Entering town speed drops to 45mph. This sign is quite visible and I complied. A truck in front of me slowed and I assumed some one was making a right turn as I passed the truck I noticed a 30 mph sign about two blocks ahead and slowed. I of course thought that I was alright as the sign was ahead of me. Got stopped by a state trooper that told me there was a 35 and 30 mph sign that I had already passed. He got me for 44 in a 30, my first speeding ticket in about 25 years. The part that makes me mad is that they charge me a $160.00 bond knowing that I live near Vancouver they realize it would cost more than that to come back and appear. I would like to know what the average cost would be if I appeared and pled guilty with the circumstances? Can you tell me if this is a scam or are these tactics quite common? These signs must have been within a block or two of each other, is that normal also? Is there anyway I can dispute this without going to Wisconsin?

4/2007