Not many people know this but the truth is - at least as far as statistics is concerned - a person is bound to accrue a minimum of five speeding tickets in the course of his or her lifetime. That means that one person is bound to spend something over $1200 on every speeding ticket he or she gets. Most people are so afraid of the police that they immediately shun any attempt to explain themselves and quickly deny any participation in speeding violations the police throws at them. This article tells you why knowing your rights is the best way to fight a ticket.



The first thing you should do when you know you're not in the wrong is to resist the urge to admit your guilt. The moment you admit your guilt in any way, the police officer who pulled you over will use this admission against you during your court trial. Instead, accept your speeding ticket quietly and simply drive away. You will have your day in court to explain things in order to fight a ticket - specifically, that ticket you just received.

Once you go to court, you need to be fully aware of your rights. Keep them in mind so you can have a chance to fight that ticket. The basic rights you must remember is that you are entitled, first and foremost, to a speedy trial. Watch out for delaying tactics played by the police officer you are going to face in court. You are also entitled to a court trial, in which the usual ruling body is a judge. However, in some states, the option to request a jury may be granted to you, but records show that an accused of a speeding violation has a better chance of winning his or her case with a judge that a jury of his or her peers. Finally, you are entitled to an attorney. For speeding violations heard in traffic court, you are obliged to pay for your attorney's services. The only time you can get one for free is when your offense may be subject to prison time. Remember these key rights so you can fight a ticket easily.

You might be tempted to subpoena the officer who was riding along with the police officer who stopped you for a supposedly speeding violation. Refrain from the doing this. That officer does not have or possess anything that is of interest to you or your case. During the trial, all the witnesses that are brought into court are subject to your cross examination. Normally, the only witness is the police officer who actually wrote the ticket. You can be sure that if this police officer fails to show up, there won't be any conviction - the most convenient, not to mention lucky, way to fight a ticket.

Ignorance is often the root of unfortunate circumstances. Before you succumb to the authority practiced by many crooked cops, it's highly recommended that you learn to stand up, know your rights, and give your best to fight a ticket.