How to Beat a Speeding Ticket

Fighting a traffic ticket is not terribly difficult.   In some cases, though, you will want to hire an attorney because the ramifications of being found guilty of speeding can cost you your license or significantly increase your insurance premiums.  This depends on your driving record and if you've received previous traffic citations.

After you receive your speeding ticket, you will be arraigned.  This is a proceeding where you will be informed of the charges against you and where you can choose to plead guilty or not guilty.

If you plead guilty, the judge (usually a traffic commissioner) will impose the sentence right then.  This is usually a fine.  If you plead not guilty, a trial date will be set.  This is when you will present your case.  Come prepared, and have your facts organized.  Dress appropriately and show respect for the proceeding.  In most cases, the hearing will boil down to your word against that of the police officer who issued you the speeding ticket, and the judge will be inclined to believe the police officer because he has no reason to lie, and you do.  To win, you  will need proof that you did not speed.  Or you will need an eye witness who can testify that you did not speed, but having your best friend testify to this will not help you.  You will need an impartial stranger.   

First, the prosecution will present its case, which is usually the officer's testimony.  Then you may cross examine the officer.  The prosecution may then ask the officer some more questions in response to the questions you asked.   When the prosecution rests, then you present your case, including any witnesses.  The prosecution will then cross examine you and your witnesses and may present some rebuttal witnesses.  Both sides then present closing arguments, and the judge then makes his decision.

If you are truly innocent and do not deserve the speeding ticket and can present a logical, methodical defense, preferably with solid witnesses or tangible proof, you have a good chance of beating the speeding ticket you received.

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