How to Fight a traffic ticket

If you drive an automobile, chances are that someday you may get a traffic ticket. You may get this ticket because you weren't paying attention to what you were doing. You may get this ticket because you were in a hurry. You might possibly even get this ticket, even though it isn't your fault.

Not your fault? Yes, it does happen. Human error occurs. Speed measuring devices can become faulty. People who do not deserve a traffic ticket may sometimes get one.

What do you do if you are one of these people who got a ticket and think you do not deserve one? Do you whine to everyone you know about the injustice of it or do you fight the ticket?

Okay, you decide to fight the ticket? Now what?

Do you know how to fight it and possibly win?

This article will explain how you can ask for a hearing on the matter, how to prepare for the hearing and what to expect in court.

Will reading this mean you will win? No. But if you have a case, it will give you a fighting chance,

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A copy of your traffic ticket
• Proof. This could be in the way of photos
• A prepared argument

1. Remember you don't want to pay the ticket. Want you want to do is ask the court for a hearing on the matter. How do you contact the court? You can do this by going to the court house in person and speaking to the people who work for the clerks of courts.
   
   You could also write a letter to the people who are assigned to the traffic division asking for a hearing. The information should be found on your ticket telling you how to send a letter, who to call by phone and the address of the court house.
   
   Be warned that each situation on how you ask for a hearing can vary from state to state and even county to county. Read the back of your ticket for more information.

2. Prepare for your hearing. This means that you need to gather any proof that you are in the right. Sure, it is suppose to be innocent until proven guilty. But in this case, lets prove your innocence instead. For example, if there were foliage was blocking a stop sign and you were ticketed for running this stop sign. Get several pictures of this stop sign and the foliage.
   
   You could also ask to see the report that was filed against you. But be warned that this may not be a good idea. If you do this, you are reminding the officer of the incident and quite possibly be annoying him/her, which in turn may result in him/her being sure of showing up in court.

3. The technicalities may be your friends. Check the ticket itself. If it has missing elements such as a missing officer's signature or a signature that is hard to read or a missing or hard to read badge number, you should bring this up in court. Chances our these technicalities or others may cause the case to be dismissed.

4. Be ready to speak up during that hearing. One great tip to remember is that if the officer does not show up, you will win.
   
   Be prepared because the opposing counsel may ask for a continuance (postponement). If this happens, promptly stand up and say 'I object".

Tips & Warnings

• A traffic ticket can result in a fine of $150 or more.
• A traffic ticket can cause your insurance rates to increase.
• A traffic ticket can cause you to loose points off your drivers license
• If you know you are in the wrong, though, chances are you will loose.

[jeffparker]

on 8/29/2008 If you decide to fight the ticket then go to websites like http://www.trafficticketexpert.ca/ and any else . Take advice from them and fight the ticket.

[mchapman]

on 6/29/2008 Good advice......Mary

[3-Point]

on 6/28/2008 Thank you for these.

[Desula]

on 6/28/2008 These are great tips. Thank you.

[luv2blog]

on 6/28/2008 Good advice and good luck!! (smile)