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Criminal Lawyers

If you’ve decided to fight your traffic ticket in court, make sure to have a successful argument when you ask the judge to dismiss the ticket. There are good reasons that a ticket can be dismissed. There are also bad arguments that won’t help your case.

What Happens in Traffic Court?

Every court has their own proceedings. You will generally appear before a judge. The prosecutor will present the evidence demonstrating that you are guilty of the offense. You will have a chance to present your evidence and cross examine any witnesses that the prosecutor presents. The judge then makes the ruling. If you are found guilty, you will be ordered to pay the fine. The court could impose additional fines as a punishment.

What Arguments Aren’t Valid in Court?

People try to use all types of strategies to get out of paying a ticket. Most judges have head them all and won’t be swayed. One key thought is that if the officer doesn’t show up in court, your ticket will be dismissed. You can’t rely on this strategy. In some states, you may be able to get out of the ticket if errors were made. Some places have caught on to this and won’t dismiss tickets for small errors.

Hardship tales or emotional appeals aren’t good arguments to make, either. Admitting you were speeding because you were late or sick is not going to help, because you’ve just admitted to the “crime.” Don’t depend on your past driving record to help you. No matter how good of a driving record you have, there’s always a first. Another argument people use is that they might have been speeding, but they weren’t going that fast. Using that argument is admitting to speeding.

Ignorance of the law is not a good defense. Just because you didn’t see the speed limit sign, doesn’t hold you unaccountable. Explaining that your car is broken won’t get you out of a ticket. You are responsible for making sure your vehicle is in good operating condition. You probably won’t get out of the ticket if you say you were just going with the flow of traffic or tell the judge that you were targeted because of your race or gender.

What Types of Arguments Work?

There are legitimate arguments that can help you beat a ticket. You can contest the evidence. Many speed reading devices are unreliable, as are chemical tests for DUI. Work with a DWI attorney in Washington, DC who can help you based on the specifics of your case.

Thanks to The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. for their insight into criminal law and arguments to avoid traffic court.