3 Tips For Handling Traffic Tickets
When you get pulled over by the police for speeding, you can’t help but think about the potential of your vehicle’s insurance rate increasing.
Traffic violations could cost you a lot of money and even get your driving privileges revoked.
Speeding tickets are no fun to deal with and must be taken care of to avoid penalties.
When it comes to dealing with anything law-related, it's all about preparation. The burden of proof is your responsibility.
Showing up in court unprepared is setting yourself up for failure.
Courts do not like to waste time and taxpayer dollars on petty crimes.
Here are 3 simple tips to help you get started…
TIP 1: Gather Your Documents
The last thing that you want to do is be asked to produce important documents and not be able to deliver them.
Most judges will not tolerate this lack of unpreparedness.
Examples Of What You Should Have Prepared:
- Citation paperwork
- Date and Time the ticket was issued
- Location
- The speed you were driving
- List any witnesses
- List any evidence that could help your case (e.g., photographs)
- Find out if the type of radar gun used was appropriate for the road you were ticketed on
It’s better to get your traffic ticket handled quickly, especially if you plan on disputing it.
Typically, you must file the paperwork within 10 days of receiving the ticket.
You may also consider filing a Request for Discovery, which allows you to request the notes taken by the officer that wrote you the ticket.
Keep in mind that this process could take several weeks, and you may have to contact the court clerk’s office if it takes longer.
This document should be mailed to the police agency and the local prosecuting attorney.
TIP 2: Find Out Your Court Date and Location
This is easy because all that you must do is call the number on the back of your citation.
Court Day Tips:
- Be punctual by showing up at least 30 minutes early
- Dress professionally (e.g., Business Causal)
- Get groomed/ hair styled
- Address the Judge properly (e.g., “Yes Your Honor”)
- Answer questions concisely
TIP 3: Call A Traffic Law Professional
When it comes to the law, you don’t want to go it alone because things are constantly changing.
It’s in your best interest to leave the law in the hands of an attorney.
This is important because one wrong move could cost you your freedom, money, driving privileges revoked, etc.
Conclusion
These three tips are not the end-all-be-all, but they do provide you with a simple foundation to help you get your speeding ticket taken care of.
By the way, the information I provided in this article isn’t legal advice.
Traffic tickets are not to be played with or left unpaid, because the consequences could cost you a ton of money in penalties and even your freedom.
If you want to bypass all the guessing, and conflicting information, your best option is to contact a traffic ticket attorney to get your questions answered.