Getting a traffic ticket leaves you with an important choice. Many drivers choose to pay the fine associated with the violation and accept the points on their drivers’ licenses and insurance rate hikes that may follow. However, all drivers have the right to contest a ticket in court. This could result in a judge dismissing the ticket entirely or reducing the applicable penalty.
If you are looking to contest your ticket in court, a New Haven traffic lawyer is ready to help. The legal team at Ruane Attorneys is prepared to request a formal session in a local courthouse, obtain additional evidence that could support your case, and present arguments in court that call a police officer’s testimony into question.
Why Contest a Ticket in Court?
Accepting the consequences that come with a traffic ticket is always the easy way out. By mailing a check or money order to the relevant court or submitting a payment online, drivers will never need to appear in court. However, this can cost a significant amount of money and affect a driver’s license.
Many drivers may wish to contest the ticket instead to avoid points or license suspension. They may also want to prevent the insurance rate increases that could result from a traffic conviction.
A New Haven traffic attorney is prepared to discuss the consequences of paying a ticket instead of contesting an officer’s allegations in court. Legal counsel could play a vital role in various types of traffic cases, including:
- Speeding under Connecticut General Statute § 14-219
- Failing to signal a turn under Gen. Stat § 14-244
- Driving without proper insurance coverage under Gen. Stat. § 14-213b
What to Expect When Challenging a Traffic Ticket
Always remember that a traffic ticket is merely a police officer’s opinion of what happened. The law never presumes fault for a moving violation and allows all drivers to contest that ticket in court. Even so, there may be a limited amount of time to request a court date.
Many local courts require people to request a formal hearing date quickly after receiving a ticket. The exact process to request this date can differ on a court-by-court basis. Contacting a New Haven traffic court lawyer as soon as possible is essential in meeting this deadline and following all relevant procedures.
Once a person requests a date for a formal hearing, they must appear in court on that date. A local traffic lawyer could also appear to help argue the case by introducing new evidence concerning the event, guiding a driver through testimony before a judge, and asking pointed questions to the police officer when they take the stand. These tactics aim to create reasonable doubt about the officer’s reasons for issuing the ticket and may result in a complete acquittal or a reduction in penalties.
Speak with a New Haven Traffic Attorney Today
If you received a ticket for a moving violation, you have the option of contesting that ticket in court. However, this could require quick action and an understanding of the law. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the process.
Contact a New Haven traffic lawyer now to learn how they could help. At Ruane Attorneys, we are prepared to explain the state’s laws, take the lead in requesting a court date, and appear in court to argue your case on your behalf. Give us a call now to discuss your situation.