How to Beat a Speeding Ticket in a Massachusett's Court
Speeding tickets can carry extremely expensive fines and other serious consequences. People will often feel the ticket was unfair, but they don't know how to contest the traffic violation. The actual process of fighting a speeding ticket in a Massachusetts court is very straightforward, however, if the judge rules against you during the hearing, you will have to pay the full fine plus court fees. Whether you decide to pay the fine or contest it, you must respond to your ticket within 20 days or you could face additional penalties.
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Instructions
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Check the box on the ticket that says you will contest the traffic ticket in a Massachusetts court. Review the ticket to learn how your speed was clocked (radar gun, laser, pacing). It will be written on the ticket.
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Mail the ticket in the prepaid envelope to the address printed on the ticket. You will receive a summons to appear in court for your hearing within a month.
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Show up to court on the date of your hearing. Dress formally. Tell your side of the story to the courtroom, explaining what happened and why the ticket was unfair. You may request a change of venue to a court nearer to where you live. This will increase the likelihood that the officer will not show up. If you were clocked by a radar gun or laser, ask the officer to bring calibration details for the device over the last six months. A radar gun or laser not calibrated within at least a month before you were pulled over will not be valid in court, according to Massachusetts state law.
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Tips & Warnings
Requesting a change of venue is the best way to fight your ticket, as the officer will be inconvenienced and may not want to travel out of his way. You must go to the courthouse where the hearing is going to be to fill out the request for a change of venue form. The clerk of office will be able to give you this form.
