Take Defensive Driving!
By taking defensive driving or another driver safety course, you not only save money on your ticket and keep the ticket off your record but you may also learn a thing or two. Every year in Texas over half a million people take a defensive driving course. For some it is to have a ticket dismissed in order to save on their fine and/or a possible insurance premium discount. Not only will your insurance rates not increase if you take the course but you will also receive a certificate to turn into your agent and you could save up to 10% for 3 years with a safe driver discount. With courses available online you can take it on your own schedule, at your own pace for only $25.00.
Hire a traffic attorney
Traffic attorneys can help you dismiss your ticket by representing you in court. Once you receive a ticket you can contact a traffic attorney and most of them time your case will be accepted within 7 days. The case can be handled a number of ways but most commonly the case is either dismissed because the officer did not show up for court or the judge agrees to dismiss the ticket if you take an approved driver safety course. Occasionally a case will stand and the full amount of the ticket plus attorney fees must be paid.
Take your case to court
If you decide to take your case to court to try and fight your ticket make sure you are prepared. Below is a short list of things you want to make sure are accounted for.
- Have Your Ticket – You want to make sure you have your ticket and that the information on it is accurate. If you find that the information on the ticket is inaccurate, be sure to present it to the court as that can be grounds for immediate dismissal of the ticket.
- Dress The Part – If you show up to the court looking like a slob, chances are pretty good that you will not be given the same treatment as someone who comes in wearing a suit. Fair or not, it is the reality of court rooms today. You don’t have to wear a suit but make sure you are presentable. Slacks and a button down shirt are adequate as long as you don’t come in with a baseball hat and a face that could use a good shave.
- Evidence To Support Your Case – If you created a diagram of the scene, gathered service records for the radar, have pictures of the speed limit sign that proves you were not speeding or anything else that supports your case, make sure it is organized and presentable in a court of law. If you open your files and papers go all over the place, you are going to have a hard time proving that you are on top of things and are to responsible to speed.
No matter what you decide to do in order to attempt to have your ticket dismissed, be sure to remember the following things for the future.
- Your case will always be at the mercy of the judge.
- Make sure you are polite in the court room and anytime you are dealing with law enforcement. They ultimately have the power to make the decision that sticks at least long enough to make it a hassle to deal with.
- Obey the law! By simply following the rules you can usual avoid the hassles that come along with tickets including fines, court, insurance increases and other financial loss.
