Preparing for Your Traffic
Violation Case
Fighting a traffic ticket in Las Vegas begins the moment you’re pulled over by the officer. While this may seem unusual, the actions and information you gather from the very start could significantly improve your chances of winning in court. The more accurate and detailed your account of the event, the better your defense will be.
As soon as you’re stopped, start making mental notes about key details:
- Date and Time: When exactly were you pulled over?
- Traffic Flow: What were the surrounding vehicles doing, and what was the general speed of traffic?
- Weather and Road Conditions: Was it raining, or were the roads slick or clear?
- Signage and Road Layout: Were there any visible speed limit signs, road intersections, inclines, curves, etc.?
- Officer’s Radar and Notes: Try to inquire as to how the officer knew your speed, later in the process you can request radar readings and notes from the officer as part of the “discovery” process
- Witnesses: Take note of any passengers or bystanders who can testify on your behalf.
- Additional Evidence: After your interaction with the peace officer, consider taking pictures if there’s evidence that could help your case, such as a blocked speed limit sign or a road hazard that caused you to swerve.
Stay Calm and Respectful
It’s critical to remain calm and cooperative when interacting with the officer. Be respectful and avoid making statements that could hurt your case later. Exercise your right to remain silent if needed, only answering questions about your identification. The goal is to be as non-memorable as possible during the stop. You have the right to remain silent but many people lack the ability to remain silent.
Why You Should Plead ‘Not Guilty’
Many people opt to pay their traffic fines and move on, but pleading guilty comes with downsides. Here’s why you should consider fighting the ticket:
- Bargaining Power: You may be able to negotiate for lesser penalties.
- Reduced Fines: Contesting the ticket could lead to lower fines.
- Fewer Points: Avoiding points on your driving record can prevent long-term insurance rate hikes.
- Insurance Savings: Successfully fighting the ticket can help you avoid costly insurance increases.
Before making any decision on how to plea or showing up alone to court, make sure you reach out the experienced lawyers at Bay Law Accident attorneys.
The Plea Process
Once you’ve received your ticket, you’ll need to appear in court to enter a plea of “Not Guilty.” In some Nevada counties, you may be able to enter your plea via phone or email—check with your local court for specific procedures. Once your plea is entered, you will be given a trial date.
It’s in your best interest to hire a traffic attorney at this point. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the court proceedings, negotiate fines, and help you avoid points on your license.
Why Hiring a Lawyer is Essential
Handling a traffic ticket on your own can be time-consuming and frustrating. You’ll likely need to attend court, navigate the legal process, and potentially miss work. Moreover, paying the fine without contesting it could result in increased insurance rates for years to come.
By hiring a lawyer, you can avoid much of this hassle. An attorney will represent you in court, negotiate lower fines, and minimize the chances of points being added to your driving record. This could save you money in the long run, both in fines and in keeping your insurance rates from rising.
how Bay Law Can Help
Bay Law is a fast and convenient way to resolve your traffic tickets in Nevada. Their attorneys will negotiate fines and reduce or eliminate points on your license. In most cases, you won’t even need to appear in court. Whether you’ve been charged with speeding, failure to obey a traffic sign, or any other moving violation, Bay Law can help.
With the assistance of their experienced lawyers, you can avoid lengthy court processes and minimize the impact on your driving and insurance records. Bay Law works with a variety of courts across the state, including Las Vegas Justice Court, Henderson Justice Court, North Las Vegas Municipal Court, and more.
For a no-fee consultation and to begin resolving your traffic ticket, contact Bay Law at 702-710-7000.