Before you decide to challenge an accident-related traffic citation, there are several things to take into consideration. First, determine your chances of success. If the case weighs heavily against you, it may not be worth the energy to contest the traffic citation. You should also determine how much it will cost you to fight the citation, and what will happen if you lose. Consider the time it will take to fight the ticket, whether you will have to take time off work for court appearances, and if and how much you will have to pay an attorney.
If the accident is serious, it is highly recommended that you talk to an attorney before you proceed. If you have injured another person or property in the car accident, speak with an attorney to help you assess the situation. The outcome of your case can be affected greatly by the actions you take (or do not take) immediately following a traffic accident.
If you determine that the traffic citation is worth contesting, you are entitled to a court trial. If the trial is in a municipal court, a judge will decide the case. You should be prepared to show the judge any photographs, diagrams, or any other evidence that supports your position. If the officer who issued the traffic ticket does not show up, this may be grounds to dismiss the citation.
Depending on the circumstances of the accident, your attorney may also advise you to consider pleading “no contest.” A plea of no contest, unlike an admission of guilt, cannot be used against you in another lawsuit. This is important, as there may be a civil lawsuit following the car accident. Depending on the situation, a no contest plea may also allow you to avoid points on your driver’s license or an increased insurance rate because of the traffic citation. If the facts of the accident weigh heavily against you, a plea of no contest may be the way to go.
If you are unsure of how to tackle a DUI (driving while under the influence) citation, it is best to meet with an experienced DUI attorney. An attorney can assist you with complicated issues such as evidence, court procedures, and sentencing. Punishments for a DUI conviction vary from fines and community service to jail time. A DUI attorney may help you avoid conviction or lessen the punishment if you are convicted.