Speeding Tickets

Options for Dealing with Speeding Tickets: An Informed Guide

When faced with a speeding ticket, it’s crucial to understand your options and make an informed decision. We strongly advise consulting one of our experienced paralegals before making any choice. We will evaluate your situation and provide tailored advice based on your specific ticket(s).

Option #1: Plead Guilty – Not Advisable

Choosing this option means admitting guilt, resulting in:

• Full Ticket Cost: You pay the entire fine.
• Insurance Impact: Your insurance may significantly increase.
• Demerit Points: All applicable demerit points are applied.
• Suspensions: Any relevant suspensions will be enforced.
• Record Impact: The ticket remains on your record for 3 years.

Note: Never select Option One. Paying the ticket outright is rarely your best choice.

If you need advice on your ticket and options, please feel free to contact us. Phone consultations are available without obligation or charge.

Option #2: Early Resolution, Meeting with the Prosecutor – Usually Not Advisable

This option involves meeting with the prosecutor at the courthouse. However, be cautious, as the goal is to get you to plead guilty. By selecting this option, you risk:

• Conviction: Even with a possible reduction, a conviction still affects your insurance rates.
• Ticket Record: The ticket, conviction, and demerit points remain on your record for 3 years.
• Potential Suspension: Suspension may still apply.

While Option 2 might seem preferable to Option 3 (trial) in certain situations, it’s crucial to consult our paralegals before making a decision. We consider various factors, including court procedures, license class, prior convictions, and suspensions.

Use Caution Taking Advice

• Avoid Unqualified Advice: Do not rely on advice from police officers, prosecutors, clerks, or traffic court staff.
• Court Personnel Limitations: Court clerks are not qualified to provide advice, and they may not disclose ticket cancellation possibilities.
• Potential Mistakes: There could be mistakes that cancel your ticket, which clerks might not inform you about.
• Police Influence: Police officers might encourage guilt pleas to avoid their court appearance.

Option #3: Trial – Fight Your Speeding Ticket

Fighting the ticket in court is the most effective way to protect your insurance, points, and driving record. Benefits of this option include:

• Chance of Winning: There’s always a chance to win the case.
• Clear Record: Your driving record stays clean, keeping insurance costs low.
• Legal Technicalities: Speeding tickets can be challenged on legal grounds.
• Police Presence: The police officer must attend court; if not, charges can be dropped.
• Prosecution Burden: The onus is on the prosecution to prove the case before your defence is necessary.
• Dismissal Possibility: If the case cannot be proven, the ticket can be dismissed.

Fighting your speeding ticket, won’t appear on your driving record while awaiting the court date, saving you money on insurance premiums.

Remember, your choice should be well-informed. For personalized guidance tailored to your situation.