Traffic Ticket

Tips and tricks for successfully fighting a traffic ticket

Everyone has gotten a traffic ticket at one time or another. They can be expensive and frustrating, especially if you feel that you've done nothing wrong. The average cost of a ticket is $150, but there are worse consequences, such as points off your license and increased insurance rates. You could even lose your license. If you can't afford the traffic ticket or feel that you don't deserve it, then you need to fight - and here's how:

  1. Plead not guilty - The first thing you need to do when you get a traffic ticket is to plead not guilty and ask for a court date.
  1. Delay the hearing - Delay the court hearing with as many continuances as you can get. You can get continuances for things such as being sick, being out of town or being unable to get the date off from work. 30 to 50 percent of traffic tickets are dismissed simply because the officer can't make the court date.
  2. Hire a lawyer - If you can afford it, hire a lawyer to prepare your case for the hearing. Since this can be an expensive alternative, it should only be used for fighting major traffic tickets.
  3. Fight the ticket in court - You'll need to prepare for the hearing in case the officer does show up. Here are some tips for pleading your case to the judge:
    • Challenge the officer's conclusion - Give your own view of what happened to argue that the officer's opinion was wrong. Since he's making subjective decisions, they can often be challenged and won.
    • Challenge the officer's observations - It will be a battle to determine whose version of the facts is right. While the judge usually believes the guy with the badge, you can try to plead your case by collecting witness statements, providing photographs or drawing diagrams to enhance your case.
    • Prove your offence was a "mistake" - Judges will allow some leeway for circumstances that were beyond your control. If you can prove you made an honest, reasonable mistake, your ticket may be dismissed.
    • Prove your actions were "legally justified" - Examples of legally disobeying the rules of the road are if you were experiencing health problems or if your car was having mechanical problems.
    • Prove that your conduct was needed to avoid causing harm - Emergency situations are often used for legal defense. This means that your offense reflected your efforts to avoid harm to yourself or other drivers and pedestrians.
  4. Consider traffic school - If you have the option to attend traffic school, your charges will often be reduced or dismissed altogether.
Comments
Write A Comment
Add your comments:
Please confirm
your humanity:
Enter the code (case sensitive)
Read Comments
Car Buying Car Repair Car Parts Car Drivers Car News Auto Loans