Top 3 Ways to Fight a Speeding Ticket
Do you know how to fight a speeding ticket? If you contest a speeding ticket in court, what will happen?
Whether or not you decide to contest your ticket is up to you.
But, if you do decide to fight the speeding ticket in court, make sure you're well prepared. What are some tips you should know about before entering that courtroom?
How to Fight a Speeding Ticket Tip # 1: Don't pay the ticket.
In many states, if you pay a speeding ticket it's an admission of guilt. If you want to contest your ticket, you shouldn't automatically pay. Instead, you should read the ticket or contact someone at the court to find out how you can contest the ticket before sending off a check.
How to Fight a Speeding Ticket Tip # 2: Show up to court when you're ready.
If the police officer doesn't show up to court, you will usually win the case. This is because you have the right to question your accuser. But, know that if you show up on the date on your ticket, there's a relatively high chance that the police officer will show. Many times, officers will schedule all their court hearings on one day out of convenience. If you reschedule, there's less of a chance that they'll show up just for you.
How to Fight a Speeding Ticket Tip # 3: Know your defenses.
If you make it to the courtroom and the officer does show up, you should be prepared with defenses. For example, maybe you were speeding as a result of some emergency situation. An explanation such has "I wanted to make it on-time to a movie" likely won't fly. But, a situation like a fire on the road might work. Arguing that your speed was genuinely safe given the road conditions could also help you win a speeding ticket case. Or, you could successfully argue that your car was accidentally mistaken for another vehicle.
What shouldn't you say when fighting a speeding ticket? Don't accuse a police officer of lying, or try to lay out a sob story for the judge. Chances are, you aren't the first one to try to contest a speeding ticket by trying to invoke some sympathy.
Related Resources:
- Find Traffic Ticket Lawyers Near You (FindLaw's Lawyer Directory)
- How to Effectively Fight Traffic Tickets, Five Strategies that Can Work for You (FindLaw)
- Deciding if Fighting Traffic Tickets Is a Good Idea (FindLaw)
- Speeding Ticket: Should I Fight it or Pay it? (FindLaw Blotter)
- Ask an Attorney a Traffic Violations Question (FindLaw Answers)