Discover How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Court
What Is a Speeding Ticket?
Law enforcement officers issue speeding tickets to individuals who violate traffic laws by exceeding the posted speed limit. The ticket notes the fine the offending driver must pay.
First, understand you did nothing wrong; we all run late occasionally. There are also times when we cruise along the road and do not notice how fast we drive. Receiving a speeding ticket can be stressful and even scary, but you are not alone. However, you still must act, whether you pay the ticket or call a lawyer and dispute the merits of the ticket in court.
Speeding tickets come with consequences. Not paying the ticket can result in increased fines, damage your driving record and increase your insurance rates.
What if you did nothing that justifies a speeding ticket? Instead of paying the penalty, learn how to fight a speeding ticket in court with a legal professional’s help.
What to Do After Receiving a Speeding Ticket
After an officer gives you a speeding ticket, you have two options: pay the penalty, or fight it in court. If you are not at fault or the ticket was unjustified for any reason, contest the ticket rather than pay the penalty.
If you win your case, you could get your fines and penalty points reduced. The judge may even dismiss your ticket.
However, you should not dispute your ticket without a lawyer’s assistance, especially if the speeding violation is severe or if you have many speeding violations. You must present evidence in court proving you did not deserve the ticket. An experienced lawyer knows how to contest a ticket and can craft a powerful defense, increasing your chances of winning your case.
When to Hire a Speeding Ticket Lawyer
Most individuals who receive a speeding ticket simply pay it, but if you want to take the ticket to court, knowing how to fight a traffic ticket and hiring a lawyer may benefit your case. With a legal advocate’s help, the judge may decrease your penalties or remove them entirely. That said, you do not need a serious speeding violation to hire a lawyer. For example, if you were not speeding or if the officer charged a higher penalty for a minor violation, these are good reasons to take the speeding ticket to court.
If you believe the speeding ticket may impact your insurance or you suspect you may have to attend driving school, hiring a lawyer helps decrease your penalties, allowing you to potentially avoid these consequences. Even if your ticket is not severe or unjust, you can always reach out to a lawyer and ask for advice. This is recommended if this is your first speeding ticket and you are unsure of what to do.
Also, every driver is different. Specific information, such as your age and type of vehicle, can impact your speeding violation.
How to Choose a Speeding Ticket Attorney
Before you hire a traffic ticket lawyer, learn the different types of lawyers who handle speeding violations.
Most individuals choose an attorney who owns a private practice. These lawyers usually specialize in speeding and traffic violations.
If you do not think you can afford a private practice lawyer, a public defender is always an option. However, court-appointed lawyers are only available for those facing jail time.
When choosing a lawyer from a private practice, find different speeding ticket lawyers in your area and compare them. Many offer a free consultation, and you should take advantage of this service. Make sure you ask how long traffic court takes and whether you have a chance of being successful in court.
You can use online resources to search for a trustworthy, experienced and reputable lawyer. For example, you can search for lawyers in your geographic area for free by practice.
How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Court
After you choose the right lawyer for your specific needs, plan on having an in-depth consultation where you discuss your case. Prepare and compile the information of your case before your consultation.
Provide details such as the speeding ticket, the penalties you facing and why you feel the ticket is unjust. Also, think as far back to the situation as you can to recall what you remember about the scenario.
Legal professionals take your statements and information to devise a solid defense. They analyze your legal position and what penalties or fines they may decrease or drop entirely.
Other Best Practices
When finding a specialty speeding ticket lawyer, always choose a legal advocate in your area. Local speeding ticket lawyers know your local traffic laws, ensuring a more accurate defense built on the latest traffic laws and regulations.
Speeding ticket court also varies by region, because every geographic location has different rules and procedures. Also, local lawyers have great connections with prosecutors, judges and even police officers. This can help your case exponentially.
Treat cautiously when searching for a lawyer, and do not pre-pay for lawyer services. Some may ask for a retainer fee, which is normal and legitimate. However, no reputable lawyer should ask for the full fees upfront. Avoid any who do at all costs.
While you may be on a schedule to find a lawyer, always take your time and research your options. Rushing to find a legal professional or agreeing to the first lawyer you meet may result in wasting time and money, not to mention being stuck with the traffic ticket penalties.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer
Now that you know how to fight a speeding ticket in court, are you ready to find a lawyer?
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
