Let’s face it, no one enjoys getting a ticket, especially one that will cost them hundreds of dollars and result in an increase of their insurance rates. If you do receive a ticket for violating the rules of the road, don’t just give in and assume there’s nothing you can do. In reality, there are other strategies you can try in an effort to get the ticket dismissed, or at least greatly reduced. It can also help to have a traffic lawyer in Salem, Virginia on your side, offering words of wisdom in how to handle your ticket so you don’t endure the repercussions for many years to come.
What is the number one thing people with a ticket should remember?
Some people may get outraged when the officer hands them a ticket. It can be enough to completely ruin someone’s day and send them reeling. However, remember that it is important to stay cool and still be respectful to the officer. You don’t have to agree with the officer’s statements about the law you broke, but you also don’t have to get into a verbal battle in an attempt to get out of the ticket. If you remain calm and level-headed from the moment you get pulled over leading up to your trial when you fight the ticket, having polite manners can go a longer way than if you showed up in a fit of rage.
What can I do to prepare for my traffic ticket trial?
If you decide to fight your ticket, then you will have to show up in traffic court to defend yourself. To increase your chances of getting a ticket dismissed, stay organized and gather facts beforehand so you are ready to present your case. Your traffic ticket lawyer can do a run through with you as if you are in court, so you understand how the flow of the trial will proceed. The more prepared you are, the more professional you will look. Don’t forget to dress the part too by showing up in slacks, a nice shirt, or whatever you would normally wear to a job interview.
Examples of useful facts to have ready during your trial include:
- The date and time you received the ticket
- The weather conditions the day the ticket was given
- Your current registration and insurance information
- The radar readings (if the officer used a radar gun to calculate your speed)
Is there anything I need to do right before the trial at the court?
Yes, check in with the court clerk when you arrive for your trial. You can also ask if the officer who gave you the ticket has checked in yet. Sometimes, officers are not able to show up for certain reasons, such as getting caught up in an arrest or being off from duty that day. If the officer isn’t present, then they cannot offer their side of the case, which may lead to a ticket dismissal. But don’t be discouraged if the officer does show up, as you will have the opportunity to present your case.
Thanks to The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for their insight into criminal law and preparing for a traffic ticket trial.