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Here’s How You Can Beat a Ticket in Court

Follow these tips in order to give yourself a chance of winning in traffic court. The #1 rule is to be respectful of the courts and the judge you'll be appearing in front of, but here some others brought to you by all of us at Service King Ingram in San Antonio, TX. 

Dress the part: Wearing your finest Sunday best is a  great way to show the right amount of respect to the judge. Be courteous, never wear a hat and do not chew gum. Fighting a traffic ticket is not about fighting the authorities. It’s essentially begging for leniency. It’s okay. Your ego will recover.

Mind your manners: Never interrupt when the judge is speaking; don't insult the officers or show disdain for the law. This should always be a no-brainer, but emotions can be high when fighting potentially expensive tickets.  Always make certain to refer to the judge as "your honor." Follow all directions and wait until you are asked to speak.  Most people are more likely to help you if you come off as likable, so avoid being the class clown.

Show early: Your day in traffic court can be a long ordeal.  Showing up early can sometimes help you get a seat closer to the front so that you can hear what's going on. If the courtroom doors close and you can't get in, that likely means you're late.

Going to court instead of paying a citation doesn't mean that you can change your mind. No-shows at court can result in some rather serious consequences and will likely result in a guilty verdict. The results are not favorable--wages can be garnished; you can get additional fines, and your license can be suspended.

Be prepared: When your name is called in the courtroom, you will be asked to step forward in order to face your charges. At that point, you will already have been sworn in, so things will usually move quickly after that.  

The high volume of people who appear before a judge in a busy traffic court can often be overwhelming. Judges have already heard all the excuses. If you're going to fight a speeding ticket or other lesser charge, always be prepared and polite. If you have any evidence, have it out and ready to present.

Other tips include:

  • Dress in your Sunday best, but please never wear a hat
  • Never interrupt the judge and speak only when spoken to
  • Always use "your honor" to address the judge
  • Always address court officers as "sir" or "ma'am"
  • Follow directions carefully and precisely
  • Silence your cell phone and be quiet in the gallery
  • Be prompt and prepared
  • Please be nice and Don't be antagonistic, even if you're emotional

Service King Ingram in San Antonio, TX 78251 

Sources: Idrivesafely.com and Forbes

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