What Are My Options in Responding to A Traffic Ticket?

After getting pulled over and receiving a traffic ticket, you may wonder what you are going to do in response. You have a couple options. You could just pay the fine and move on, or you could take the time and energy to fight it. There is no right or wrong answer, however, not fighting the ticket could result in an increase in insurance premiums and points added to your record (depending on the nature of the ticket). Getting a ticket is certainly enough to ruin a person’s day, as they consider the risks involved with trying to fight it, and what may happen if they don’t. 

What are the ways to get a ticket dismissed?

If you decide to fight your ticket, then there are several approaches you can take. Many people meet with a traffic ticket lawyer for help, as they may not be incredibly knowledgeable about laws and the best way to go about defending themselves. Your traffic ticket lawyer can advise what to do next based on the circumstances of your ticket. Here are a few of the most frequently used methods in attempting to get a traffic ticket dismissed: 

• False or Incorrect Details: the officer who wrote your ticket may have spelled your name wrong or gotten the description of your vehicle incorrect. These little mistakes may constitute a ticket dismissal.
• You Have Enrolled in a Driving Class: by showing you are taking the effort to be a better driver may be enough to get your ticket dismissed. 
• Issues with Equipment: if there is a way to show that the equipment the officer used to record your violation had worked improperly, then your ticket may be dropped. 
• The Officer is a “No-Show”: you may have the option to fight your ticket in court. If the officer doesn’t attend due to dealing with another matter, then the court may dismiss your ticket. Of course, this is more of a risk as sometimes officers do make the time for appearing in court and with evidence in hand. Your lawyer can advise whether this is worth the risk. 
• Trial by Mail Option: in many states, you are permitted to have a trial by mail and not appear in court. You would submit your side of the story in the form of an official letter. The officer would do the same about why you are guilty. However, there is a good chance that the officer won’t want to deal with the paperwork and will forget or not care to send a letter. That means you could win by default. 

What can I do to prepare my case for fighting a ticket?

Before you choose how to fight your ticket, gather all the useful information related to your ticket and meet with a traffic ticket lawyer for advice. Keep a detailed account of everything that occurred, evidence, whether anyone was in the car with you and could be used as a witness, etc. The more information you have to present to your lawyer, the better they can advise you. If you were charged with anything serious while driving, like a DUI, contact an attorney, like a criminal defense attorney from The Morales Law Firm, today.