Speeding Ticket Secret #1

Read the Back of
Your Ticket Carefully

WARNING: You could be falling into a trap if you don't
read the fine print on the back of your speeding ticket.

The first thing you will want to do is examine your ticket. This is a very important, but often overlooked step.

There may be some required procedures for you to perform BEFORE you step foot inside the courtroom. This means if you're instructed to do something - you had better do it.

For instance, you may be required to show in writing that you request the presence of the officer to testify during the trial. If you don't, the officer wont come to court.

As much as you like the sound of that, I'm sorry to inform you this would be a huge mistake on your part because your case will not be dismissed if the officer doesn't appear.

Why?

Because you never requested that he shows. If you don't request it - he doesn't have to come!

Instead of the police officer coming to court, he will send a written affidavit with all the information needed about the traffic stop. In other words, the affidavit will take the place of the officer.

With no officer in court, your defense strategy crumbles because the affidavit then becomes the 'eye witness' against you. Since you can't prove a piece of paper to be wrong (it can't answer your questions), you lose your case.

Many jurisdictions use this deceptive practice. Although completely legal, the only reason this is done is to save the courts from having to pay the officer over time.

Sad, but true.

Read the back of your ticket carefully. All pertinent procedures should be followed exactly as described.

You'd think the officer is automatically required to come to trial, but in certain parts of the country that is not the case.

Don't take the back side of your ticket for granted. Simply by reading what it says and following the instructions will prevent the prosecution from having an easy day in court.

Don't make the same mistake countless others before you have made.

Be one step ahead of the game and force the officer to come to trial. This way, if he doesn't show you will get that dismissal.

Important Tip: While we're on the subject of reading your ticket, check to see how you are supposed to plea. Sometimes you may have to put your plea in writing and mail it to the court. Make sure you do this well in advance if it specifically says to do so.

Important Tip: If you send anything by mail, make sure it is registered mail. This way you can show proof you sent something if they say you didn't. Have the court clerk sign for receiving your mail. Also keep a copy of what you send and always bring it with you to court.

Continue to Secret #2

← Back to Previous Page