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Step 1
Make sure you show up for your preliminary hearing. For most areas, the date that's listed on the ticket is the date of your traffic ticket hearing. If you want to beat a ticket, you have to be there.
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Step 2
Dress professionally at your hearing. If you walk in looking like a bum, you will lose credibility. You're dealing with judges and lawyers, if you dress like them, it will be easier for them to accept you.
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Step 3
Show up for court about an hour early.
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Step 4
Before the judge comes in, seek out your prosecutor. Don't be scared of him or her, they're just doing their job. All you have to do is treat them nicely, introduce yourself and explain your defense. Very nicely, ask them if there's anything you can do to make a deal? Ask if it's possible to plead your ticket down so that it's a lesser offense. Hopefully you'll be able to avoid getting points added to your license.
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Step 5
Make sure you're seated and back into the courtroom before the judge enters. If your attempt to make a deal with the proscecution wasn't fruitful, just speak directly to the judge, making eye contact and calmly explaining your defense. Don't bother telling him how you're out of work or how you can't afford the ticket, none of those facts are relevant. Make a good factual and relevant case for yourself, but don't call names or belittle the prosecution, the officer who ticketed you, or the judge.
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Step 6
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Make an official appeal if the judge upholds the ticket at the preliminary hearing. Many people don't know they can do this, but it's true. You can appeal the case and then come back later for a formal hearing. Use the same professional dress and manner at your appeal hearing. -
Step 7
Lather, rinse and repeat. Appeal the traffic ticket until they finally release your liability.
Comments
blonde-doc said
on 5/12/2009 Great advice on contesting traffic tickets! I could've used this a few months back...