Should You Fight Against Your Traffic Ticket?

 Posted on May 29, 2024 in Traffic Violations

Getting a traffic ticket can be a frustrating experience, especially if you believe you do not deserve it. You have the option to fight against your traffic ticket in court. But is it always the best decision? An Illinois lawyer can help you determine some factors to consider when deciding whether to contest your traffic ticket.

Make Sure You Understand the Consequences

Before deciding to fight your ticket, you must understand the potential consequences of a conviction. In Illinois, traffic violations can result in:

• Fines

• Court costs

• Traffic school

• Points on your driving record

• Increased insurance premiums

Depending on the severity of the violation and your driving history, these consequences can add up quickly. However, if you believe you have a strong case, fighting the ticket may be worth the effort.

Assessing Your Case

To determine whether you have a strong case, consider the following:

• Evidence: Do you have evidence that supports your innocence, such as dashcam footage or witness statements?

• Officer’s mistake: Did the officer make a mistake in issuing the ticket, such as citing the wrong statute or incorrectly recording your speed?

• Extenuating circumstances: Were there any extenuating circumstances that led to the alleged violation, such as an emergency or a malfunctioning traffic signal?

If you have compelling evidence or believe the officer made a mistake, you may have a better chance of winning your case in court. You will have to find a way to bring this type of proof forward, though, so keep this in mind as you are trying to weigh your decision.

Considering Alternative Options

In some cases, fighting your traffic ticket in court may not be the best option. Illinois offers alternative programs that can help you avoid a conviction and keep your driving record clean:

• Traffic school: Completing a traffic school course can help you dismiss the ticket and avoid points on your driving record.

• Plea bargaining: Negotiating with the prosecutor to reduce the charge or penalty can result in a more favorable outcome.

• Supervision: Accepting court supervision can help you avoid being found guilty if you complete certain requirements, such as attending traffic school or paying a fine.

These options may be more cost-effective and less time-consuming than going to trial, especially if you do not have a strong case.

How Legal Representation Can Help

If you are unsure whether to fight your traffic ticket, consider seeking advice from a traffic attorney in Illinois. They can evaluate the strength of your case. From there, you and your attorney can review your options and discuss each potential outcome. If you decide to move forward, you will have legal representation on your side if you choose to have a lawyer. Another benefit is that you will not have to negotiate with prosecutors, as the attorney will do this for you.

Contact a Grundy County, IL Traffic Violation Lawyer

Deciding whether to fight against your traffic ticket depends on several factors. If you choose to move forward, having a Will County, IL traffic violation attorney on your side can be beneficial to the outcome of your case. Call 815-740-4025 to start with a free consultation to see how and if Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. can help you.