Is a Traffic Ticket Attorney Right For You?

If you haven’t had the misfortune of receiving a traffic ticket in your driving career, chances are that you will eventually. If you’ve recently received a citation that you feel was not completely justified, or simply fear the fines and penalties that go along with it, you may be considering your options regarding the possibility of contesting the ticket. But is it worth the time, costs, and energy associated with hiring a traffic ticket attorney? In this article, we’ll try and help you decide for yourself.

Step 1 – Take a look at the citation and pay attention to the law that you supposedly violated. You can generally find this information in the handwritten description, or marked in a check box.

Step 2 – Research the exact motor vehicle law at a public college, library, courthouse, or online. Be sure you’re viewing the most recent version of the law, and that it’s the correct state, and specifics will vary area to area.

Step 3 – Print out a copy of the law itself to refer to throughout your research.

Step 4 – When studying the law, try and break it into phrases that you can understand. Many laws can initially be confusing at first. Take the time to divide it up and really get to know it.

Step 5 – Once you have a clear understanding of the law, ask yourself honestly whether each and every element of the law was violated. If your answer to this question is no, then you just may have a case.

Step 6 – Check out similar past cases and find out how judges have ruled and interpreted the istuation.

Step 7 – Did you happen to have a legal reason for violating the law? Were you require to take action in order to avoid an accident? Were there any missing or covered traffic signs?

Step 8 – Weigh the costs associated with hiring an attorney with the ticket cost and raised insurance rates. Contact the court to find out the exact amount, and speak with your insurance company to gain a better understanding of the repercussions.

Step 9 – Is your driving record in good standing? If not, are you in danger of losing your license?

Step 10 – Find out whether you are able to attend a traffic school. In most instances, attendance at a school will wipe the ticket from your record.

Step 11 – If you are set on hiring an attorney, meet with one you trust to discuss your options. He or she will best be able to tell you whether you have a case or not.