How to Fight a Speeding Ticket in Texas

While we all may think that the speeding ticket we just received wasn’t justified, most of the time deep down we know we were a little heavy on the gas pedal. But what about those times you really are innocent? Or if there is an inaccuracy with your ticket?

Fighting a speeding ticket in Texas definitely is possible. Here are a few tips to help you through the process and hopefully dismiss your speeding fine in Texas for good.

Do Your Research

Take a look at your Texas traffic ticket dismissal and you’ll find the statute number. You can read up more about the citation on the Texas constitution website or the website for your local Texas county court. The more information you have on speeding laws and penalties, the more success you’ll have when submitting your plea.

Locate Your Court

While the Department of Public Safety handles drivers license issues, the local municipal court handles traffic tickets. Look at your ticket closely and you should find the location and contact information for your court. If not, try looking up your county court website online to find the address and phone number.

Submitting a Not Guilty Plea

Submitting a not guilty plea isn’t as easy as it sounds. The officer who gave you the ticket and the judge behind the bench are both well versed in traffic laws, and they have experience on their side. If you have the means, hiring an attorney who specializes in traffic law can be an extremely helpful step. It’s worth noting, however, that if you’re fighting a speeding ticket, you might not get it dismissed completely. If you’re ok with a reduced fine or sentence, then you can easily fight your speeding ticket on your own.

You’ll need to notify your county court that you intend to submit a not guilty plea. You can do this at the court or you can mail it in – just do it before the due date on your ticket. You will then receive a court date when you will argue your case before a judge.

Fighting Your Case

You’ve already done your research so you should have a pretty good sense of your case. If you have good evidence on your side, like a speed sign obstructed from view or a provable error on your actual ticket, be sure to bring proof to back up your case. Present your case in a calm, collected manner.

If the judge agrees that you did not intentionally break the law, your ticket could be dismissed. On the other hand, they do have the option to merely reduce your fine instead of dismissing your citation. In this case, be sure to request approval to take a defensive driving course to dismiss your ticket you’re your driving record.

You can also plead no contest and request a deferred disposition. If you have not received a deferred disposition in the past 12 months and you don’t have a commercial drivers license, then this may be an option. In this case, you will still be required to pay the fine associated with your ticket, but the court will allow you to take a Texas defensive driving course to keep the ticket and points off your record. The other detail to keep in mind with a deferred disposition is your license may be put on probation for between 90 days to 1 year.

Paying Your Fine

Not to deter you from pleading innocent to a speeding ticket, but it’s important to keep in mind that you may still face fines and penalties. If a judge rules you are guilty, you could still face the maximum fine along with court costs. Your traffic ticket fines can be paid online or through the mail.

Texas Ticket Dismissal Course

You could always elect to pay your fine and take a Texas defensive driving course. The state-approved courses offered by I Drive Safely are an easy and affordable choice to handle your ticket and get on with your life.