When to Contest a Traffic Ticket

Deciding when to contest a traffic ticket is a highly personal decision made by each individual driver, in light of his or her current license status and the implications of their latest traffic ticket. Should a driver wish to contest a traffic ticket, they may reasonably do so with the assistance of a lawyer, and in a large proportion of cases, can expect dismissal of the citation. Although many drivers, most often those with no outstanding points on their license and were admittedly violating a traffic law, will find the process too involved and prolonged and rather pay the fine and plead guilty, many drivers do not recognize the implications of such a quick guilty plea.

Reasons to Contest a Traffic Ticket

Again, the decision to contest a traffic ticket is a highly personal decision, often made as a matter of practicality rather than personal sentiments. However, even drivers that wish to contest their traffic violation ticket based on principal are afforded the opportunity to do so. However, in practice, the following list outlines reasons why a driver may contest a traffic ticket:

Most states utilize some form of points-based system that regulates the status of a driver’s license. Every individual traffic citation accrues points on one’s license. Should a driver face potential suspension, revocation, or other administrative action on their license based on points totals, he or she will most likely need to contest a traffic ticket

Certain traffic tickets are cited to drivers that are simply erroneous or malicious in nature. These citations often carry undue fines and other fees based on law enforcement’s personal sentiments and observations. Typically, a driver facing these types of citations, which often carry higher than warranted charges and fines, will contest the citation in court.

Certain single traffic tickets carry the potential for an immediate license suspension or revocation, or in some cases, place a driver one minor citation away from an immediate suspension or revocation. Contesting these traffic tickets out of necessity, to preserve one’s ability to driver legally namely, is often done by drivers facing these types of situations. Common citations tantamount to immediate suspension or other administrative problems include reckless driving, multiple citations from one incident, aggressive driving (road rage), or racing on public roadways.

If a given traffic citation present inconsistencies, errors, or other disputable notations, a driver may wish to dispute the traffic ticket with the knowledge that the likelihood of dismissing the ticket is highly in their favor.

Getting Legal Help with Contesting a Traffic Ticket

Contrary to the today’s efficiency-based traffic laws system, every driver cited for a traffic violation is innocent until proven guilty in the courts, and should a driver contest their traffic citation, it is up to the courts to decide whether a driver is guilty or not. In the worst case, a driver will lose their case and incur the costs of the fees and fines. In reality, prosecutors are willing to cut deals before trial, and in turn, the courts often give defendants (drivers) more than a reasonably chance to prove their innocence, especially when backed by legal counsel.

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