The average person has a poor understanding of how traffic court works. A veteran of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, who requested her name remain anonymous, explained how the court process works for those who plan to fight a ticket. Once you have received your copy of the traffic ticket, you must enter a plea. This can be done through the mail or in person at the court house. If you plead guilty, you will just pay your fine and you will be done. If you elect to try and beat a ticket, then you will plead not guilty and you will have to post bail and appear in court to have your case heard. If you eventually beat your ticket, you will get your bail amount refunded.
Once you appear for your day in court, your case will be called and the show begins. The officer will first provide testimony regarding the facts of the case and the officer will testify to their observations. When the officer is done, you will be asked if you have any questions for the officer. Most people do not have a clue what to ask the officer, but don’t fear a company called Ticket Tutor has developed a way to assist you and ensure you ask the officer all of the right questions to fight your ticket. After you have asked the officer your questions, you give your testimony regarding the events that led to your citation.
After you have given your testimony, the judge will make a ruling on the case. Many times, you can request that your fines be reduced as well as going to traffic school. Ticket Tutor also teaches how this should be done. It is important to understand that some smaller cities use city attorneys and they facilitate the trial. This does not really change how the trail proceeds, but in some cases you may have a third party involved in the traffic court trial.
Fighting a ticket can be a scary event. If you plan to fight a ticket, you must do some homework and organize your thoughts. Ticket Tutor’s service actually gives you questions to ask in court. If you have prepared and understand how the court process works, you will be much more successful when you fight your ticket.
This article is not intended to be legal advice or replace a competent attorney, but it is intended to be a resource that can be used to educate the average person about traffic court.