Sunday, July 24, 2016

Sometimes It Is Best To Fight Traffic Ticket Fines

By Rebecca West


Every day, millions of vehicles make use of the vast road network. Many drivers spend numerous hours behind a steering wheel. Using the road can only be safe if all drivers obey the laws, and sadly, this is often not the case. Most drivers accept the fact that they have erred and will pay their fines. Many others, however, routinely opt to fight traffic ticket cases even if procedures differ from say, San Bernardino CA to Los Angeles.

For many drivers the most important reason for defending themselves against a fine is to avoid negative points that will be automatically imposed when liability or responsibility is admitted. Negative points can have an adverse influence on the size of future fines and may eventually even lead to the suspension of a license, a fate too ghastly for most drivers to even think about.

When issued with a fine it is vital to study the document carefully. Significant errors can lead to the automatic dismissal of the fine, but it is also important that the driver understand the offence for which the fine was issued. The fine will stipulate a period of time within which the respondent must indicate his intentions and it is important to respond within that time frame.

Another important matter is to record as much information as possible whilst still on the site where the fine was issued. Notes should be made regarding the weather and road conditions, the location, the name of the officer concerned and any other fact that may be deemed relevant. Where possible, these notes should be backed up by photographs. They could prove to be very helpful during the hearing.

While waiting for the date when the hearing will take place, it may be a good idea to make an appointment to see the prosecutor. The traffic courts are utterly overwhelmed by cases and prosecutors are often more than willing to come to some form of agreement. They can lessen the fine, agree that no negative points will be issued and even cancel the fine altogether. This is especially the case with drivers that have not accumulated many negative points.

If the matter will be heard in court, the defendant needs to make sure that he is well prepared. The courts have no time to waste and arguments should be listed in a concise, logical manner. Supporting photographs and documents should be ready and it is always best to have several copies available.

Many road offences are viewed as relatively minor matters, but the principle of being considered innocent until proven guilty remains firmly in place. The prosecutors will therefore be forced to lead evidence to prove the guilt of the defendant. In many cases this is deemed a waste of time and valuable resources and in this way many cases are dismissed simply because the offender chose to defend the matter.

Road offenders are often able to get away with their offences due to limited resources. All citizens should strive, however, to uphold law and order and to respect the rule of law. The rules of the road are there to protect all citizens and they should be obeyed by one and all.




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