4 Things To Know About Fighting A Speeding Ticket In Court
Did you get a speeding ticket that you feel is unfair? If so, know that you have the option to fight it. Here is what you need to know about fighting this ticket in court.
Your Case May Be Dismissed
The easiest way to get out of a speeding ticket is based on luck. If you go to court over your speeding ticket and the reporting officer doesn't show up, then your ticket is going to get dismissed on the spot. You won't have to defend yourself at all, and it will be like you never received the ticket in the first place. If you have the free time and ability to go to court, it could be worth the chance.
Your Court Case Will Be Quick
Be aware that a speeding ticket case in court is incredibly quick. You are the defendant in the case, so you will present your side of the case after the officer presents theirs. You only have a few minutes to present your evidence as to why you do not deserve a speeding ticket, so you need to be prepared and brief when it is your turn to speak.
You Can Challenge The Officer's Equipment
One defense that can be used to challenge the police officer is to place doubt on the calibration of the equipment used to track your speed. You can request that the police officers prove that their equipment is calibrated properly by providing certification of calibration. The certification should match the equipment used by the officer, and have been done recently to prove that the calibration still holds up
Your Ticket May Be Reduced
It's possible that you can have a positive outcome that doesn't result in the case being dropped completely. A judge may still say that you are guilty of speeding, but reduce the number of points you receive on your license or reduce the fine that you have to pay. You should still consider this a win since it is better than if you did nothing at all.
It can also be worth asking the judge for what you expect to get out of your court case by pleading guilty to the ticket. Maybe you are looking to have the ticket reduced to a non-moving violation, which has less of an impact on your car insurance premiums. A judge may do so because of your guilty plea.
Call a speeding ticket lawyer to get help with your case.