If you were caught running a red light in California, you face hundreds of dollars in fines, possible license suspension, increased insurance rates and other possible consequences. Don’t let a simple mistake mess with your future and contact a red light ticket attorney for help fighting your case. In the meantime, here are five things that you can do to increase your chances of getting your red-light ticket dismissed.
- Verify Your Record
If you have other traffic violations on your record from the past three years, you do not qualify for a red-light ticket dismissal. However, you should still show up to court on the off chance that the officer is a no-show.
- Pay the Fine (and Attend Court)
You’re not helping your case any if you neglect to pay the fee on time. You are already in trouble for violating one law, and if you violate another, the judge will be inclined to think that rule-breaking is your MO.
- Understand the Law
If you were stopped because the light turned from yellow to red while you were in the intersection, you are not in the wrong. By knowing this law, you can both beat your ticket and impress the judge—a win/win situation.
- Present Your Driving Record
If you have a clean driving record, use it to your advantage. If you are a normally competent and law-abiding driver, the judge will be more inclined to think that your conduct was just an innocent mistake and dismiss your ticket rather than punish you.
- Request a Deferral
If you get to the courthouse early enough, talk to the prosecutor about a deferral. If the prosecutor agrees to grant you one, your court date will be moved back by six-months. If you don’t receive any more violations in that time period, the ticket may be removed from your record.
Your best shot at getting your red-light ticket dismissed is hiring a traffic ticket attorney San Diego. Call The Ticket Clinic today to discuss your case and legal options.