How to Fight a Jaywalking Ticket

When you're unceremoniously handed a ticket for jaywalking on a crowded street, your first reaction might be anger. Save it for the courtroom, however, because it's never a good idea to fight with a cop. If you think you've been issued a jaywalking ticket in error, you have every right to fight it in a court of law, in front of a judge.

Call the Courts

No, you can't fight a jaywalking ticket on the phone, but the courts can give you valuable information. What time is your hearing scheduled to be heard? What time should you arrive to ensure you're first in line? And how long does the process take? In most cases, you won't need an attorney for this type of case, but you are certainly welcome to bring one along if it makes you feel more comfortable.

Dress Business-Casual

Since most people go to court on their way to work anyway, this might be a non-issue. However, if you typically wear jeans and a polo shirt to work, now's the time to dress up. Wear a suit and tie if you're a man, and a skirt or pants suit if you're a woman. Make sure you're not wearing any loud jewelry, and wear soft-soled shoes so you're not pounding up the aisle to see the judge.

Bring Witnesses

When you're going to fight a jaywalking ticket, witnesses are key. Anyone who saw the alleged offense should be there with you in court to testify to what they saw, as long as their statement reflects your story. For example, if you were forced to jaywalk because there were no pedestrian crossing signs nearby, the witnesses can tell the judge that they, too, looked for a legal place to cross.

Know the Law

You should also take a trip to your local law library before you attempt to fight a jaywalking ticket. Find out what the exact laws entail where you live, and whether or not the police officer observed those laws. For example, some jaywalking tickets are thrown out entirely because the officer wasn't aware of an obscure pedestrian crossing sign on the corner.

Be Candid