18 November 2020
 Categories: Law, Blog

You may think a speeding ticket is not a significant thing. It happens to everyone. Right? Unfortunately, that is the way that a lot of drivers feel about getting traffic citations related to speeding. This can lead to some future surprises. Even if a person can afford to pay a speeding ticket, it may not be in their best interest to do it. Sometimes drivers get multiple tickets for one traffic incident, and the speeding ticket might be viewed by them as less important. All traffic violations need to be taken seriously. Some individuals assume that there is no way to avoid paying a traffic ticket, but there are legal defenses for speeding allegations. The following points will help you to be aware of some potential defenses. If you get traffic violations, it is up to the authorities to prove their case against you.

Challenge Evidence

Officers who issue speeding violations may decide to initiate their traffic stops when cars appear to be traveling at accelerated speeds. They may end up giving additional citations if other things are noted after the traffic stop. The speeding allegation has to be backed by evidence. This is usually in the form of speed detection devices. Sometimes these devices are not properly calibrated, and accused individuals or their attorneys can request documentation of service history. 

Eye Witness Accounts

This might seem like a long shot, but it is possible for by-standers or passengers to assess a traffic stop situation. A speeding allegation could be false or unwarranted. There might be other things that the officer does that can deem the traffic stop illegal. This is why it is a good idea to discuss a traffic stop with someone who knows traffic laws. 

GPS and Speedometer Problems

Your GPS system should have an accurate recording of your speed. If it reads differently than what the officer reports, you could submit it as evidence. Recalls do not happen often for speedometers, but it is possible that there is a known issue with your vehicle type. If speedometer or brake issues from the manufacturer have been made public and you were unaware, you could petition the court with the information and ask for leniency or a dismissal. 

A traffic lawyer is a good resource to use to learn more about any traffic-related offenses in your jurisdiction. They will be familiar with the court process as well as judges and state attorneys who will review your case. If there are problematic areas in the jurisdiction that gets an influx of speeding tickets, judges will likely already be familiar with it. Sometimes it is possible for cases to get dismissed for first offenses based on a variety of factors that the average person may not be aware of. It is also possible for faulty radar guns to give false readings. 

If you have more questions, reach out to a local traffic lawyer.