Many people may assume it’s not worth fighting a traffic ticket. However, this is not always the case. If you wish to keep your driving record clear and avoid paying a significant increase in insurance premiums, you may decide your best option is to contest the charges against you. The key is to determine if you have a viable traffic ticket defense that will give you a good chance of winning in court.  

Do: 

Take a close look at your charges.

The first step to take in putting together a defense should include breaking down the exact law you are alleged to have violated. Your behavior must meet each component explicitly. Showing you upheld even just one element of the law could prove your innocence.

Consider if the officer’s view was obstructed.

If the officer didn’t have a clear view of you breaking the law, you may be able to successfully argue that their version of events is mistaken. This will require proof there were things like buildings, trees, or construction signs that could have been in the way. 

Determine if there was officer error.

There is always potential for officer error to occur when using methods such as radar guns and lasers to track speed. You might be able to show a device was faulty, producing an incorrect reading of the speed at which you were traveling.  

Don’t: 

Plead innocence for not knowing the law. 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how honestly you misunderstood the law you’re charged with violating because it’s not likely a judge will have sympathy. Every driver is expected to know traffic laws when holding a license, so claiming ignorance is futile.

Make complaints of selective enforcement. 

One of the most ineffective traffic ticket defenses involves complaining the officer only cited you despite there being others around who were also disregarding the law. All this will help you do is admit your own guilt.

Try to vindicate your actions because no one got hurt.             

Regardless of whether or not you put anyone else in danger, you are always required to obey the rules of the road when driving a vehicle. You can’t justify breaking the law simply because no one was hurt while you were doing it.

If you believe it’s worthwhile to fight a traffic violation, consider hiring a legal professional before moving forward. The attorneys at Bates Law Firm PLLC in Wadesboro, NC, know how to develop a traffic ticket defense that properly applies to your situation. Their expertise in this area of law will go a long way toward building a compelling case and improving your odds of a favorable outcome. Over the years, they have helped numerous drivers throughout the Anson, Richmond, Stanly, and Union counties of North Carolina maintain clean driving records. Call (704) 694-0195 to review your case, or visit them online for more information.