2024 How to Get a Speeding Ticket Reduced in North Carolina

Getting a speeding ticket can be really annoying. It can affect the mood of our whole day and just make us irritable and frustrated. You may think that getting a speeding ticket and paying it is the entirety of the process. You’d be mistaken. There are ways to fight the ticket and possibly even get your fine reduced or dismissed entirely. A traffic ticket lawyer can provide you with options on how to get a speeding ticket reduced in North Carolina.

Ways to Reduce or Dismiss a Speeding Ticket

Most traffic tickets can be fought. When you are given a traffic ticket, whether it’s for speeding or some other moving violation, it has the potential to increase your insurance premiums. It can also put points on your license that could affect you again in the future. When a law enforcement official pulls you over and writes you a ticket, you have three options on how to handle the situation:

• You can decide to just pay the established fine and any extra fees you may have gathered by pleading guilty and moving on.
• You can attend a court hearing and do what you can to get the ticket dismissed by pleading not guilty and retaining a traffic ticket lawyer.
• You can retain a traffic ticket lawyer and try to negotiate a plea deal to get the ticket fines reduced.

All three paths are valid options to take in North Carolina, and all three have their own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide how to handle your speeding ticket. If you choose to pursue a dismissal or reduction in charges, here is a brief list of steps that you will likely have to take to be seen before the court and plead your case:

Understand Your Charges

The ticket that you were given will contain information about why you were fined, the date and time of the incident, the location where the ticket occurred, and the amount that you are supposed to pay. Be sure to review this information and ensure that all the details are accurate. You don’t want to be caught unaware in the future.

Inform the Court of Your Intentions

If you decide to enter a “not guilty” plea and pursue an attempt to dismiss or reduce the ticket, you need to notify the court of your intentions to do so before the date that is posted on your ticket. Depending on the county where you were given the ticket, you may be able to fight the charges online. You should only pursue dismissal if you are completely confident that you will win, as you may not get a second opportunity.

Hire an Attorney

While you do not have to hire a traffic ticket attorney to help with your case, it is highly recommended that you do so anyway. Having a law professional who understands the legal aspects of your case and has experience with fighting traffic tickets in court can only help your case. Also, if you fail to get your ticket dismissed, a lawyer can help you negotiate a plea bargain for a reduction.

Prepare a Defense

Together with your attorney, you can start to prepare your case by gathering evidence that supports your claim. You can also write a statement that declares why you think that you were wrongly ticketed and that the fine should be dismissed.

Request and Attend a Hearing

When you are prepared, you can request a hearing in front of a judge. Complete the correct forms and submit them to the court. Once you have been approved, attend the hearing and plead your case. The judge will consider the evidence and make a decision.

If your ticket is dismissed, the fine is dropped. If the ticket is upheld, you will have to pay the fine as well as any gathered court costs. You may also incur additional penalties, like license points.

FAQs

Q: How Do You Get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed in North Carolina?

A: To get a speeding ticket dismissed in North Carolina, you have to submit a request for a hearing before the court, which will determine whether your ticket deserves to be dismissed. You will have to prepare a statement and gather evidence that supports you. It is recommended that you retain the services of a lawyer who can help you develop your case.

Q: Can You Get a Speeding Ticket Reduced in North Carolina?

A: Yes, you can get a speeding ticket reduced in North Carolina. However, it is not a sure thing. You may be eligible to have a meeting with the assistant district attorney. You could enter a plea bargain and plead to a lesser moving violation to reduce the fine from your speeding ticket. This may prevent points from being added to your license. The A.D.A. will make decisions on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Is It Worth Fighting a Speeding Ticket in North Carolina?

A: Yes, it is almost always worth fighting a speeding ticket in North Carolina. Contesting your speeding ticket can result in a reduction in fines or a total dismissal. With that in mind, it is worth trying to avoid hefty traffic ticket fines and getting points put on your license. Ultimately, it is up to you as to whether you believe that it is worth it to pursue alternatives to paying the ticket.

Q: How Do I Write a Letter to a Judge to Reduce a Speeding Ticket?

A: If you decide to pursue a chance at a speeding ticket dismissal or reduction, you will be given the opportunity to read a prepared statement before the court that explains why you think the charges should be dismissed. If the evidence is in your favor and you truly were wrongfully ticketed, you should include that in your written statement. Your lawyer can help you draft the statement in a way that avoids admitting guilt.

Reach Out to a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Today in Onslow County

Speeding tickets can be irritating to receive, but fighting them in court can start to feel overwhelming if you try to do it yourself. At Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC, we are prepared to help you build your case and offer you options on how to pursue a speeding ticket dismissal or reduction. Contact us to schedule a consultation.