Good Speeding Ticket Advice I Found

I was floating around this shitbox known as the internet and came across this. I'm posting it for a few reasons.
First, so if anyone actually uses that magical search bar up there, this will pop up and we can avoid the same "omg i got a ticket my mom is gonna kill me!" threads seen pretty much weekly.

Second, because I once posted a "omg i got a ticket my mom is gonna kill me!" and this is me doing penance to make up for what I've done, I'm sorry

This answer pertains to a person who asked about the date being written incorrectly on his ticket. The person who answers, takes care of that, and then goes into a TON of detail about everything else you need to know about fighting a ticket.

*DISCLAIMER* This is for the State of NH, check your local laws and do some research, it might be different where you are.

As far as your question goes.. I guess anything is possible to fight in court and win.. Hell, O.J. won. First off, lemme preface this by saying that I am a cop and have been for 14 years...and I have seen tickets in court with the wrong date, incorrect time, spelling someones names wrong, and other seemingly minor mistakes written on a ticket.

This doesnt necessarily mean the ticket automatically gets tossed. The judge will look at the situation and listen to any valid reasons why the mistake was made. For instance, if it was JUST after midnight and you wrote a ticket for the at 12:05AM and write the wrong date, it's easily understandable as to why... If it can be explained easy enough, I doubt very highly that the judge would throw it out for just that.. Its takes a little more to just simple toss it out of court..

Also.. once IN court, the prosecutor ( The State ) has the right to "ammend" the ticket and could point out any errors on the ticket and have them noted.

Now... how to BEAT this ticket, is your question...Other than simply SLOWING DOWN,... So here is my honest advice...

First off.. request a trial.....this means you mark of the box that says "contest" ( fight) the ticket.. it DOESNT hurt to do that anyway and the fine doesnt INCREASE just cuz you want a trial.. Yes, if the cop doesnt show up on the trail date, the State has no witness and the ticket will most likely get tossed out of court, so there is always that possibility.

Secondly, if you pretty much think you are gonna be found guilty.. fight the ticket anways.. Go to court and you will always meet with the prosecutor before hand. This is usually the time they play " Lets make a deal". Often times if you just say, " Ok.. I will plead guilty to speeding if you lower the fine to say.. $200".. or something like that. This will save you a little cash..

Also If you fight the ticket, the trials usually arent for a few months after that as well.. this will give you time to save $$$ for if you are found guilty..Who knows, maybe this is when the officer would be on vacations, out of town for a training class, or anything else liek that. It's a small hope, but better than nothing.

Third

During your trial.. The prosecotor will call the cop to the stand and have him testify as to his training, experience and the facts of your particular case.. such as time of day, traffic conditions , etc, etc... After he has testified YOU have the right to cross examine the officer and ask questions of him...My advice, ask all the questions you want but dont come off like an ass, try to embarass the cop, or otherwise make yourself look like an idiot by trying to all tough and think you are Columbo. Trust me, you arent the first guy to come along and think he has this ultimate " Winnng idea"of how to beat the ticket.. ( For instance.. putting tin foil in your hub caps doesnt not confuse the radar unit"

Be polite and it will go a lot farther..If you have a valid point, it will be that much more evident when you present it in a normal demeanor. So dont call the cop a liar, or jump up and down waving your arms about how the sytem " sucks". You just look like an idiot..


After your questions for the officer..He will step down from the stand and the judge will then ask if you wish to testify...


This is YOUR opportunity to testify if you wish.. you do NOT have to testify if you do not want to. If you do NOT, the State will rest and the judge will simply make a ruling based on what he has heard up to that point...

By testifying, this would be your opportunity to explain your self or give an excuse, etc.. My experience in this is that THIS is when most people HANG THEMSELVES.. A majority of people arent used to testifying in court like police are. I have seen it time and time again that people get nervous and begin to give excuses such as " Well... I know I was speeding.. but I was just late for work".. or 1 of about 10,000 other dumb statements that totally hang themselves. After you give your speech on the stand, remember that the State then has the right to cross examine you... at this point, again you are up against someone who does this for a living and knows what questions to ask.. again, he will ask questions and you will answer them and more often than not, will hang yourself even more..

My advice on whether or not to testify is simply this.. If you dont think the State has met its burden of proof to proove you were speeding.. I would not testify and simply point out the flaws of the case in a final closing statement..

Lastly,. this info is advice only. I am NOT a lawyer and what I offer is merely from experience. If it helps ya, I am glad.. if it doesnt.. Im sorry.

Good luck..