Fighting a Speeding Ticket in Court

Can You Really Beat the Rap?

Very few things in life give you that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach like seeing those flashing light in your rearview mirror. Chances are the first thing most people do is immediately look at their speedometer. Were you speeding? Do you even know what the speed limit was? Can you think of a really good excuse for why you were going 65 in a 35 mph zone?

Just because you get pulled over doesn't mean you have to pay the ticket. Remember, for the time being at least, Americans are still not guilty until proven innocent. But can you really beat a speeding ticket in court? Well, as with all court cases, the burden of proof rests not on you, but on the People. You also have the benefit of reasonable doubt to play around with. Most traffic cases are decided by the judge, of course, but even judges are subject to doubt.

Is fighting a speeding ticket in court worth it? You'll most likely have to take at least part of the day off from work and most likely it won't be with pay. You'll have to sit around and wait for your case to be called. Wouldn't it be a lot simpler just to pay the fine and get it over with?

That's certainly what the government is hoping for. But remember, a speeding ticket goes on your record and can affect your insurance. So, yes, in some cases it is worth it. Especially since your chances of winning are better than you might think.

Remember that they key to fighting a speeding ticket in court revolves around creating reasonable doubt in the judge's mind. Judges are human, too, though when they sit up there in their robes behind that gavel it's sometimes difficult to determine. And they've seen plenty of cases where police officers either just got it wrong, or made it up. Cops are not infallible and judges know that.