[SLP]

Well, personally I didn't write nor practice the law for a career so I can't offer you deep knowledge on the subject. However, the courts/lawyers by changing the violation arent necessary saying we are innocent from the speeding charge--however, the judge changes the violation that goes down on the record using his/her power to impose a deserving punishment. In my case, I hadn't received a speeding ticket in 6 years, and being the first speeding ticket since that time...it almost seemed extreme to have to endure 6 points on my license, pay the court fees, pay the driver assessment charge in NY which is a fee for I believe 3 years paid each year, and also pay extreme insurance payments. The judge stated that because of my past driving record, he would give me a less severe fine.

I don't think by imposing a less stricter punishment the work of the cops are being negated. They did their job, to pull aside an 'unsafe' driver, ticket the driver, warn the driver, and let him/her go. The driver pays fines either way, if not more by hiring a lawyer, etc--for whatever theyre finally convicted of in court. The in itself is enough to change driving behavior.

I had to pay $250 for my lawyer, pay about $200 in fines, equally around $450...on a road trip that had already costed me about $300 in gas. It definitely keeps me in check. Cops do their job and the affect on behavior is done in either case. Pleading guilty in court and paying the fine doesnt change behavior more than getting a lawyer.