Why pay your speeding tickets if you do not have to? Deciding to fight your ticket in traffic court may be harder and more time consuming, but it might just be worth the effort.

There are serious penalties for speeding. They are based on how many kilometers over the speed limit you were allegedly traveling at, from 0 demerit points under 15 kilometers over to 6 for being in excess of 50 kilometers over the speed limit.

You can also have your license suspended for excessive speeding.

Fines are set depending on how fast you were allegedly traveling and are between approximately $3 and $10 per kilometer. In a community safety zone or in a construction area where there are workers on the job, those fines can double. If convicted for speeding offences, your driving record will be affected for at least three years.

The idea behind going to traffic court is to protect your license points and insurance rating, and get your fine reduced as much as possible or eliminated altogether.

The system prefers to avoid expensive trials and have you pay your fines, so you may be asked to just appear before the court rather than set a trial date. You might even be offered a reduction in your fine in order to avoid a trial. Be firm if you are sure about fighting your ticket and request a trial date. Information about how to request a trail should be printed on the back of your ticket. The options may include appearing in person, mailing your request or applying for a trial date online.

You must file your intention to fight the speeding ticket within a certain period of time. You must also decide and indicate whether you will contradict the fining officer. Within 4 to 8 weeks you should receive your scheduled date.

Write down notes as possible after receiving the ticket. Try to recall the incident in detail, what happened, what the officer said, your version of the events in question. Do it sooner rather than later because your memory will be more detailed.

Disclosure is the name for the notes and evidence from the officers perspective. It is your right to receive disclosure in lots of time to study it before going to trial. Request your copy as soon as possible after you receive your trial date.

Study the disclosure notes and research any regulations or documents that you think might be useful. Don’t be afraid to make use of paralegal services in person or online. Understand your charge and the fines associated with it fully before planning your defence argument. And if you cannot build an adequate defence that you think will get you off, plan to explain your actions and plead guilty.

Your explanation may well reduce your fine even if you do end up pleading guilty. Talk top the prosecutor ahead of time and request a reduction. Or the judge may also lessen your fine at his or her discretion.

If you have good reason why a fine should be reduced or thrown out, chances are it will be. Which would make the time and trouble invested in fighting your speeding ticket well worth it

Getting a Traffic Ticket in Ottawa on your driving record can have serious consequences. Find the right Criminal Lawyer Toronto and former police officers to help fight these tickets. X-Copper Legal Services Professional Corporation 939 Eglinton Ave East, Toronto, ON M4G 4E8 (416) 696-6677.

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