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So Old Smokey caught you red handed going 75 mph in a 45 zone? What’s that? You say you weren’t speeding? Tell it to the judge. No, seriously, tell it to the judge. Our laws are set up to ensure a fair trial in every situation.
If you have been unfairly ticketed for speeding there is no need to just blindly pay the fine and take the hit on your insurance premiums. With careful planning and knowing how the system works you can beat an unfair ticket in court and keep your driving record clean.
The first thing you need to be aware of is that it is absolutely essential to be polite and courteous to the officer when he/she writes the ticket. A bad attitude will do nothing to help the situation. Your preparation and work starts later. After receiving your citation, make a copy of both sides before you indicate you want to contest the charge.
It will be helpful for your records. Also pay attention to the way the trial request is worded on the ticket. It varies from state to state and you want to be sure you marked it accurately. By the way, you want to mark your plea as not guilty. Just a little reminder.
This is the part where research skills are important. Well, research and documentation are important. Write down weather and traffic conditions, precise day and time of the incident, and the exact location. Trials are often several months after the ticket and you will be more credible with this information written down.
During the documentation process it may be helpful to take photos of the scene as well. You may not be able to use them in court, but they will help jog your memory for accuracy. Asking for copies of the officer’s report and his/her recent statistics will be helpful to your case as well.
Another smart idea is to request a trial date change. Most of the time trials are originally scheduled to accommodate the officer. If you change it, there is a chance that the officer will be unable to attend and the case will be automatically dismissed. It’s a long shot, but every advantage helps.
On trial day there are only two witnesses, you and the officer. The policeman will testify first being questioned by the prosecuting attorney. Pay careful attention to his testimony. There may be something in it that you remember differently and can question him on later.
When the prosecuting attorney is finished allowing the officer to recount the events of that day, it is your turn to cross-examine the witness. Remember to stay calm and polite.
It is also beneficial to ask specific questions relating to his training with either the radar or if your speed was clocked. After you are finished questioning the officer you will be given an opportunity to tell your side. The judge will then rule on the case and with any luck, charges will be dismissed and your bank account and driving record will be safe.
Beating an unfair speeding ticket can be done. It just takes research, documentation, and presenting yourself respectably in court. Getting your information straight and being prepared are your best defenses in this situation.