How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Kentucky
Every state has their own set of laws regarding speeding tickets and what the penalties are for violations. Kentucky imposes a maximum speed of 65 miles per hour on highways and parkways and a maximum of 55 mph on all other state highways. Speeding tickets for violating those laws are expensive not only because of the ticket fines but also due to the likely raise in insurance rates a ticket will cause. Fighting speeding tickets in Kentucky can be done and can result in money saved.
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Instructions
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Hire a traffic attorney. While the rates for an attorney can be expensive, they are likely cheaper than the combined fees of the ticket, the increased insurance rates, and the additional points added to your driver's license. Make sure the lawyer is specifically a specialist in Kentucky traffic law.
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Request a jury trial. While some states do not permit jury trials for traffic citations, Kentucky law 29A.270 guarantees a defendant the right to a jury trial for all criminal prosecutions and includes traffic violations specifically. Send the request in writing to the courthouse two weeks prior to your court date. Use certified mail to make sure the court receives your notice so you do not get penalized for not responding.
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File for a continuance. Once you have a jury trial date set, send in another written notice through certified mail requesting a new date. You will have to provide specific proof as to why the current date poses a problem for you. If you claim illness, you will need to provide a doctor's note. A work requirement will provide some proof in writing as well.
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Appear in court on whichever date is agreed upon. The officer who issued the ticket will need to be in attendance for the ticket to be upheld and the longer the trial is delayed, the less likely the officer will attend. Plead your case with the help of your attorney and ideally, the charges will be dropped.
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Tips & Warnings
Never provide false information to the court. If you try to make up a reason for needing trial delays, you could be found guilty of perjury.
Never ignore a court summons. You could be arrested and have your license revoked.
References
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- Photo Credit truck speeding down the street image by Larry Roberg from Fotolia.com
