Traffic Ticket Help – Know Your Options

So, you have traffic ticket and don’t know what comes next.  You get home, look at the paper the officer gave you and notice that it says in big letters, “You do not have to go to court”.  You get excited for a moment until you realize that the courts just want you to pay the fine.  The traffic ticket will go on your record and raise your points and your insurance rates will go up. 

Always Go to Court

It is always a good idea to go to court, even if the idea intimidates you.  Even if you don’t plan on fighting the ticket, just by showing up, the judge will more than likely lower the fee.  If it is your first offense, you will probably be offered traffic school, which is a short class you must attend.  You have to pay for traffic school, but the ticket will not go on your record, it won’t raise your points and your insurance rates won’t go up.

Argue Your Case – The Right Way

If you think that your traffic ticket was incorrect or unfair for some reason, you tell the judge you are not guilty. He will give you the opportunity to show evidence as to why you are not guilty.  Remember, this is not a case of your word against the officers.  You need to bring enough doubt into the case so the judge will dismiss it. 

At the time of your ticket, look at your surroundings.  Take note of the weather, road conditions, cars that were around you, traffic signs or speed zones.  Any of these situations can help you in court.  The traffic sign may have been blocked or the officer made a mistake on the school zone times.  Document your findings and take pictures if necessary.

If you were speeding, find out what equipment was used to clock your speed.  Ask to examine the equipment and the supporting paperwork that shows when the machine was last checked and calibrated.  Most machines are supposed to be checked every few months.  If this hasn’t been done, you have a great change of having the ticket dismissed.