Good Fences And Not So Good Neighbors: Property Law 101

Defending Your Driving Record: Tactics To Fight Traffic Violations

23 August 2023 by Hunter Moore

Getting hit with a traffic violation is no small thing. It can result in points on your license, increased insurance rates, and even suspension of your driving privileges. But just because you've been cited for a violation doesn't mean you're automatically guilty. You can use tactics and defenses to fight back, and this article will highlight some of the most effective ones.

Present Witnesses

Presenting witnesses is a powerful way to defend against traffic violations. Witnesses can provide a different perspective on the incident, corroborating your version of events and potentially contradicting the officer's account. 

They may be passengers in your vehicle, pedestrians, or other drivers who were present at the scene. You need to collect their contact information at the time of the incident to reach out to them later if needed.

In a court of law, third-party testimony can be highly influential. An unbiased witness with no personal stake in the outcome can provide an impartial account of the incident. 

Their testimony can question the accuracy of the citation, particularly if their recollection of events differs from the officer's report. This can lead to questions about whether the violation happened at all or if the circumstances were as the officer described.

However, securing witnesses and their cooperation for your defense can be challenging. People may be reluctant to get involved, or they may not recall the incident clearly. 

In such cases, you could consider hiring a private investigator. They can help find witnesses, interview them, and assess their credibility. Remember, while presenting witnesses can be a strong defense strategy, it's also necessary to evaluate their testimony's strength and credibility before presenting it in court.

Challenge Video and Photographic Evidence

If the violation was caught on video or photographic evidence, you need to scrutinize this material. It needs to be authenticated first before it can be used as evidence. 

Questions you should ask are whether the camera is licensed if it has been calibrated correctly and officially certified, and if it was working properly at the time of the incident.

You should also consider other details related to the video or photograph. For example, what kind of angle is used? Can you see your vehicle clearly? Are any signs visible that can contradict the officer's report? 

Challenging this evidence can potentially cast doubt on the officer's version of events. However, to succeed with this defense, you should understand the technical aspects of video and photographic evidence. For more information on traffic violations, contact a professional near you.

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