"Bad boys. Bad boys. Whatcha gonna do when they come for you?" Yes, we have all heard the catchy little theme song to "Cops," the longest-running show on television with no scripts, no actors, and no rehearsal. And when they do come for you in the form of a speeding ticket or some other moving violation, the result can be costly and very stressful. If you have been issued any type of traffic violation, you may want to contact an attorney with experience in these matters to advise you on how to proceed with your traffic ticket.
If you receive a more serious traffic violation such as a DUI, then you most certainly will need to hire a criminal defense lawyer. DUIs, even first offenses, can result in jail time and very hefty fines. The worst thing you can do is ignore a traffic violation, not pay, and not show up in court. This will surely result in a bench warrant for your arrest, even if the traffic ticket was only a minor infraction.
Should you be unlucky enough to get pulled over and be given a traffic citation, here are some suggestions on how to deal with it:
- Be polite and courteous to the police officer who pulls you over. Being belligerent, defensive, or angry will only make things worse.
- Avoid admitting guilt and refrain from making up excuses. If the officer asks, "Do you know why I pulled you over?" it is best to answer with a polite "no, sir."
- Ask the officer if you can handle the ticket by mail. The officer will immediately see you as less likely to end up in court and may take fewer notes. If you do challenge the ticket, the officer may decide to skip the hearing because you did not leave an unfavorable impression.
- Without being belligerent or threatening, question the officer about why you were pulled over. As the ticket is being written, you can ask how the offense was detected and verified. In the case of a speeding ticket, find out where the police officer was positioned when your speed was clocked, and what type of speed measurement device (laser, radar, etc.) was used.
- Check your ticket for accuracy as soon as it is handed to you.
- When you get home, read the fine print on the ticket and make sure you understand what your options are.
- Decide whether you will need a lawyer.
- Determine if you will pay the fine and be done or not to pay and show up for your court date.
