r/Kentucky Aug 11 '25

Sticky: I got a ticket for breaking the law, now what?

47 Upvotes

We're getting these threads every other day so a sticky is being made to handle it because the answer is always the same. We will now be removing those threads and directing people here.

You generally have three options:

OPTION ONE:

You can plea not guilty and attend your court date or ask to contact the prosecutor handling your case. In either way you need to be polite, courteous, and professional. If it's on zoom or in person, dress professional. You do not need a full suit & tie, though it helps. But at least have some nice ironed pants and a nice ironed polo. For women a nice blouse, pant suit, or business-dress. You don't need a full shave and haircut, but comb your hair and/or cleanup the beard a bit. Be showered, and clean/trim your nails. It's about showing that you're taking this seriously and understand this is a legal matter that deserves respect and attention.

Then you say something like "I was wondering if we can work out a plea deal whereby if you can reduce the offense(s) I will change my plea to guilty. I understand the seriousness of the situation, I am just asking if you can be a little lenient in exchange for a guilty plea." You can then discuss with them potential consequences and terms. Such as attending traffic school, or saying you're ok with a hefty fine in order to avoid a license suspension.

In the majority of cases, this will get you some form of reduction. They have a lot of cases to hear, if they can close them out without going before a judge, they will. Be prepared to pay some fines, and maybe attend traffic school. But this is often the "easiest" way to resolve your situation.

That said this often will not work if you give the prosecutor ANY attitude. Or if you were an asshole to the cop, the prosecutor can and sometimes will ask the issuing officer about how you behaved. It also won't work if you did something very serious (DUI, excessive speeding, work zone violations). Or if you were already given a "roadside reduction" where the cop pulls you over for say 85 in a 55 but only writes you for 70 in a 55.

It still does not hurt to ask, but be aware that they may say "no". Also you do not have to take their offer. But if you turn down their offer, they're unlikely to grant any leniency afterwards. You had your chance, and you turned it down.

OPTION TWO:

Get a traffic attorney. Who you hire is up to you. Google is your friend in finding one. If you do hire a traffic attorney, or really every hire any attorney, listen to them. Do as they say. Do not think you know better than them, if you did you wouldn't be paying them several hundred/thousand dollars to handle your case.

Sometimes just getting an attorney can get your ticket dismissed, because it's not worth it for them to fight the ticket. And because you paying the attorney is already penalty enough. But again there's no guarantee.

OPTION THREE:

Plea guilty and take your lumps.


The first two options are not mutually exclusive. You can get an attorney to try and get you a better plea deal. You can try for a plea deal then get an attorney if you don't like their offer. But these really are your three options.

And remember the best way to not get a ticket, is to not break the law. There's always laws we disagree with or think are silly. There's some roads by me that are 35 and I think really should be 55. But for whatever reason, they're 35 and if I do 55 and get caught, I'm getting a ticket.

Slow down. Use your signal. Wear your seat belt. Don't tailgate. That's the easiest and cheapest way out of a traffic ticket, don't get one to begin with.


r/Kentucky 6h ago

Exploring Waveland State Historic Site | Lexington, Kentucky

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4 Upvotes

Yesterday's storm didn't last long. Once the sun came out and dried everything up, I grabbed my camera and spent golden hour at Waveland State Historic Site.


r/Kentucky 1d ago

Corn crop looks pretty good- Western Kentucky

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104 Upvotes

r/Kentucky 17h ago

Any advice for the written road test? (becoming an adult driver)

2 Upvotes

I'm an adult who is finally learning to drive after moving here. I was somewhat familiar with Illinois road laws and do have some experience behind the wheel (wink wink). I'm taking my written test for my permit next week and trying to slam through some of these online practice tests. You're allowed to miss up to 8 questions right?


r/Kentucky 1d ago

Cave Run Cabins

4 Upvotes

I’ll be heading up in a few weeks to Cave Run. I’ve rented a cabin close to where my best friends will have their camper. I’ve never been to this area and wondering about safety. I’ll be traveling alone and just thought I would throw the question out there
The pictures look beautiful and I’m very excited!


r/Kentucky 1d ago

Looking for things to do near campbellsville!

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone! Im a 25yr old M looking for things to do in or near campbellsville. I will be going for work for 5 days and would love to do something while im not working. ANY suggestions are welcomed :)


r/Kentucky 1d ago

Car Buying - Can I use Out of State Bank/Credit Union for Financing

0 Upvotes

I live in Indiana, I found a couple of cars I like in Louisville. In talking to dealership, they are saying I can’t use out of state financing for car loan. Something about title being held for 60-90 days before they clear it. Is that true? They are saying I have to use their financing.


r/Kentucky 2d ago

LEX BIRD CULT event this weekend in the Gorge!

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15 Upvotes

Come join us for our July bird walk!

Lex Bird Cult is a birding group here in Lexington, KY. We typically go out on a bird walk once a month. You don't HAVE to be a bird watching enthusiast, but it is nice to share the excitement about things out in nature with other people. Otherwise, you just get a walk in the park while chatting with nerds. It's a win-win. You can find more information for upcoming events on Instagram or Facebook.

Also, we aren't actually a cult. The name is just to target a younger (20s-40s) age group. Other birding groups tend to skew older, mostly retirees.


r/Kentucky 2d ago

Proposal spots in Southern Kentucky?

