When Is It Worth Going to Court to Fight a Traffic Ticket?

When faced with a traffic ticket, the age-old advice often given is to fight it. There are several reasons for this:

Heads Up: If you have points on your license, it may be worth contesting the ticket. Many times, the officer may not be present at the court hearing, leading to the ticket being vacated.

Avoiding Points and Fines

Second, if you admit to the offense, the judge has the discretion to increase the fine but may not add points to your license. However, if you truly feel that you did not commit the violation, ask yourself if the time and effort required to contest the ticket are worth it.

Considering Time and Work Obligations

Attending court can mean a missed day at work, potentially followed by a full day in court, and associated court costs. Additionally, there's the time spent testifying, which can be daunting if you are not familiar with this process. Most law enforcement officers who deal with traffic violations are well-versed in court procedures and can provide compelling testimony.

Alternative Approaches

One alternative is to seek a diversion, which can help you avoid points on your license and keep your insurance rates stable. This option often involves providing evidence of your innocence or agreeing to take a traffic safety course instead of contesting the ticket.

Proving Innocence vs. Diversion

Proving innocence in a traffic ticket case can be extremely challenging. If it's a legitimate violation and you decide to plead guilty, the judge may offer a reduced fine, and you may avoid a second court appearance. However, if you decide to plead not guilty and contest the ticket, you risk more time and money in legal proceedings, which may be a waste of resources.

Conclusion

Whether it's worth it to contest a traffic ticket depends on several factors, including the nature of the violation, the evidence available, and your personal situation. If you have solid evidence that you are innocent, it might be worth fighting the charge. However, it's important to weigh the potential benefits against the time, effort, and costs involved.

Key Points to Consider:

Solid evidence of innocence Avoiding additional points on your license Insurance rate stability Efficiency and cost-effectiveness of legal proceedings

Remember, traffic tickets are often straightforward, and the court's decision is usually correct. If you decide to contest a ticket, seek legal advice to ensure you're making informed decisions.