If you get behind the wheel regularly, being issued a traffic ticket is practically inevitable. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to get that ticket dismissed. Some are best undertaken with the help of an experienced traffic ticket lawyer San Francisco. Others are measures you can take on your own. Whether you enlist the aid of an attorney or decide to go it alone, here are five of the most common reasons for traffic ticket dismissal.
1. The Officer Doesn’t Show Up in Court
One route to ticket dismissal is to challenge your ticket in court, either on your own or with the assistance of a Sacramento traffic ticket lawyer. The officer who issued the citation is usually the only witness to the event. Therefore, if he or she doesn’t come to court and testify, the state or city that issued the ticket doesn’t have much of a case, and your ticket will likely be thrown out.
Obviously, you’re taking a calculated risk in this instance. If your defense rests on the officer not showing up and he or she does show up, that’s that. However, there are a variety of reasons why an officer won’t attend court, from a work conflict to simply not feeling it is worth his or her time.
2. The Ticket Is Wrong
Incorrect information on your ticket can invalidate it, so it’s important to scrutinize the officer’s input. If he or she jotted down the wrong license plate number, for example, the judge may throw it out. Even noting the wrong vehicle color can nullify a citation, so it’s crucial to read your traffic ticket closely.
3. You Can Provide Proof That Negates the Charge
If you believe that a ticket was issued to you in error, or if you’re given a ticket for an issue that you can correct before your court date, you may be able to get the ticket dismissed. For example, if you’re cited because your vehicle registration has expired or because you can’t provide proof of insurance, some judges may ultimately throw the ticket out if you prove that you renewed your registration before court or that you do have valid auto insurance.
4. You Enroll in Traffic School
One of the worst side effects of a traffic ticket is an increase in your insurance premium. To avoid that, you might consider taking a defensive driving course. Judges often look favorably on this initiative to improve your driving skills and may be more likely to dismiss your ticket as a result.
5. There Was an Equipment Malfunction
If you can prove that the equipment involved in your citation — such as a red-light camera or a radar detector — malfunctioned, your ticket will likely be overturned. Be forewarned that this may require considerable research on your part, however, and it may be worth the effort to enlist the help of an experienced traffic or CDL lawyer.
If you’d like to keep a moving violation or other citation off your record, know that you have options. Examine your ticket closely and consider taking the matter to court.
