Receiving a traffic citation will require you to either pay a fine or appear in court. However, law enforcers can also make mistakes or issue traffic tickets with errors in their judgment. When this becomes the case, you can take action by fighting it, and if effective, have your traffic ticket revoked.
Show proof that your action was necessary
One of the most common reasons why motorists unintentionally speed is a family or medical emergency. For example, you were speeding but only because you were taking your injured friend to the hospital or because you received a call from your parents that your brother passed away.
By showing records of your phone call history and deposing witnesses that can confirm your statement, your traffic violation may be dismissed in court.
Attest in court that you made an honest mistake
If you acknowledge to the court that an incorrect belief or a “mistake of fact” caused your traffic violation, the judge hearing your case may dismiss your ticket. For example, you ran a stop sign because the storm decreased your visibility and made you miss it.
Since you did not see the stop sign, you were unaware of your responsibility to stop. Because your action was based on a factual error, you can prove that you did not intend to commit the violation.
Dispute the law enforcer’s statements
There may be situations where a law enforcer’s opinion on what happened differs from the actual story. For example, you had to swerve to avoid running over a crossing racoon, but you were given a ticket for an illegal lane change. You can dispute such opinions by being subjective about them.
However, you need to support your argument by showing dashcam footage that can help prove what really happened. This evidence can justify why you had to swerve or how the law enforcer was not able to witness what really occurred.
By understanding your rights as a motorist and building a strong defense for your appeal, you can present your argument in court, show your evidence and have your traffic ticket potentially dismissed by a judge.
