If you never received a traffic ticket before, you may not know what to do following a citation. The truth is that you may have more options than you know about. For instance, you could pay the fine and move on or you could fight it. This is a complex legal issue and you may want to consult with a traffic lawyer before you decide what to do. Here is what you need to know after you receive a ticket.
Do You Have to Sign the Ticket?
You do need to sign the traffic ticket. If you sign the traffic ticket, this does not mean that you are admitting guilt. Instead, this just means that you are going to agree to pay the ticket or that you plan to make a court appearance. When you sign the ticket, you can still dispute it. You could be arrested if you do not sign it.
Do You Need an Attorney?
You received the ticket, signed it and now what do you do? As with other legal issues, you may wonder if you need a lawyer. In some cases, you may want to hire an attorney or at the very least consult with one. If you are facing an expensive ticket or a ticket that has harsh consequences, then you will want to talk to a lawyer about whether you should fight it. While you can technically fight a ticket on your own, it can help to have representation. He or she can come up with a strategy to fight the ticket.
Do You Have to Go to Court?
If an officer tells you that you have to go to court, this may not be true. Now, if you were in an accident or if you receive a ticket for reckless driving, then you may have to go to court regardless. For minor violations, however, you do not have to go to court unless you plan on fighting the charge. Sometimes, if you got to trial, you can avoid a charge. When you pay the ticket, you are essentially admitting guilt.
When you receive a traffic violation, you do not necessarily have to go to court. If you have never received a ticket before, then it might help to speak with a lawyer to find out what your options are. This can be a complex legal issue and if you plan to fight the ticket, you may need an advocate. Consult with a traffic ticket lawyer, like a traffic ticket attorney in Newark from Rispoli & Borneo, P.C., today for more information on fighting your citation.