Fighting a ticket can be stressful. You may be confused as to why you got it, or maybe you feel the ticket itself is unfair. Usually, you have 3 options when it comes to fighting a ticket.
Keep reading to learn more about these options.
Plead Guilty
If you ran a red light or did not fully stop at a stop sign, you may be tempted to just plead guilty. However, this means that the following can happen:
- You will have to pay the full cost of a ticket
- Increased insurance rates
- May receive demerit points
- Any suspensions will occur
- The ticket will stay on your record if allowed for up to 3 years
These penalties can negatively impact your driving record, so it is best to try and avoid pleading guilty unless necessary.
Fight The Ticket
The most common option when fighting a ticket is simply fighting the ticket. You can hire a professional to defend you in court to try and protect your insurance, demerit points, and driving record. Although there are court fees, you may save money depending on how expensive the ticket is. The following are some more benefits of fighting the ticket:
- Keeping your driving record clean
- Police officer who issued the ticket may not show up in court, meaning the charges are dropped.
- If the police officer cannot prove the case, then your ticket can be dismissed.
- There is always a chance of winning.
Meeting With The Prosecutor
Many court clerks do not want traffic ticket cases to go to court. However, these meetings tend not to be in the best interest of the driver, with the intention being for the driver to plead guilty. It is wise to avoid meeting with the prosecutor if you want to fight your ticket, so you are not coerced into pleading guilty.
If you liked this blog, check out this one on, “How To Talk To A Police Officer If You Are Pulled Over.”
