The drive was uneventful and I arrived in Culpeper with ample time to contemplate my date with the judge. Would the judge consider my driving history? Since Culpeper wasn't far from Orange, I had sent an email to Ned to find out if I could get a Monday jump. He said he thought that would work out. When I arrived in Culpeper, the weather was perfect!

I entered the courthouse at approximately 9:45 and gave the officer my personal belongings. I walked through the metal detector, and it started beeping. UGH! He asked me to step back through and that's when I remembered our last trip through BWI. I looked down at my feet - the same shoes. I took them off and tried again. No alarms. I was happy that he didn't detain me and make me go through the "wand" treatment.

An officer looked through the contents of my pocketbook. Had I known he was going to inspect the contents, I would have left it in the car. I didn't have anything inappropriate stored inside, but it's strange to have someone look through your personal property. While he inspected the contents, I seized the opportunity to ask him about court procedure and what I could expect. I explained my situation. He said that I should just tell the judge exactly what I told him, and the judge would probably reduce the fine.

After a little confusion, I found my way to the courtroom. I listened to various cases. I felt like I might throw-up. I looked around the courtroom. Soon, it was my turn to go before the judge. He asked me what I was doing driving so fast through his fine town. I explained that I thought I was driving around his fine little town and that I had not seen the reduction of speed limit sign. He asked, "How's your driving record? Good Fair or Poor." When I said that I had brought a copy for his reference, he said I wouldn't have brought it if it wasn't good. 

He reduced my ticket to a regular speeding ticket. The total cost went from $288 to $156 - well worth the trip. I didn't ask about the points. I thanked him and went to pay the fine. When I went outside, the blue sky was cloudy. What a bummer!  Why can't I great a break with the weather?