traffc1Getting a traffic ticket rates somewhere between nuisance and stressful for most people. The idea of going to court to defend against a traffic ticket is almost never considered as a realistic option because most people believe they can’t navigate the complex and sometimes confusing environment of the courtroom.

But with the right kind of preparation, it is possible even for an average driver to avoid paying for a traffic ticket that may have been issued in error or may have been issued on the basis of evidence insufficient to sustain the alleged infraction. A citizen’s rights attach to a traffic case no differently than they apply in any other criminal matter.

Preparation

It is said that decisions are made by the people who show up. The same can be said for traffic court. Justice is dispensed to those who show up. All of the basic rules apply.

  • Be on time. Dress impressively. Follow directions. Bring everything you own related to driving.
  • You should have your license, registration, insurance and the original citation.
  • If possible, you should also pull your state driving record and have a copy with you.

All of these items are, in fact, evidence in the case, so you might as well have them ready to go.

However, preparation starts on the roadside. Just like a traffic accident, a traffic ticket has associated facts that will bear heavily on the outcome of the case. The good news is you’re probably carrying a miniaturized television station in your pocket.

  • Get the name and badge number of the police officer first, including other cops present at the scene even if they did not issue the citation.
  • Then take pictures of everything. Pay special attention to the road conditions, signs, signals and traffic levels.
  • Take a full set of pictures of your car, inside and outside.
  • Dictate what happened with dates, times, names, locations and details into a voice recording app. If you can’t do these things with a mobile device, write them down.

Do all of this the very moment it is possible without disrupting the traffic stop. This kind of documentation will be very powerful three months later when your adversary doesn’t have it.

Having a sheaf of papers and photographs to wave in the air in court is absolutely crucial. By doing so, you are taking advantage of the legal concept of “Res Ipsa Loquitur,” which is Latin for “the thing speaks for itself.” Take advantage of this. You can bet your adversary will.

Understand Your Burden

In any criminal action, the state must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt to sustain a conviction. The defendant need only demonstrate a single reasonable doubt exists in order to establish grounds for acquittal. Reasonable doubt is a fairly low bar to clear, especially when discussing events with very likely a single witness that occurred months before dozens or hundreds of other traffic stops initiated by the same witness.

Cross Examination

Your line of questioning should build on your understanding of your burden. Remember, as far as the defense is concerned, nothing happened. It is up to the witnesses to establish the events that took place and why those events constitute a crime under your state’s vehicle code.

  • Make sure your questions assume nothing.
  • Question the officer as if you are not aware a traffic violation took place.
  • All you are trying to do initially is get the officer’s version on the record.
  • From there, you can start building a case for acquittal.

Learn how to use the word “alleged.” It will be your best friend until you get the case dismissed or you are found not guilty.

Elements of the Infraction

In any criminal case, the state must additionally prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that all of the elements of a crime took place and that the defendant was responsible. By the time you eat lunch the day after you receive your ticket, you should be able to recite, from memory, the elements of the alleged infraction in three languages.

  • As the defendant, if you are able to create reasonable doubt that even a single element of the crime is absent, you cannot be convicted.
  • Unless the issuing officer is the world’s greatest traffic cop, there is almost always something they missed. Find it.

Courtroom Courtesy

Don’t argue with the judge. Call the judge “Your Honor.” If in doubt about courtesy in the courtroom, read the first two sentences of this section again.

Defense Strategy

A criminal case is about facts. In a contest between fact and opinion, facts win.

  • In any situation where you find a witness including their personal opinion in their testimony, challenge it.
  • Remember all you have to do is create a single reasonable doubt. You don’t have to prove anything. The state has a heavy burden to carry. Make them carry it.

Many drivers faced with the possibility of defending a traffic citation choose to obtain counsel from a qualified attorney. This is often a good idea even if you think you already have a chance to win. Attorneys are familiar with court proceedings and understand well the process of obtaining an acquittal. If you choose to consult an attorney, it is best to do it as soon as possible.

Traffic tickets are no fun. But they aren’t automatic. If you learn the basics, you might find that ticket can be dismissed and cost you nothing except a little preparation time.

Image:https://www.flickr.com/photos/politicalpulse/2806528118/

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Scott Desind

Scott Desind | Traffic Ticket Attorneys The Traffic Ticket Attorneys, Desind and Klijian, have over 25 years of experience fighting traffic tickets. Our attorneys are well respected and known for their experience in fighting traffic tickets, specialized knowledge of the law and procedures and results by the court personnel, officers, deputies, competitors and clients.