How to Dismiss a Traffic Ticket in Texas

Receiving a traffic ticket can be a frustrating experience, especially if you were driving near the speed limit. If you receive a ticket, do not just simply pay it. In Texas, you have cheaper available options that are addressed below.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• traffic ticket
• phone
• computer and printer / typewriter / pen and paper

1. Take defensive driving through an internet course. To find a course, you can simply click on the links on this page or go to www.txdefensivedriving.com.
2. If you are not eligible for defensive driving (25 mph + over the speed limit) or you do not wish to sit through a course, contact the clerk of the court and request deferred adjudication. The clerk will provide you the necessary steps and fee information for this process.
3. If you are ineligible for defensive driving or deferred adjudication, another option is to challenge the ticket in court. However, you should probably only challenge the ticket if you believe that you received the ticket unfairly, and if you are willing to testify about the facts of the case. Be aware that if you challenge the ticket, and then you lose after trial, you will most likely be responsible for the amount of the ticket and court costs. On the other hand, if the police officer does not show up to testify, in most counties the ticket will be dismissed.

Tips & Warnings

• Challenging your ticket in court is not a silver bullet solution. Many counties keep track of attendance of police officers in court, and they are required to be there. Therefore, if you don't have a solid legal ground for challenging the ticket, you should expect to lose at trial and to be on the hook for court costs.
• If you have any questions regarding your ticket, or if it has become more than a routine matter, you should contact your attorney for help.