How You Can Possibly Beat a Traffic Ticket

You could be pulled over by a traffic cop at a moment's notice while driving and issued a citation for an alleged driving infraction. If you don't think that the citation was justified, you can try different ways to get the ticket dismissed. By hiring an attorney, you'll have an even better chance of beating your traffic ticket and clearing your driving record, and this lawyer can help guide you through the entire process.

Here are some of the best ways to get out of paying a traffic ticket.

Look for Ticket Errors

Mistakes that were made on your ticket could work in your favor, but most errors usually won't invalidate a citation. Simple misspellings on your ticket likely won't void your citation, but you could possibly get your ticket dismissed if the wrong vehicle is listed. A judge might also dismiss your ticket if the officer didn't sign it.

Your lawyer will look at your ticket closely to try to identify errors that could get your citation dismissed. You'll also be advised on whether or not you should notify the judge of any mistakes on your ticket.

Question the Radar Gun's Accuracy

Officers often use radar guns to determine how fast vehicles are going. However, the officer isn't legally required to show you the speed that was recorded on the radar gun when you're stopped.

One of the best ways to question whether the gun was likely accurate is by filing a motion of discovery. This motion of discovery can give you access to calibration log sheets and other records to determine if the gun's readings were possibly inaccurate.

Postpone the Court Hearing

By delaying the court hearing, you and your attorney will have more time to gather evidence that could work in your favor. The officer who issued the ticket is also less likely to show up in court to testify against you if you can postpone the hearing. You'll need a valid excuse, such as work or family obligations, for your deferral request to be approved.

Request to Take a Driving Course

If the officer who pulled you over doesn't give you this option, you can ask the judge if you can take a defensive driving class to have your ticket dismissed. This class covers safety on the road and can remind you of laws that should be followed to avoid getting another traffic ticket. If you complete and pass this course and avoid getting another ticket within a certain timeframe, you may not have to pay the fine.

Learn the Law

You should find out the specific traffic law that you allegedly broke so that you can research the details of the law to determine if you were really in the wrong. If you can prove that you weren't in violation of the law and show the specific information about the law to the judge, you stand a better chance of having your ticket dismissed. Laws vary by state, but there are basic laws that apply to the entire U.S.

Bring in Witnesses

Anyone who saw you get pulled over and issued a ticket can testify on your behalf in court. This person may be a passenger who was in the car or someone on the street who witnessed the incident. The witness should be able to provide testimony with accurate details and explain why they believe that you are innocent of the traffic violation or had to commit the infraction with a justifiable reason.

A traffic ticket isn't always set in stone. You can possibly get your citation dismissed if you and your lawyer come up with an effective strategy that works in your favor. Contact James W Bodiford Jr Law Office to talk to a lawyer who can help you with your case.