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7 Upvotes

Looking for proposal spots with relatively good air quality and I saw online that the Southern Kentucky area appears to be slightly away from the Canadian wildfires. She sent this inspo picture of her proposal vision. Is it possible to find somewhere grassy near the water with lush greenery and flowers?


r/Kentucky 2d ago

Princeton, KY wreck

0 Upvotes

Was there a wreck in Princeton, Kentucky? I was traveling on 69 a few miles before Princeton and a pop up shower happened. A person in a silver SUV crossed the median and forced me into the median to avoid them. Anyone have info on this?


r/Kentucky 3d ago

Starting a job at Toyota factory in Georgetown I quit smoking weed but am worried about a hair test i have fairly long hair and I’ve been smoking for 7 years straight am I going to be ok?

45 Upvotes

r/Kentucky 4d ago

Kentucky man arrested for allegedly raping wedding guest in Adams County

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77 Upvotes

r/Kentucky 5d ago

pay wall Rally racing sees future on back roads of Eastern Kentucky

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78 Upvotes

r/Kentucky 4d ago

Anyone here had to file unemployment in the last 6 months or so?

4 Upvotes

Just curious how the process is going now. If you don't mind sharing how the investigtion and appeal process went I'm interested in how it went for ya!


r/Kentucky 5d ago

Rheumatology in KY

5 Upvotes

My fiancé and I are considering moving to Kentucky and one of my concerns is medical care in Kentucky, specifically a rheumatologist. I would love to hear some people’s experience with receiving care. Do you think you have access to a great rheumatologist who understands and is adequately treating your condition? Do you find yourself having to drive out of state to Vanderbilt or Cleveland Clinic to be treated? Or to the other side of the state? I would appreciate all thoughts, good or bad you have about your experience.


r/Kentucky 6d ago

Jersey guy visiting Kentucky stoked to get a taste of home!

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203 Upvotes

Down here for an event at Kentucky Horse Park when I saw what I initially thought was a mirage from the highway after a 12 hour drive that began at 2:30 a.m. and ended with moving horses into their stalls in 95°F heat around 6:00 p.m. Just stopped there on our way back to the barn this morning for coffee and fuel, and it was glorious! When we told the associate at the counter where we were from he was like “Oh you guys are OGs!”


r/Kentucky 6d ago

Need help scouting location for short film near Louisville

13 Upvotes

Hey all

I'm beginning to work on a short film that I'm making for a short film competition, but I need some help finding a particular location in or around Louisville

The short film is a crime comedy that takes place at a convenience store that's being robbed. The kind of place I'm looking for would be somewhere in a mostly commercial area, and a store with large glass windows that makes it easy to see inside (especially the register) because one of the jokes relies on the two main characters looking at each other through the window while one is robbing the place

I know almost for a fact that I couldn't do this at any chain stores/gas stations because I don't believe (beyond any miracle of a maverick store manager) that any chain would allow me to film at their location without serious financial compensation, especially given the set up is that their business is being robbed in the film

So if you know of any independent convenience store locations that fit this description in or near Louisville, please let me know! I'd be willing to travel up to an hour away from Louisville if you know of any place like this outside Jefferson County

For anyone interested in reading the script: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14F307_YQQuMjq3aJG0M1gCaNbzrCuViD/view?usp=sharing


r/Kentucky 6d ago

Water rescue at Dog Creek Campground in Hart Co.

2 Upvotes

Who was the driver of the vehicle that went in the water at the Dog Creek Campground?


r/Kentucky 7d ago

Young's High Bridge over the Kentucky River along the Louisville & Southern Railroad

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257 Upvotes

This is an early morning view of Young's High Bridge, spanning the Kentucky River near Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. It once carried the Louisville & Southern Railroad's Lexington-to-Lawrenceburg line, which later became part of the Southern Railway and then Norfolk & Western. Closed to rail traffic since 1985, the bridge now has a walkway extending over part of its span, used today for base jumping. I've posted the history of the railroad here, and bridge here.


r/Kentucky 7d ago

How can I help preserve Kentucky?

39 Upvotes

Hello! I live near Burgin (right across the lake actually) and have been hearing so much about the proposed data center and it makes me so mad and scared. I know how bad they can be for the environment and dont want anything to happen to the beautiful land. Anyone have any info on how I can help?


r/Kentucky 6d ago

Laurel River Lake Car Camping

5 Upvotes

Hi! The girlfriend and I would like to visit Laurel River Lake this weekend but due to the long drive we would like to spend the night and squeeze 2 days out of this swimming trip.

Is this allowed in this area? If so, what are the best places to do it. I've seen a couple things about theft. Thank you to everyone who replies.


r/Kentucky 6d ago

Bangers

7 Upvotes

Does anyone know of a meat place that sells Bangers?
Stores have Brats, but not quite the same


r/Kentucky 8d ago

Looking for a Kentucky dentist experienced with severe dental anxiety

19 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I’m looking for recommendations for a dentist anywhere within Kentucky. I have Passport Medicaid and I’m willing to travel if it means finding the right dentist. I have severe dental phobia (dentophobia) from a traumatic experience with a previous dentist. Even walking into a dental office can cause me to panic, shake, and feel physically sick. I’m looking for a dentist who is patient, doesn’t rush, has experience treating people with severe dental anxiety, and ideally offers nitrous oxide or sedation if needed. If you’ve had a good experience with a dentist in Kentucky, I’d be incredibly grateful for your recommendations. Thank you.


r/Kentucky 8d ago

A dark dawn in Bluegrass Country -near Paint Lick

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86 Upvotes

r/Kentucky 8d ago

Anyone Here A PT Coke Mechindiser?

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone this is for anybody that is a Coke merchandiser I just applied for their opening in Berea and Richmond area and was wondering if anybody is a merchandiser here in those areas if they know what the hours are I'm trying to see if I can work around my other job thank you