How to Contest a Speeding Ticket

Flashing lights seen in your rearview mirror inspire fear and dread. After pulling to the side of the road and receiving a speeding ticket, you may wonder about the future. Your lead foot has earned you a stiff fine, driver’s license points, and years of inflated insurance premiums that can turn your life upside down. Before giving up hope and mailing in a check or money order to pay your ticket, take solace in the fact that you are innocent until proven guilty. You can contest your ticket to reduce or eliminate it and its harmful effects by following a few easy steps from Test Nissan.

Watch Your Mouth

Traffic stops can ruin your day, cause embarrassment, and leave you completely frustrated. You might feel tempted to express your feelings to your arresting officer, but you should exercise self control. A congenial relationship with the police can often result in a lesser initial charge at the scene. Also, future negotiations will often yield superior results when you have established a good relationship with the officer. Anger and frustration expressed to police officers will often cause them to harden their position and resist attempts to reduce or eliminate the charges against you. You should also refrain from admitting guilt or responsibility at the scene to preserve your rights in the event you choose to contest your speeding ticket.

Take Notes

Before leaving the scene of your arrest, write down all the facts about the case. This will help you remember key details you might otherwise forget while hurrying on your way. Write down everything you and the officer said. Write down what you were doing during the moments before the officer pulled you over. A careful record will help you identify any irregularities with your case. Incorrect details on your ticket and conflicting statements from police might help you fight the charges against you in court.

Appear in Court

Your traffic citation lists your court date and the address of the court that will handle your case. Your arresting officer will usually instruct you to either mail your fine to the court or appear in court on that date. The court will usually issue a bench warrant for your arrest if you fail to pay your fine or appear in court, so you must take action. Payment in advance of your court date usually constitutes a guilty plea, so you should wait until after your court appearance to pay your speeding ticket.

Choose Your Strategy

When you appear in court, you often have a chance to meet with your arresting officer. At this time, you can attempt to work out a deal that will reduce or eliminate the charges against you. In many situations, the officer has the authority to reduce the fine and license points that apply in your case. If you arrive at a suitable arrangement, you can immediately pay your negotiated fine. If not, you have two other options available.

You can choose to appear before the judge to plead your case. Your arresting officer will present his or her case to the judge, and you can explain why you believe the charges against you should not apply. The judge will then decide your guilt or innocence. As an alternative to the so-called bench trial, you can request a jury trial. Doing so usually requires you to appear at a future date, so you can present your case to a group of citizens who will decide your fate. In either case, you can choose to retain an attorney who will represent you during the court proceedings.