Monday, July 25, 2016

Sometimes It Is Best To Fight Traffic Ticket Fines

By Rebecca West


Every day, millions of vehicles make use of the vast road network. Many drivers spend numerous hours behind a steering wheel. Using the road can only be safe if all drivers obey the laws, and sadly, this is often not the case. Most drivers accept the fact that they have erred and will pay their fines. Many others, however, routinely opt to fight traffic ticket cases even if procedures differ from say, San Bernardino CA to Los Angeles.

It is often worth it to do whatever is necessary to get a fine reduced or even withdrawn. Many fines imply minus points that can have an impact on the ability of the driver having his license renewed or not. Negative points will also have an influence on the severity of future fines. Drivers that already have points against them are particularly keen to avoid accumulating even more.

When receiving a fine it is important to study it very carefully and to ask for clarification if anything is not fully understood. The fine will also stipulate a time period within which the driver needs to either pay up or indicate his intention to defend the matter. If the latter route is followed, the court will issue a date for the hearing. It is vital to act within the time frame allowed.

Another important matter is to record as much information as possible whilst still on the site where the fine was issued. Notes should be made regarding the weather and road conditions, the location, the name of the officer concerned and any other fact that may be deemed relevant. Where possible, these notes should be backed up by photographs. They could prove to be very helpful during the hearing.

While waiting for the date when the hearing will take place, it may be a good idea to make an appointment to see the prosecutor. The traffic courts are utterly overwhelmed by cases and prosecutors are often more than willing to come to some form of agreement. They can lessen the fine, agree that no negative points will be issued and even cancel the fine altogether. This is especially the case with drivers that have not accumulated many negative points.

If the matter will be heard in court, the defendant needs to make sure that he is well prepared. The courts have no time to waste and arguments should be listed in a concise, logical manner. Supporting photographs and documents should be ready and it is always best to have several copies available.

Many road offences are viewed as relatively minor matters, but the principle of being considered innocent until proven guilty remains firmly in place. The prosecutors will therefore be forced to lead evidence to prove the guilt of the defendant. In many cases this is deemed a waste of time and valuable resources and in this way many cases are dismissed simply because the offender chose to defend the matter.

Even if it is possible to contest the majority of fines, often successfully, it is also important to try to be a model citizen that obeys and respects the law. Being able to get away with something does not make it right. After all, the purpose of all laws are to protect society and its members.




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