How to Beat a Reckless Driving Ticket
- 1). Appeal the ticket within the time frame allowed by the procedures outlined on the ticket. Some areas allow people to appeal by telephone others require an appeal requested in writing. Do not just pay the ticket. By appearing at your court date, you could have the ticket dropped or reduced.
- 2). Hire a lawyer experienced in traffic violations. Tell your lawyer everything you can remember about the situation: the weather, bystanders, road workers, traffic congestion and anything the officer said.
- 3). Go back to the area where you were cited and take pictures of anything that may influence the determination. For example, if the view of the speed limit sign is restricted take a picture of it. If there is or was construction in the area photograph were it began and stopped. If road hazards are a factor, take pictures of them.
- 4). Request affidavits from the Department of Transportation (DOT) or the company doing the road work about whether or not workers were present at the time of your citation if it was in a construction zone. If you have the names of any witnesses, or you had passengers, request affidavits from them about what occurred. Area businesses may have employees who witnessed something that can testify about any special conditions that day, so ask.
- 5). Determine whether the police vehicle had an operating video camera. If it did, request that they play the video during the hearing, if you think you are not at fault.
- 6). Share all of the evidence you gather and documentation with your legal counsel at least a week before court if possible. This will allow your lawyer to look through the evidence and determine if it affects the defense.
- 7). Arrive at your appointed court time at least 15 minutes early with your lawyer and all of the documentation and photos in order. You may want to make a poster to display and organize your information.
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