Ticket Attack

You’ve Got a Ticket! Now What?

How To Contest a Traffic Ticket

Getting a traffic ticket can be a frustrating experience. But it’s important to remember that you have options. You can either pay the ticket and accept the consequences, contest the ticket in court, or try to negotiate with the officer who issued the ticket.
Here are the steps on how to contest a traffic ticket:

Step 1: Gather evidence

Before you contest a ticket, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible. This may include photos of the scene of the violation, witness statements, and documentation of any extenuating circumstances.
You can also request a copy of the officer’s notes from the police department. These notes can provide valuable information about the circumstances of the violation.

Step 2: File a notice of contest

Once you have gathered your evidence, you need to file a notice of contest with the court. This notice will typically need to be filed within a certain amount of time after you received the ticket.
The notice of contest should include the following information:

1. Your name and address
2. The date and location of the violation
3. The specific charge that you are contesting
4. The reason why you are contesting the charge

Step 3: Attend your court hearing

Once you have filed a notice of contest, you will need to attend a court hearing. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present your evidence and argue your case.
The judge will then decide whether or not you are guilty of the violation. If you are found guilty, you may be required to pay a fine or serve jail time.

Step 4: Appeal the decision

If you are not satisfied with the judge’s decision, you can appeal the decision to a higher court. The appeals process can be complex, so it is important to seek legal advice if you are considering appealing a traffic ticket conviction.