A traffic ticket can be expensive. It may also result in points on your driving record. If you fail to pay, your license can be suspended, which can lead to further hassles. You could even be cited for failing to appear in court. However, it is not always easy to come up with the money to pay your fine. If you can’t afford to pay, there are ways to fight your ticket and get it dismissed.
The first thing to do is to get yourself to the court. The judge will ask you about your ability to pay. You should be able to give the judge a brief explanation of your situation and prove that you are in the clear. If you don’t have the money, you can get a court-ordered payment plan. These are designed to allow people to make small payments, usually monthly, while avoiding a larger sum for the entire month.
The traffic court has the authority to dismiss your ticket for good if you can show that you have a good excuse. The court will consider factors such as your ability to pay, the date you were supposed to have paid the fine and other relevant information. The judge will make a decision within 30 days.
The other smart thing to do is to contact the officer who issued your ticket. In some states, you can be referred to a collection agency. This can add to your debt, and it can affect your insurance rates as well. You may not be able to renew your vehicle registration until the debt is settled. The court can issue an arrest warrant if you fail to appear, so be sure to notify the court right away if you want to avoid this consequence.
Another good idea is to ask the judge if you can do community service in lieu of paying your ticket. This might be a no brainer, as you can do it at the court or at home, depending on where you live. The judge might also allow you to take an online traffic school class, although this is not the most effective way to beat a traffic ticket.
A traffic court judge is often willing to bend the rules. They will consider your ability to pay and offer you a payment plan or a discount on the fine, and in some cases, they can even lower your fine.
In addition, there are many other ways you can fight a ticket. For example, you can plead not guilty, or request a trial. It’s a good idea to have an attorney represent you, if possible. In some jurisdictions, you can plead to a lesser charge, such as failure to obey traffic signs. A Raleigh defense attorney will be able to help you find a solution to your ticket.
For many people, the most important thing to do when facing a traffic ticket is to do the right thing and pay the right amount of money. That may mean a smaller payment or it may mean doing the cheapest form of community service.