How to go to traffic court in Utah for a speeding ticket
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How to go to traffic court in Utah for a speeding ticket
So long story short, this is my first speeding ticket ever and I really want to go to
court for the ticket I recieved, in which the officer cited me for going 17 over on I-
215.
I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on the entire process because
everything is so foreign to me and I really dont want this ridiculous ticket on my
records, because it wasnt at all intentional and I do not want this thing affecting my
premiums potentially, and being a college student, its really rough.
I need to know how I might get the ticket off my record, possibly reduce it somehow,
and maybe somehow requesting community service or traffic school?
I just want to know my options.
Thank you so much in advance.
Asked on November 15, 2017 under General Practice, Utah
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
You can almost never "win" against a speeding ticket: the court will invariably believe the trained, sworn, neutral (i.e. no personal stake in the outcome) police officer over the driver, who very much has something at stake and is therefore inherently less reliable and truthful.
Also, bear in mind that it is not a defense to a traffic ticket to say that the violation was not intentional: all that matters is whether you were speeding or not, and not "why" you were speeding. It's all the same legally if you were deliberately speeding or were simply not paying attention and did not notice your speed (since you have an affirmative duty on you to pay attention to your speed and keep it under the limit).
However, if you otherwise have a clean driving record, there is a reasonably good chance that the prosecutor will allow you to plead to a lesser offense (e.g. less miles over the speed limit). Show up early for the court date and speak to the prosecutor; be polite and respectful; stress that you are willing to take a defensive driving class; if you are willing to pay a higher fine to avoid points on your license, stress that, too. There is a good chance you will get a favorable plea.
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