How to Go About Pleading a Traffic Ticket
You've received a traffic ticket and are concerned about having points on your license. Perhaps you have to drive for work, or you are simply worried about your insurance premiums increasing. You can represent yourself in court, but if your charges are complicated, you may want to hire an attorney. If you choose to represent yourself, follow these steps to obtain a plea bargain.
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Instructions
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Arrive early on your court date. The ticket will state the address, time and courtroom. Bring the ticket with you, be familiar with the charge(s), and have a defense prepared in case the prosecutor, usually called the Assistant District Attorney (ADA), or the officer will not agree to a plea bargain.
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Dress appropriately for court. For men, wear slacks and a button down shirt (with a coat and tie if you have them). For women, wear a dress or slacks with a sweater or blouse. Your attire will relay to the court that you take the charges seriously and have respect for the judge and court procedure.
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If the ADA does not approach you first, ask to speak to him or her before your case is called, preferably before the judge is seated and court commences. Tell the ADA that you have prepared a strong defense, but you would like to discuss a plea bargain.
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Be familiar with the different types of plea bargains. For example, you could have your charge(s) dismissed if this is your first ticket. Or, if you have several charges, you could agree to plead guilty to some in exchange for the dismissal of others. Another possible plea bargain may be to merge two charges into one. Note that the least serious charge is almost always merged into the most serious one. A third type of plea bargain is a reduced charge. This is probably most beneficial to you, with the exception of having your charge completely dismissed. A reduced charge will usually mean fewer points on your license.
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When you are before the judge, be polite and respectful. Do not make excuses for your actions. Take responsibility for your wrongdoing. Being overly defensive or attacking the credibility of the officer will only irritate the judge. The ADA will present the case and the plea bargain. At this time, you will enter a plea of guilty or no contest (which means you do not contest the charges). You will only enter a not guilty plea if you do not agree to the plea bargain the ADA has presented.
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Tips & Warnings
Be courteous to the ADA, show remorse for your actions. The ADA will not have any sympathy for you if you are too aggressive.
