I am not a lawyer so this is not legal advice, but just the best way to handle traffic tickets from my experience. I have had a "few" tickets and have been given advice from a few good lawyers. I have had lets say more then 10, but less then 50 speeding tickets, I don't want to say the actual number because its ridiculous. I have only been charged with maybe eight of those and they were reduced to much less then the actual violation!
The best thing to do when you get pulled over for a traffic ticket is be calm and cooperative. When you are pulled over two things can happen: you either will get a ticket for the alleged violation or the officer will give you a warning. If you are nice you have a better chance of walking away with a warning. The following is a list of things I recommend doing if you are pulled over. If you do these things the officer will be more likely to cut you a break. Even if you do get a ticket you have improved your ability to negotiate a reduction in points and fines.
* Pull over as far away from traffic as possible
* Pull over in a lite area for your benefit and the officers
* Roll your window down before the officer approaches
* Have your insurance and registartion ready!
* Be polite
* If it is at night turn on your cars dome lights so the officer can see inside
Ask for a jury trial. With any speeding ticket, in SC at least, you have to waive your right to a jury trial before being convicted. I have rarely done this, and would suggest that anyone who gets a traffic ticket use the law to benefit them by asking for a jury trial. Think of it like this, you are getting a $75-400 ticket is it worth that amount of money to the local government to call in a jury and hold a trial? Even before the jury trial their will be a pre-jury trial meeting between you and the prosecution or judge. Usually at this meeting you can work out some terms that save both parties money and time. This is what I will always do, because I feel the system should be used to keep both sides honest!
* Pull over in a lite area for your benefit and the officers
* Roll your window down before the officer approaches
* Have your insurance and registartion ready!
* Be polite
* If it is at night turn on your cars dome lights so the officer can see inside
Ask for a jury trial. With any speeding ticket, in SC at least, you have to waive your right to a jury trial before being convicted. I have rarely done this, and would suggest that anyone who gets a traffic ticket use the law to benefit them by asking for a jury trial. Think of it like this, you are getting a $75-400 ticket is it worth that amount of money to the local government to call in a jury and hold a trial? Even before the jury trial their will be a pre-jury trial meeting between you and the prosecution or judge. Usually at this meeting you can work out some terms that save both parties money and time. This is what I will always do, because I feel the system should be used to keep both sides honest!
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