How to Resolve a Traffic Ticket in California
Dealing with a traffic ticket in California can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. However, there are ways to resolve a California traffic ticket that can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
Hire an Attorney
Hiring an attorney to represent you in court can be a valuable asset if you have been charged with a serious traffic violation. An attorney can help you fight the ticket, negotiate with the court or prosecutor, and possibly even have the ticket dismissed.
Appear in Court To Request a Trial
If you decide to contest the ticket, you must appear in court and request a trial. This is the only way to contest a traffic ticket in California. At your trial, the officer who issued the ticket will appear in court and testify against you. The judge will then decide whether or not you are guilty.
Request a Trial by Written Declaration
You may also be able to contest the ticket without appearing in court. California law allows you to request a trial by written declaration if you were cited for an infraction. This means you can submit a written statement explaining why you believe you are not guilty of the violation. The court will review your statement, the officer’s statement, and any other evidence and then decide.
Plead Guilty by Paying the Citation
If you do not wish to contest the ticket, you can plead guilty by paying the citation. This means you must pay the full fine and any additional fees associated with the ticket. If you plead guilty, you may be eligible for traffic school.
Plead Guilty by Paying the Citation in Installments
In some cases, you may be able to plead guilty and pay the citation in installments. This option is only available if the court determines that you are unable to pay the full amount of the citation at once. To request payment in installments, you must fill out an application for payment plan and submit it to the court.
Plead Guilty by Requesting Community Service
In some cases, you may be able to plead guilty and request community service as an alternative to paying the full fine.
To request community service, you must fill out an application and submit it to the court. The court will then determine whether or not you are eligible for community service. If you are approved, you will be assigned a certain number of hours of community service that must be completed in a certain amount of time.
Points On Your Driving Record
When you plead guilty to a traffic violation, points may be added to your driving record depending on the violation. The number of points that are added to your record depends on the severity of the violation.
For example, a speeding ticket may add two points, while a DUI can add eight points. Having points on your record can lead to higher insurance premiums and other consequences.
The Bottomline
Resolving a California traffic ticket is complicated and requires careful attention to detail. Though it is time-consuming and requires consideration of several options, it is possible to go through the process quickly and effectively. Remembering that the best way to avoid a ticket is to obey all traffic laws and regulations is also important. By following the rules of the road, you can avoid costly tickets and the hassle of resolving them.
Mr. Ticket is your traffic ticket attorney in LA. We provide aggressive representation to clients who received traffic tickets across the state of California. Get in touch with us.
