Nobody wants to get stopped by law enforcement and cited for a traffic offense, especially when a speeding ticket or other citation could result in an increase in your insurance rate and the possibility of a serious fine and jail time because of your previous traffic ticket history. If you plan to go to court to fight the ticket and then miss your court date, you can end up with a warrant out for your arrest, and the penalties can become much more substantial. Whenever you are stopped for a traffic offense, it is important to consider the best course of action to fight the ticket effectively and to avoid fines or more serious consequences for the citation.
Avoid a Ticket By Knowing Texas Traffic Laws
The best way to beat a traffic ticket is to avoid getting one in the first place. In order to avoid facing penalties for a traffic violation, you should understand Texas traffic laws and should understand the differences between minor and major violations. Minor violations include, for example, speeding or texting on a cell phone or failing to wear a seat belt. Major violations often result in a misdemeanor and sometimes felony charges, and can include reckless driving, driving without a valid license, driving while intoxicated (DWI), or a hit-and-run.
Do Not Fight the Ticket When You Are Stopped
Even if you know you have been stopped unfairly and that you should not be receiving a ticket for a traffic violation in Texas, it is better to stay as calm as possible and to make immediate plans to speak with a Houston traffic defense lawyer to fight the ticket in court. In particular, avoid any behavior when you are stopped that could give the law enforcement officer an opportunity to arrest you or to take additional action. You will be less likely to beat your traffic ticket if you are also facing additional charges.
Learn About Defense Strategies
There are many different defense strategies that may be options in your traffic ticket case. For example, you may be able to argue that a key element of the traffic offense cannot be proven, or that the assumption a police officer made that resulted in your traffic ticket was incorrect. You may be able to obtain footage from a traffic camera or statements from witnesses. You might also be able to argue that the device the law enforcement officer used to clock your speed was faulty, or that the breathalyzer that read out a BAC over the legal alcohol limit was defective. Or, you might be able to show that you were speeding or that you otherwise violated a traffic law as a result of necessity or duress.
Make It to Your Court Date
You will only be able to beat your traffic ticket if you actually show up for your court date. Not only is it essential to appear in court. Further, a failure to appear in court can result in an arrest warrant.
Hire a Texas Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Do you need help fighting a traffic ticket? Our Texas traffic defense lawyers can assist you. Contact The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates today for more information.