6 Common Mistakes to Avoid With Traffic Tickets
Whether it’s for speeding or tailgating, receiving a traffic ticket can be quite stressful. You may be worried about saying the wrong things to the police and how your driving record will be affected. However, it’s important to keep your cool. If you panic, you might make mistakes could make the situation worse.
Here are six common mistakes to avoid when you get a traffic ticket.
1. Providing Too Much Information
When pulled over by the police, many people make the mistake of providing too much information. They may admit that they were speeding or committing some other traffic violation. Unfortunately, if you admit too much this information can be used against you later in court.
The only information you are required to give the police during a traffic stop is your full name, driver’s license, insurance card and registration.
If a police officer asks you to provide details about the traffic violation, you do not have to answer. You can simply tell the officer that you don’t wish to answer the question.
2. Arguing With the Police
Even if you believe you are being wrongly accused of a traffic violation, you should never argue with a police officer. If you become angry and give the police officer a hard time, it can make the situation worse. Instead, be polite and comply with the officer’s instructions.
3. Making Sudden Movements
If you are stopped by a police officer, remember not to make any sudden movements. Police officers are trained to be extra cautious at traffic stops and may think you are reaching for a weapon. If you have to reach inside your glove compartment for your registration, tell the officer what you are about to do.
4. Thinking You Must Plead Guilty
If you did actually commit a traffic violation, you might think you have no choice but to plead guilty at your first court hearing. However, that does not mean an experienced traffic lawyer can’t get your ticket dismissed. For example, if a police officer had no legal grounds to pull you over, it might be enough to get your case thrown out.
At your initial hearing, give a not guilty plea and let your lawyer investigate the factors in your case. If he or she finds holes in your case, your ticket might get dismissed.
5. Not Hiring a Traffic Attorney
A traffic ticket isn’t as serious as a criminal charge, but it can still have negative effects on your life, like heavy fines and increased insurance rates. That is why you should hire a skilled traffic attorney to handle your case. He or she can help reduce traffic ticket penalties and negotiate alternatives penalties.
In certain situations, a traffic attorney may even be able to get your ticket thrown out. For instance, the court may agree to dismiss your ticket if the police officer does not show up to the hearing or if you plead guilty to a non-moving violation.
6. Not Going to Traffic School
Traffic school may take up more of your time, but it can benefit you in the long run. For example, if you have several traffic violations on your driving record already, the court may decide to suspend your license. However, if you agree to attend traffic school, you may be able to avoid the suspension.
Going to traffic school may also prevent your auto insurance rates from going up.
Getting a traffic ticket is no picnic, but it doesn’t have to be unbearable. If you avoid making these mistakes you can simplify your situation. If you are looking to hire a traffic ticket lawyer, contact Edwin F. Brooks, Attorney at Law for our expertise.
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