What information is on a traffic ticket?
The color, model, and registration of your vehicle, and the date, time, and place of the alleged offense is provided on the ticket. The specific violation charged, the officer’s name and badge number, the fine schedule, and a notice of your ability to have a hearing to contest the ticket would probably be on a ticket as well.
If the officer includes incorrect information in writing the ticket, such mistakes may provide you with a defense against the citation. Our lawyers, including two former prosecutors, know what to look for in such cases. This may mean your case is thrown out of court.
What happens if I don’t pay my traffic ticket?
If you fail to respond to a traffic ticket (usually within 60 days of the issuance), fail to appear for a scheduled trial or court date, or fail to pay the fine, the court can notify the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend your driver’s license and/or registration. In addition, a warrant for your arrest can be filed. This can make your case worse. If the ticket forms the basis for a suspension or revocation, it remains on your driving record for a minimum of seven years from the date the driving privileges are reinstated. Alcohol-related offenses are never purged from your driving record.
Before any of these happen to you, contact an O.W.D lawyer to handle your case. We offer a unique approach to traditional cases and will work to grant you the best outcome possible in your situation.
What should I do if I want to contest my traffic ticket?
First, and foremost, you should contact an O.W.D lawyer to handle your case. If you want to plead not guilty to a traffic ticket, you must request a trial. Trials are never held at your first court appearance.
For a must appear charge (a ticket which requires you to come to court), your attorney will inform the court that you wish to plead not guilty and you will be given a trial date.
For all other tickets (tickets which do not require a court appearance), the back of your ticket explains the process for setting your case for a trial. This is still a matter you should visit an O.W.D lawyer to help you handle. Improperly handling a ticket can end in a guilty verdict and increased fines.