It can sometimes be difficult to decide whether you should fight a traffic ticket in court or simply pay the fine. There can be significant advantages to contesting a ticket in court, depending on the facts of your case. Importantly, courts often rely heavily on the testimony of the officer who issued the ticket. If an officer doesn’t show up in traffic court without a valid reason, the ticket might be dismissed — but it’s essential to understand that this may not always be the case.

Do Police Officers Have to Show Up in Traffic Court?

If you were issued a traffic ticket in North Carolina, you may be wondering “do police officers have to show up in traffic court?” While traffic violations usually come down to your word against that of the officer’s, the presence of the police officer who issued the ticket is essential for the proceedings. However, there can be many reasons an officer might not show up — and whether the court dismisses your ticket is at the judge’s discretion.

An officer’s non-appearance may be excused or unexcused. Some common excusable reasons they might not appear in court can include the following:

• Illness or injury
• Scheduling conflicts
• Personal emergencies
• Administrative errors
• Lack of notification

If an officer doesn’t show up to traffic court, their absence might be in your favor. But while an unexcused absence can mean the court will dismiss your case, an excused absence doesn’t always mean that your case will be dismissed. Notably, even if the officer isn’t present, the prosecutor can represent the state. They might ask for a continuance and request a new court date from the judge. This would give the officer another opportunity to appear in court and testify against you.

Contact an Experienced North Carolina Traffic Ticket Attorney

A traffic ticket can result in a number of adverse consequences, including points on your license and an increase in your insurance rates. If you’ve received a ticket for a traffic offense, it’s important to have a knowledgeable attorney by your side who can fight the ticket in court on your behalf. The Johnston County traffic ticket attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law provide reliable representation for a variety of traffic-related offenses in North Carolina. Call (919) 300-1249 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you.