Like many in New York, you have a lot on your plate and a limited time to get things done. It may seem like you are always in a hurry or always running late. For that reason, it may not have been a surprise to you when police pulled you over for speeding. It may seem like no big deal, and you may decide you are just too busy to take the time to fight the fine. However, a fine is only the beginning.
Paying your fine amounts to accepting a guilty plea. Depending on the circumstances, your guilty plea may also place you at risk of getting points on your record. Points accumulate quickly and can lead to the suspension of your driving privileges. A ticket for speeding may also mean your insurance rates will spike. These are two important reasons to fight a speeding ticket with the help of a legal professional.
Challenges to a speeding ticket
The posted speed limit is not always the appropriate speed at which to travel. Circumstances such as your safety or the general speed of traffic around you may compel you to go faster than the sign says. A police officer usually writes a ticket after witnessing someone exceeding the posted limit. The officer may use radar or another speed detecting device or simply his or her own estimation. Because of this, you may have good reason to challenge the ticket.
For example, you may want to investigate whether the device the officer used was accurately calibrated and the officer had adequate training to use it. You may also benefit from returning to the scene and taking pictures from various angles to demonstrate to the court that your speed was safe given the conditions. A skilled attorney can assist you in building a case for your defense.
Speeding and traffic accidents
It is possible that you received a speeding ticket following an accident that the officer determined resulted from your unsafe speed. If this is the case, you may have even greater reason to dispute the ticket. Any number of circumstances may have contributed to an accident, including the weather, road conditions or the distracted behavior of the other driver.
A speeding ticket may not seem like much, but your future and your privileges may be at stake if you pay the fine without fighting in court. The advice of an attorney can provide you with the guidance you need for taking the most appropriate action in your situation.
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