What Should You Do After a Traffic Violation in Moorestown, NJ?
You were simply attempting to get from point a to point b, but somewhere along the way, you managed to incur a hefty fine for some sort of traffic violation. Once the police explained the situation, you didn’t have many options other than signing the ticket.
Now, you’re debating if you should just pay the fine to make the whole situation disappear. While it’s a valid option, you also have the choice of fighting the ticket in court. Learn everything you need to know about how to fight a traffic ticket below.
Scrutinize the Traffic Stop and the Ticket
The first thing you need to do is carefully read your ticket. What is the officer accusing you of, and what exactly is the fine for? Pinpoint the cause and then work backward to identify how the officer came to the conclusion that you made a traffic error.
- Why were you pulled over in the first place? If your ticket is for failing to provide insurance information but the officer had no reason to stop you, then it might be possible to get your ticket thrown out. An officer must have a valid reason for initiating a stop.
- Did the officer witness a traffic violation? Was the officer relying on a device like a speedometer to identify your infraction? Take note of all these details because they’ll be important during the next step.
Also, pay attention to the ticket’s fine print because this section will give you detailed instructions on how to fight the ticket.
Prepare a Defense Strategy
Next, you need to start formulating your defense strategy against the ticket. Remember, the burden of proof is on the officer, so you simply need to plead your case and request hard proof that you were in the wrong. Often, officers don’t have hard evidence against you. Here are a few common arguments that could save you from paying the fine:
- The officer had no reason to pull you over
- You didn’t commit the traffic violation
- The officer lacks proof that you committed the violation
- The officer’s evidence is faulty
The strategy you use depends on the circumstances and facts around your traffic stop. If you need help making a case for yourself, then an attorney in your area can help.
Request a Hearing
Once you have a good idea of what you’ll say in court, it’s time to request a hearing. Your ticket may already have a set court date on it. That means you just need to show up to court on that day. Otherwise, you’ll need to call and schedule one yourself. Your ticket will have more details on this in the fine print section.
Contact an Experienced Moorestown Defense Attorney About Your Traffic Charges in New Jersey
Have you been charged with a traffic offense in New Jersey? A traffic ticket could leave you with points on your license and could result in your insurance rates going up for a very long time. That is why it is imperative that you speak with a qualified traffic offense lawyer about your case. The Law Offices of Michele Finizio represent clients with traffic offenses in Camden, Cherry Hill, Washington Township, Monroe, Mount Laurel, Medford, and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-599-5519 or fill out our confidential online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office located at 9 E. Main St, Moorestown, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.