How to Fight a Traffic Ticket

young woman annoyed she is getting a traffic ticket - contest traffic ticket concept

Whether it was for speeding, failure to yield, driving with a revoked license, or another violation, getting a traffic ticket is not only a stressful experience — it can also come with harsh penalties and long-lasting implications. If you simply pay the ticket, it’s essential to understand that you are pleading guilty to a violation. This can mean monetary fines, points on your license, and increased insurance premiums. Importantly, you may have a variety of options to fight a traffic ticket that you’ve been issued.

The following are several strategies that are commonly used to contest a traffic ticket:

Challenge the Constitutionality of the Stop

In specific cases, you can fight a traffic ticket by challenging the Constitutionality of the stop. Critically, an officer must be able to provide a valid reason for the stop. They cannot pull you over for a traffic offense without having observed the infraction. If you were profiled based on the type of vehicle you were driving or your race, any evidence obtained in violation of your Constitutional rights would not be admissible in court.

Dispute the Officer’s Observations

Often, beating a traffic ticket comes down to whether the version of events relayed by the driver or officer is more credible. One of the ways to fight a traffic ticket is to dispute the observations of the officer who pulled you over. Many traffic violations, such as those involving illegal turns or failing to stop at a stop sign, rely on an officer’s visual judgment. The officer’s observations may be challenged if you can establish that their view was impeded.

Review the Ticket for Errors

Another common way to fight a traffic ticket is by reviewing it for errors. A traffic ticket should list specific information including the alleged offense, the date the ticket was issued, and details about your vehicle. If the wrong vehicle is listed or information is incomplete, an experienced traffic ticket attorney may be able to assist you with getting the ticket dismissed or reduced.

Negotiate a Reduced Disposition

In certain cases, you may be able to negotiate a reduced disposition for your traffic ticket. For instance, if you were charged with speeding, a traffic ticket attorney may be able to negotiate with the prosecution to reduce the speeding offense with which you’ve been charged. This can result in a reduced monetary fine — and substantial insurance savings. It also means fewer points on your license.

Obtain a Prayer for Judgment Continued

A prayer for judgment continued is often used in various North Carolina traffic violations, including speeding and reckless driving. It allows a driver to plead guilty to the violation without the offense being entered against them. But while it doesn’t result in points on a driver’s license, it can still lead to increased insurance rates and complicate background checks. It’s best to consult with a knowledgeable traffic ticket attorney who can advise you regarding whether a Prayer for Judgment Continued is the best option in your case.

Contact an Experienced North Carolina Traffic Ticket Attorney to Fight Your Traffic Ticket

A traffic ticket can come with serious repercussions. If you are facing a traffic offense, a knowledgeable traffic ticket attorney can evaluate your case, advise you regarding your options, and provide a skillful defense strategy in your case. The Johnston County attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law provide reliable representation for a broad scope of traffic offenses and criminal matters. Call (919) 300-1249 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.

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