Tickets for speeding are not fun. If you get a ticket for speeding, you don't need a lawyer unless you were also driving recklessly and got a ticket for that, too. Most of the time, getting a ticket for speeding is pretty easy. Depending on how much over the speed limit you were going and what state you live in, however, your car could be taken away (typically 40 mph over the speed limit). Also, if you are under 18, your licence may be taken away in some states. But if none of these things apply to you, you can either pay the ticket, which is usually done by mail, or dispute the charge against you. After I learned about the law, I found out that people who plead guilty to speeding tickets where they were cited for not speeding at all or for not going too much over the speed limit are subjecting themselves to unnecessary punishment from the law, since most speeding tickets of this type can be dismissed. A friend of mine was once given a ticket for speeding when he wasn't, so he decided to fight it.
So, how do I fight a ticket for speeding if I don't think I was going too fast?
The courts don't like to spend time and money on small crimes. Most of the time, to dispute a speeding ticket, you must do one of two things within 10 days: sign the "not guilty" part of the ticket and mail it to the place where you would send the fine payment, or write a letter disputing the charges and include the ticket number and your reasons for disputing the charges. In the written dispute, you must include the ticket number, the date you got the ticket, the "act and section of the defence," and your personal information. So, it depends on the state, but most states have an address where the dispute can be sent by mail. Check with the county clerk in your area to find out where to send the form.
After you fill out the dispute form, you will have to wait to hear from the right people. They will send you a letter with the date of your hearing. Make sure you show up to the hearing, and try to get to the courtroom at least 15 minutes before it starts.
If the judge or district magistrate asks you how you want to plead, always say "not guilty." He will then ask you what happened. Like what happened with my friend, he just told him what had happened. He told the judge that when he saw the police officer, he looked at his speedometer and saw that he was only going 35 mph in a 35 mph zone. The officer gave him a ticket for going 45 mph in a 35 mph zone. He agreed that the cop was there. At this point, the judge will decide if your case needs to be continued, or if it should be thrown out. If it's a district magistrate, he or she will decide your case. If it's a judge, you may be called to another hearing where your case will be decided.
