How to Dispute a Speeding Ticket

Getting a speeding ticket can be an expensive process. First, you will receive fines based on the speed that you were going, as well as additional fees that are added to any traffic violation and used to support things such as 911 service, domestic abuse victims, and gun regulations. After you have gotten the ticket, there is a good chance that your automobile insurance will go up when the insurance company performs a records check. Finally, you may incur fees or other expenses trying to keep your license or fight the ticket. How can you dispute a traffic ticket, and keep from having to pay fines and fees, especially if you did not actually speed?

Disputing a Speeding Ticket

Any speeding ticket dispute will have to take place in court. The best way to dispute a speeding ticket is to elect the option to have your case heard by a judge. In most jurisdictions, not paying the speeding ticket will automatically cause a hearing date to be set up, and you will be contacted with this information. However, you may wish to ask for a hearing, or you may have to let the court know that you want to have a hearing in this case. Be sure that simply refusing to pay the ticket will not cause you to incur further fines.

One common speeding ticket dispute is the fact that police radar guns are often not properly calibrated and may register higher speeds than the vehicle is actually travelling:

Ask to see the certification from the last time the radar gun was calibrated.
In addition, ask the court to produce any evidence regarding the officer’s training in how to use the radar equipment that was used to register your speed.
If the officer’s certification has lapsed, the ticket may be thrown out because reasonable doubt about his ability to properly record your speed could exist.

In many cases, simply asking for the court hearing is enough to dispute the ticket. The officer will have to show up to testify in court, and many police officers are busy or have bigger concerns, for example, a trial for someone else they arrested for a more serious crime occurring the same day. If the police officer does not show up for the hearing, your ticket will be dismissed automatically because the state has not produced a witness against you. You are entitled to dispute your speeding ticket and using the proper methods can help you win your case.

Getting Help

An experienced and qualified traffic attorney can assist you in fighting your speeding ticket and getting the best possible results. Your attorney can help you make sure an unfair speeding ticket doesn't blemish your driving record.

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