From a driver stopped for speeding to a pedestrian ticketed for crossing against the light, several infractions result in a traffic violation. While many are tempted to write a check and pay the fine, you should understand that you have a legal right to defend yourself. Below are a few options to consider if you've received a traffic citation.

Attending Driving School

In Wisconsin, as in many states, you can often get a ticket dismissed by satisfactorily completing a driving school course. This option may not be available for serious traffic violations, so call the court listed on the ticket and discuss your plans with them first. If the courts agree, the driving school will keep the ticket off your record, and the court will not report it to your auto insurer. However, the cost of attending a driving school is your responsibility.

Fighting the Ticket

There are a few possibilities for contesting a ticket in court. You can attend the court date as stipulated on the ticket and choose to plead guilty, which could result in the judge giving you either the full fine or a reduced fine. If the judge finds you not guilty, you won't have to pay anything. There's also the chance that the officer who wrote the citation will not show up to court; if this is the case, the ruling will automatically be in your favor.

Hiring an Attorney

For a driver facing excessive fines, significant points on their record, or substantial increases in auto insurance because of a traffic violation, an attorney's services may be helpful. Attorneys know how the law works and will guide you through the system, representing your interests and handling the case’s paperwork. A lawyer's support can increase the chances of a favorable outcome, or they may negotiate a lighter penalty.

The attorneys at Scott & Heenan, have been serving the Grant County, WI, area since 1999. They offer representation in all types of traffic violations. They also provide legal services in personal injury claims, criminal defenses, business law, and estate planning. Call (608) 348-9506 to schedule a consultation or visit their website for more information about their services.