Everyone hates traffic tickets! If you’re a driver, they’re part of everyday life — especially at the end of the month or around the holidays when cops need to fill their quotas. Chances are that at some point your going to have to deal with an officer and a resulting traffic ticket.
While we don’t appprove unsafe driving, we do believe that there are ways to make sure a mistake on the road doesn’t lead to financial hardship or time lost. Below are some tips on how to first and foremost avoid getting a traffic ticket and then what to do if you get one.
If You Get Pulled Over…
Be polite
It may be a routine traffic stop to you, but the officer doesn’t know how dangerous the situation might be. So, when he pulls you over, keep in mind that he’s looking at it as a tense situation. If you’re rude, you’ll only make it worse and lessen your chances of getting out of the traffic ticket. Be polite; roll down your window and turn off your radio. If you smoke, put out the cigarette. All of these things are common courtesy and they all communicate something to the officer: You care enough to give him your undivided attention. Chatting on your cell phone or insisting that he hurry up is a guaranteed way to land yourself a ticket.
Be Respectful and Don’t talk too much
The more you talk, the more he can use against you in court. That doesn’t mean you have to be completely quiet. BE AWARE: Sometimes officers will let you think you’re talking your way out of it when they’re really just giving you enough rope to hang yourself. Don’t let yourself get into a conversation in which you confess to breaking the law so that you may get off with a warning. Once the cop has a confession, he has all he needs to beat you in court should you contest your ticket.
Don’t be argumentative or plead ignorance
The last thing you want to do is argue. Sometimes an officer might try to bait you into an argument. If you can’t get the officer to see things your way by calmly and clearly stating your case, don’t keep going.
As for ignorance, think again. It might work if you’re a pretty girl, but for most guys, it’s just a weak excuse. When you get your license, you agree to follow the rules of the road, so ignorance just isn’t going to work. Cops hear it all the time and are less likely to let you off with just a warning.
Ask for a warning
Try to ask for a warning, it can’t hurt. But don’t beg – that’s a sign of weakness and it’s annoying. When an officer gives you a warning, he’s doing you a favor, so try to approach asking for a warning the same way you might ask a friend to help you move. The idea here is to make him want to help you.
You Got A Ticket…
That’s Where We Come in!
If you live in Nevada we can help you resolve your case quickly and easily. If you don’t, follow some of the guidelines below. Get a free Traffic Ticket Resolution Quote. Or you can call us at 702-382-2000.
Present Your Case To Court
Presenting a strong case is about knowing the law. While it will help to review the relevant portion of the driver’s handbook, don’t tell the judge about the law; he knows it. Instead, focus on making yourself an effective advocate: Be organized, be on time, speak clearly and dress appropriately. All of these things will set you apart from most of the people the judge sees every day, and he’ll be more inclined to rule in your favor if you make his job easier.
Accept a plea
If you’re looking at multiple charges, ask to plead guilty to the lesser charge in exchange for dismissing the others. You can do this before your proceeding begins. Oftentimes, judges will do this to save time. The benefit to you is that you can save money and points against your insurance. But remember: The plea bargain only benefits you when you’re facing many charges.
Use an attorney
If you’re facing serious charges that may result in you losing your license, getting heavy fines or jail time, it’s worth bringing a lawyer. That should go without saying, but a lot guys think they can fly solo because it’s traffic court. Wrong: When your license and your freedom are on the line, you need a lawyer. Ask a friend or consult your Yellow Pages to find a lawyer who specializes in traffic offenses.
Request a trial by mail
Most jurisdictions let you make your case by mail. The advantages are twofold. First, you can sit down and think out your case without the pressure of being on the spot and facing the arresting officer and the judge. Second, if you lose, you can request a trial in person, which means you get a second bite at the apple.
