i don't really have much personal experience with lawyers myself but i've heard nightmare stories about postponements because of flaky lawyers going against the defendent. I also know that appearing on time, the first time can go a long way towards a dismissal. Given the distance, it seemed important to get someone as reliable as they are talented.

If you don't mind sharing, where are you located? $1500 for defending a traffic violation seems high - especially when fines seem guaranteed to follow - but, again, i don't have much experience with lawyers.

the predatory aspect, in my own mind, is only a result of this being an obvious speed trap and what's a trap but a predatory device, right? I actually drove back on the same road today and decided to pay closer attention; i was on this road for 102 miles, 97 of those miles carry a 70mph speed limit, five of them carry a 60mph. It's all country road and nothing changes in that five mile stretch where the speed limit drops. It just seems like the county directs the officers to park in that zone so they can give out bigger tickets so the county can make more money. I know that won't matter at all in court, i know that even mentioning it will only make matters worse but it does get under my skin.

As for the people making a big deal out of 93mph, i guess i'm just rationalizing it because the flow of traffic was at a solid 85mph. You make one maneuver to pass a car and you're gonna be over 90 for at least a half mile.

anyway, thanks for taking the time to give a thoughtful response to my less-than-thoughtfully phrased post. I was definitely angry when i originally posted despite this being my fault. Would have been a lot easier to swallow it as a speeding ticket, pay my fine and go on my way. If i had even thought it was remotely possible for this to be classified as anything more than that - especially something that would require hiring a lawyer and appearing in court half a dozen states away from my home - i certainly would have thought twice.