Beating a Speeding Ticket in Raleigh

If you were caught driving over the designated speed limit, do not simply give up and pay the fine.  There are ways to get out of a speeding ticket in Raleigh.

What to do before going to court to contest a speeding ticket

If you plan to fight a speeding ticket in Raleigh, make sure that you are prepared for the first court appearance.  Preparation begins the moment you are pulled over by the police officer.  Some helpful ways to prepare for a possible legal battle include the following:

• Be courteous and respectful to the officer.  He or she will most likely be asked to testify in your case. 

• Do not question the officer, as this will cause him or her to take more notes—notes that could possibly be used against you later.

• Were you speeding because the speed limit sign was obstructed, or because of another factor that was not your fault?  If so, document all obstructions and other factors with photos.  However, remember that every jurisdiction has a default speed limit.  If you were driving over the default limit, you will be convicted of speeding regardless of whether or not the sign was blocked from view or another factor caused you to increase your speed.

Traffic Attorneys in Raleigh

Before you officially begin fighting your speeding ticket in Raleigh, make sure that you understand the total cost of your ticket.  If you have calculated the cost and think that contesting the ticket is worthwhile, consider taking the following steps:

• Request a trial, and do not pay the fine.  Paying the fine is equivalent to admitting guilt.

• Before your trial date, send a written request for discovery.  Discovery is the legal principle that gives you the right to see all the evidence the court has against you.  Important documents to request include the officer’s copy of the ticket and his or her certifications.

• Try to make a deal with the prosecutor before your trial.  For example, you could agree to attend traffic school in exchange for the elimination of the ticket from your record.

Hiring a qualified attorney is a good way to ensure that you will receive a fair trial.  If you want to beat your speeding ticket in Raleigh, consider the Law Offices of Robert J. Willis.  We will work hard to support you through this complicated legal process.  Contact us today at to schedule a consultation.