5 Tips to Handle Traffic Tickets

Deal With the Initial Ticket Immediately

Traffic tickets come with deadlines to respond. Respond to the traffic ticket in a timely manner and show up to court as instructed. Follow the directions on the ticket by submitting your plea of either guilty or not guilty. If you do not handle the ticket properly, the court could suspend your driving privileges. This could then result in more serious legal consequences and additional fees.

Hire an Attorney

No lawyer can promise a specific outcome, as that would be unethical. However, the lawyer's experience allows them to recognize potential legal issues with a ticket that an individual may miss. A traffic defense attorney is familiar with these cases and knows compelling arguments. This knowledge can lead to a more favorable resolution, whether through negotiation or going to trial.

Keep Records

Making copies of the traffic ticket and all other paperwork received is a good idea. Keeping copies will help you keep records and allow an attorney to review the details easily. Make sure a supporting deposition is provided for each ticket. The police officer should give it when the ticket is issued. This explains the reason for the stop. However, you or your lawyer can ask the court to supply a copy if that deposition page is missing. Having a complete understanding of the circumstances surrounding the ticket is essential.

Don't Plead Guilty Right Away

After examining the ticket and understanding the violation, you must decide how to respond. Typically, there are three possibilities. The first is to plead guilty, which means to accept responsibility and pay the fine.

The second is to plead no contest, which means not admitting guilt but accepting the consequences. This can be a strategic decision, especially if you don't want to dispute the charge but wish to avoid acknowledging fault in related civil cases.

The third one is to plead not guilty. Selecting this requires preparing a defense and potentially going to a hearing. It's best not to simply plead guilty as charged on the traffic ticket. Generally, a guilty plea will result in harsh fines, fees, and points added to your driver's license.

It also removes any opportunity to negotiate a more favorable resolution, argue your defense before a judge, or point out any potential legal issues with the ticket. Pleading guilty leaves you with the worst outcome and no ability to contest the charges. Leaving your options open is usually smarter than automatically admitting guilt, as written in the citation.

Collect Evidence

If you plan to dispute the ticket, gather evidence to back up your claims. Take photos of the location, road conditions, and any pertinent signs or signals. Get written statements from people who saw what happened. Compile documents aiding your case, such as GPS data, repair records, etc. Evidence like photos, witness statements, and documentation can strengthen your defense if the ticket is challenged in court.

Handling Fines

In the worst-case scenario, if you face a fine for a traffic ticket and find yourself struggling with unexpected expenses, refinancing your car loan could help reduce your monthly payments.

If you already have an auto loan, refinancing through myAutoloan can help lower monthly expenses, and the platform provides pre-qualified offers from participating lenders.

Endnote

Ultimately, handling a traffic ticket promptly and strategically gives you the best chance of avoiding harsh penalties or points on your license. Don't plead guilty too quickly without considering your options. With the proper preparation and evidence, you may be able to get charges reduced or dismissed. Hiring an experienced traffic attorney can provide valuable guidance specific to your situation.