out of the hearing room.

A cheerful positive attitude is key in this whole process. Cop an attitude and you'll be stuck with an expensive ticket - no doubt about it.

"But almost everytime I get pulled over, I get just a warning. I do sport an American flag on my back window and a Marine Corps bumber sticker. Maybe that has something to do with the cops giving me a break. Or maybe it's that I'm unfailingly polite to the officer"

I would leave out the part where you admit guilt but otherwise you make good points. It may be wrong in a way but I don't write NRA stickers, pro-GOP stickers, vets and the like. I also won't write someone with their kids in the car. "Free Mumia" stickers get whatevever I can toss at them. I guess I'm human and I work in a target-rich environment so I can be picky.