Going to court for speeding tickets: how to prepare
Many drivers have experienced the unpleasant event of receiving a speeding ticket. When you received your ticket, you may have been upset, embarrassed, angry, or some combination of these emotions. Once he sat down to take a look at his ticket, he probably began to wonder what he should do next. Maybe you don’t think you were going as fast as the officer claimed. The fine associated with your ticket may be overwhelming. You may be concerned about the effect this ticket will have on your DMV record and your insurance rates. Before deciding how to proceed, there are some steps you can take to make an informed decision about how to handle your speeding case.
Check your DMV record
One of the first things you should do after being charged with speeding is to check your current DMV record. Most states have an online option to print or request a copy of your driving record. You want to check for errors or previous bad tickets. If you have a few prior violations, knowing how many points you currently have will help you determine if the new charge puts you in danger of having your license suspended by the DMV. And if your record is clean, you’ll want to bring a copy to your court date.
speedometer calibration
Over time, a vehicle’s speedometer may no longer accurately display the speed of the vehicle. This problem can be exacerbated by changes in tire size and pressure or previous repairs. A speedometer calibration can reveal that your faulty speedometer made you believe you were driving slower than you actually were. Check with local auto repair shops to find someone who can verify the accuracy of your speedometer. Many technicians will produce a notarized form detailing what your speedometer shows at several different speeds. Even a discrepancy of just a few miles per hour can significantly reduce your fine or DMV points.
Driver Upgrade Class
Driver improvement classes taken before your short appointment can help your case and earn you some “good” DMV points on your license. There are now several programs conveniently available online. Many states have a list of approved online courses posted on the DMV website. However, if your case is more serious due to speeding, dangerous driving behavior, or a poor driving record, you may want to locate a special reckless and aggressive driver improvement program.
consult a lawyer
You may have determined that you do not need to hire an attorney for your speeding case. However, many attorneys will offer you a free, brief consultation prior to the hearing date. A lawyer who is familiar with the court can give you some advice on how to present the evidence she has gathered and what your likely outcome will be. In some courts, the prosecutor or police officer will speak with you in court to review your documents and settle your case. In other places, the prosecutor will only talk to his lawyer. It is best to know your options before you go to court.
Prepare your argument
You must decide before the court date whether to plead guilty or not guilty to your speeding ticket. If you plead not guilty, be prepared for a short trial. Many judges will give you some leeway as a defendant without an attorney, but will still require you to follow basic trial procedure. After the officer tests, you should be prepared to ask him a few questions. This is not the time for you to start telling your side of the story. Ask the officer specific, closed questions. When you have no more questions, tell the judge that he is ready to testify. His testimony must be the sworn truth and relevant to his charge. In the end, you can present an argument to the judge as to why he should be found not guilty of the charge.
Your court date
On court day, be sure to arrive early. Most courthouses have long security lines, as do the airport, which can take some time to get through. Give yourself plenty of time to find parking and get past security. Dress nicely in a suit or other business attire. Bring several clean copies of the documents you have collected, neatly organized in a folder. You should also bring a notepad and pen to take notes on anything the judge, police officer, or prosecutor tells you to do. Be courteous and professional to everyone you meet.