If you recently received a traffic ticket, you may wonder if you should fight it or just pay the fine. Before making a decision, ask yourself if you have legal proof to contest the ticket. If you can show that your actions were necessary or the police officer made a mistake, you may be found not guilty. Michael A. Newland Law Office, an experienced traffic lawyer in Hamilton, OH, shares possible defenses you could use in your case in the sections below. As always, outcomes can not be guaranteed.

How to Contest a Traffic Ticket

If you believe the police officer’s observations were incorrect, you may be able to challenge them in court. For example, if the officer’s view was obstructed by other moving vehicles or trees, you could say that he or she couldn’t clearly see if you made a full stop at the stop sign or not.

Certain situations can sometimes force us to violate traffic laws to avoid harm. For instance, if you drove above the speed limit to quickly get away from an out of control drunk driver, the judge may understand your reasoning and throw out the ticket.

Lastly, judges may also show leniency to individuals who made reasonable mistakes. If you, for example, failed to stop a stop sign because it was hidden by a tree, take photos of the obscured sign and bring them to court to prove your argument.

Hiring a Traffic Lawyer

Even if you have a viable defense for your ticket, you may still want to hire a traffic lawyer. He or she will know the traffic laws in your state and help you build a strong case. With a skilled lawyer on your side, you have a better chance of getting the ticket dismissed or reduced.

If you want to challenge a ticket, talk to a traffic lawyer as soon as possible. Michael A. Newland Law Office helps individuals like yourself challenge tickets and takes the time to listen to your needs. He also practices other areas of law, including wills and family law. If you need to draft a will or discuss options for power of attorney, you can put your trust in him. To schedule a consultation, call (513) 887-9595 or visit his website for more information.