We all make mistakes on the road and are asked to pay a heavy fine and our insurance rates increase when a police officer spots us speeding or committing other moving violations.
Most people would pay off a traffic ticket without considering other options thinking it would be a hassle or there is no point. You can actually contest or dispute your citation ticket without a single court appearance.
Basically, you have a trial by writing and most police officers will not bother writing their side of the story because they don't get paid to do so. When the police officer does not respond, the ticket is wiped off your records.
Laws may be different depending on state.
When you are pulled over1. Be polite. Roll your windows down. Have your driver's license, registration and license ready
2. Don't admit to anything
3. Ask questions. Was it a radar? How fast were you going? How long were they following you? It's better if officer is not accurate.
4. Ask for a warning. Simply asking if they could let you off with a warning may be enough for them to let you off with a warning
5. County Seat. Once you are sure you are going to get a ticket say
I'd like to request the county seat This could result in your court hearing to be held further away for the officer to deal with
After the citation1. Write down everything you can about the incident. Weather, traffic conditions, time, sun location, what the officer said in detail, and even photos of the area may help
2. Call the court for an extension before a few days before your court date. Do this many times as you can. The longer the time, the officer is likely to forget about the details
3. Written Declaration. Request to have the trial by writing. Your ticket or letter should have instructions for you
4. Once you receive the proper forms, you can use the following resources to write your written declaration
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Sample Written Declaration Template- If you live in New York,
Do Not Pay offers free templates
- If you are willing to pay,
Ticket Assassin offers specific templates
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