Traffic Attorney: How They Can Help with Speeding Tickets
Speeding tickets are among the most common traffic violations, and while they might seem like a minor inconvenience, they can have serious consequences, including fines, points on your driving record, and increased insurance premiums. A traffic attorney can help you navigate the legal process, potentially reduce the penalties you face, and even get your speeding ticket dismissed. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the ways a traffic attorney can assist you with speeding ticket issues.
Analyzing Your Case
A traffic attorney can review the details of your speeding ticket to determine if there are any grounds for challenging the citation. They will consider factors such as the method used by law enforcement to measure your speed, the accuracy of the equipment, and any extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to your speeding.
Challenging the Speeding Ticket
If you have been issued a speeding ticket in Arizona, you have options for challenging the ticket. These include requesting a hearing, pleading guilty with an explanation, or accepting a plea deal. Each option has its own set of legal requirements and deadlines, and drivers need to abide by them to avoid additional penalties. The Harding Firm can work with you to see if any of the following options can be used in your defense.
Requesting a Hearing
If you want to challenge a speeding ticket in Arizona, you can request a hearing in court. To do so, you must submit a written request to the court within 14 days of receiving the ticket. The request must include your name, address, and contact information, as well as the date, time, and location of the alleged offense. Once the court receives your request, they will schedule a hearing, and you will be notified of the date and time.
At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to present evidence, such as eyewitness testimony or physical evidence, to challenge the ticket. You may also cross-examine any witnesses called by the prosecution. If the judge finds in your favor, the ticket will be dismissed, and you will not face any further penalties.
Pleading Guilty with an Explanation
Another option for challenging a speeding ticket in Arizona is to plead guilty with an explanation. This involves admitting that you committed the offense but providing an explanation or justification for your conduct. To do so, you must submit a written statement to the court within 14 days of receiving the ticket.
Your statement should include an explanation of what happened, why you were driving above the speed limit, and any other relevant information that may be helpful in your defense. The court will review your statement and may reduce the fines or penalties associated with the ticket.
Accepting a Plea Deal
A third option for challenging a speeding ticket in Arizona is to accept a plea deal. This involves negotiating with the prosecutor for reduced fines or other penalties in exchange for pleading guilty to the offense. Plea deals are more common in cases where the driver has a history of traffic violations or where the evidence against them is strong.
To accept a plea deal, you must contact the prosecutor’s office within 14 days of receiving the ticket and negotiate the terms of the deal. If an agreement is reached, you will need to sign a written plea agreement and appear before a judge to enter your plea.
Overcoming Challenges
Drivers face several challenges when challenging a speeding ticket in Arizona. One of the most common challenges is the admissibility of evidence. To overcome this challenge, drivers should gather as much evidence as possible to support their case. This may include eyewitness testimony, photographs of the scene, or video evidence from a dashcam or surveillance camera.
Another challenge is meeting the legal requirements and deadlines for challenging a ticket. Drivers must be aware of the time limits for requesting a hearing, submitting a statement, or negotiating a plea deal. Failure to meet these deadlines can result in additional penalties or the loss of the opportunity to challenge the ticket.
Relevant Laws and Regulations
- Arizona Revised Statutes §28-413(C) allows drivers to request a hearing to challenge a citation in Arizona. ARS §28-1595 outlines penalties for violating speeding limits, including fines and points on the driver’s license.
Negotiating for Reduced Penalties
If challenging the speeding ticket is not a viable option, a traffic attorney can still help by negotiating with the prosecution for reduced penalties. This may involve:
- Requesting a reduction in the fine associated with the speeding ticket.
- Requesting that the violation be changed to a non-moving violation, which typically carries fewer points and may not affect your insurance premiums.
- Negotiating for attendance at a traffic school or defensive driving course in exchange for reduced penalties or the dismissal of the speeding ticket.
Guidance and Support Throughout the Legal Process
Dealing with a speeding ticket can be a complex and confusing process, especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal system. A traffic attorney can provide guidance and support throughout the process, from understanding your rights and options to representing you in court or negotiating with the prosecution.
While a speeding ticket might seem like a minor issue, the consequences can have a lasting impact on your driving record, insurance premiums, and even your employment opportunities. Hiring a traffic attorney to assist with your speeding ticket can help you navigate the legal process, potentially reduce the penalties you face, and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. The Harding Firm specializes in helping clients with speeding tickets and other traffic violation issues. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you.
