What are my options if I want to contest a traffic violation ticket in Pennsylvania?
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If you want to contest a traffic violation ticket in Pennsylvania, you have several options.
Option 1: Plead Not Guilty and Request a Trial
You can plead not guilty and request a trial. To do this, you need to fill out the not guilty plea form that is available on the back of your ticket or online. You must submit the form and the ticket fee within 10 days of receiving the ticket or risk being found guilty by default. The trial will be set for a later date, and you will receive a notice in the mail with the details.
In the trial, the prosecutor will present evidence and witnesses against you, and you will have the opportunity to present your own evidence and witnesses. A judge will then decide whether you are guilty or not guilty. If you are found guilty, you will have to pay the fine and any associated court costs. If you are found not guilty, the case will be dismissed, and you will not have to pay anything.
Option 2: Plea Bargaining
Another option is to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor. This means that you can agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge or a reduced penalty in exchange for the prosecutor dropping the original charge or reducing the penalty. For example, you may agree to plead guilty to a non-moving violation, which carries a smaller fine and no points on your license, instead of a moving violation, which carries a larger fine and points on your license.
Option 3: Traffic School
You may also be eligible to attend traffic school in Pennsylvania, which can help you get the ticket dismissed or reduce the penalty. Traffic school typically involves attending a class or completing an online course about safe driving practices. If you successfully complete the course, the ticket will be dismissed, and there will be no points on your license. Note that you can only attend traffic school once every 12 months, and not all violations are eligible.
Option 4: Hire an Attorney
If you are facing a serious traffic violation or are concerned about the potential consequences of the ticket on your driving record or insurance rates, you may want to hire an attorney. An attorney can review your case, advise you on your options, and represent you in court if necessary. An attorney may also be able to negotiate a plea bargain or get the ticket dismissed on technical grounds. However, hiring an attorney can be expensive, and there is no guarantee of success.
In conclusion, if you want to contest a traffic violation ticket in Pennsylvania, you have several options. You can plead not guilty and request a trial, negotiate a plea bargain, attend traffic school, or hire an attorney. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to weigh them carefully before making a decision. If you are unsure about what to do, you may want to consult with an attorney for personalized advice.
