Getting a speeding ticket in California means you have two options: you can plead guilty and pay the fine, or you can fight the speeding ticket if you believe you are not guilty.
If you decide that you want to fight a California speeding ticket, then you can choose to fight the traffic ticket in person or in writing.
Fighting a Speeding Ticket in Person
To fight a traffic ticket in person, you first need to pay the bail (the amount listed on your ticket). This will be returned to you if you are found not guilty. Then, you need to appear in court on the date listed on your ticket or sent with the courtesy notice.
Before you go to court, you may want to consult with a DMV lawyer who can answer your questions and may be able to help you win your case. You do not have to hire an attorney to fight a California speeding ticket in person, but it may help you minimize penalties and fines.
Fighting a Speeding Ticket in Writing
To fight a traffic ticket in writing, you first need to pay the bail. This amount will be returned to you if you are found not guilty. Before the due date on your ticket, you must submit a Request for Trial by Written Declaration to the California court as well as other required documents and evidence.
In order to take advantage of the “in writing” opportunity, you need to make sure that your traffic ticket does not require a court appearance and that your citation was for a traffic infraction violation.
For Help with Your Speeding Ticket
If you know you want to fight a California speeding ticket but you are not sure which option is right, then you can try to get a referral to a DMV lawyer by calling the Lawyer Referral and Information Service at (619) 231-8585, chatting with us online, or submitting an online request form.
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