How can I go about challenging my DC parking Ticket? Do I need an Attorney to do so?
When responding to your ticket, you have three options: Pay it (meaning you admit the violation), pay and explain (you admit the violation, but you have a reason why it happened) or deny (no payment and a hearing date is set for explanation). The DC DMV provides a list of explanation that if supported by evidence will help you defend your case. To Challenge the ticket, you must do so within 30 days or you will incur a penalty fee (however, there is a 60 day max on challenging the ticket). You can schedule a hearing date, or proceed to a walk-in hearing available by the court.
Although you do not necessarily need an attorney to challenge the ticket, it would be wise to speak with one so they can help you assess your case and determine any other explanation or reason that could help your case. Also, an attorney can help aid you in how to best present you evidence and witnesses for your defense.