The 7 Steps to Fighting a Speeding Ticket

You just got that call from the police officer you passed earlier. You are now likely terrified and wondering what you will do. The law says that if you are speeding, the officer can give you a ticket. This article will help you to fight back and make sure that you don't get a ticket!

No one wants to get a speeding ticket. But if you do, there are steps you can take to fight it and potentially get the charges dismissed. In this blog post, we'll outline the steps you need to take to contest a speeding ticket and give you the best chance of winning your case. These tips come from Morris Law Group, a traffic law firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Step 1 - Validate Your Speeding Ticket

If you have been pulled over and issued a speeding ticket, the first step is to ensure that the ticket is valid. This means checking to see that the officer who issued the ticket was in uniform, had their badge visible, and was operating a marked police vehicle. If any of these elements are missing, it may be possible to get your ticket dismissed.

Next, you will want to check the accuracy of the ticket itself. This includes making sure that the date, time, location, and speed limit are all correct. If any of this information is incorrect, you may again be able to get your ticket dismissed.

Finally, you will want to make sure that you understand the charges against you. In some cases, you may be able to plead guilty to a lesser charge if you fully understand what you are being accused of. If you are unsure about any of the charges or information on your ticket, be sure to speak with an attorney before taking any further action.

Step 2 - Learn About the Speed Limit

The second step in fighting a speeding ticket is to learn about the speed limit. You need to know how fast you were going, and whether or not the posted speed limit was accurate. If you were speeding, but the posted speed limit was too low, you may have a case.

Step 3 - Know Your Punishment

When you are pulled over for speeding, the officer will ask to see your driver's license and registration. They will then write up a ticket that includes the speed you were going, the posted speed limit, and the fine amount. The officer may also give you a verbal warning.

If you choose to fight the ticket, you will need to appear in court. The prosecutor will try to prove that you were speeding. If they can't do that, then the charges against you will be dropped.

If you are found guilty of speeding, you will have to pay the fine. You may also have to attend traffic school or have your driver's license suspended.

Step 4 - Decide Whether or Not to Contest the Ticket

If you've decided to contest your speeding ticket, there are a few things you'll need to do. First, you'll need to request a hearing with the court. You can do this by mail or in person at the court clerk's office. You'll need to include your name, address, and driver's license number on the request.

Once you've requested a hearing, you'll need to appear in court on the date and time specified. At the hearing, you'll have the opportunity to present your case and argue why you should not have to pay the ticket. The judge will then decide whether or not to dismiss the ticket.

If you're found guilty of speeding, you'll have to pay the fine listed on the ticket. You may also face other penalties, such as points on your driving record or an increase in your car insurance rates.

Step 5 - Read Over Law Enforcement's Report

After you have received the police report, take the time to read over it carefully. This is an important step in fighting your speeding ticket, as the report will likely contain information that can help your case. For example, if the officer made any mistakes in recording your information or failed to include important details, this could be used to your advantage.

Additionally, pay close attention to the officer's narrative of the events leading up to the ticket. This can provide valuable insight into how the officer perceived the situation and can help you determine what defense strategy to use. For example, if the officer states that you were speeding "recklessly", you may be able to argue that you were merely driving "aggressively" and not actually breaking any laws.

If you find any errors or discrepancies in the police report, be sure to point them out to your attorney. They can use this information to help build a strong defense on your behalf.

Step 6 - Prepare Your Defense

The final step in preparing to fight a speeding ticket is to develop your defense. You will want to have a strong argument as to why you were not speeding. This may include evidence that the speed limit was incorrectly posted, that you were driving safely for the conditions, or that the officer made a mistake in estimating your speed. You will also want to be prepared to refute any evidence the prosecutor may present against you. With a strong defense, you will be more likely to win your case and avoid paying a fine or having points added to your license.

Step 7 - Fight the Ticket in Court

If you believe that you were wrongly issued a speeding ticket, you have the option to fight the ticket in court. This process can be time-consuming and costly, but it may be worth it if you are able to get the ticket dismissed.

To fight a speeding ticket in court, you will need to request a hearing with the court. At the hearing, you will need to present your evidence as to why you believe the ticket was issued in error. The judge will then make a decision on whether or not to dismiss the ticket.

If you decide to fight your speeding ticket in court, it is important to be prepared. Make sure to gather all of your evidence beforehand and practice what you are going to say so that you can present your case confidently.