How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Arizona

In Arizona, traffic tickets are typically issued to motorists and other road users who violate the state’s traffic rules and regulations. Officers of the state’s law enforcement agency are responsible for giving these tickets to offenders. There are two kinds of traffic violations in Arizona:

• Civil traffic violation: These traffic violations usually attract less severe penalties, and offenders may not be required to appear in court to resolve the traffic tickets. These offenses include speeding, following a vehicle too closely, parking wrongly, and disobeying a traffic sign.
• Criminal traffic violation: Criminal traffic violations can lead to the suspension or immediate revocation of the offender’s license. Such violations are categorized into misdemeanors and felonies. Misdemeanors include reckless driving and driving under the influence (DUI). Felony traffic violations are offenses that lead to serious bodily injuries or death, such as a hit-and-run accident.

A traffic ticket typically contains details of the offense committed and prescribed penalties. Civil traffic offenses are usually resolved by paying the fines indicated on the ticket, while more severe traffic offenses may require the offender to appear in a traffic court. However, persons who wish to pay off traffic tickets are typically required to plead guilty and accept the conviction which will then reflect on their driving record. Certain points will also be assessed on their driving records, and the accumulation of eight or more points within twelve months will result in the suspension of the offender’s license.

Alternatively, alleged offenders can contest traffic tickets in a state court. In this case, the petitioner is required to inform the court of their intention to contest. The court typically schedules a hearing for the defendants to argue their case. The defendant and prosecutor can also strike a plea bargain during the case proceedings. However, the case goes to trial if both parties cannot reach an agreement. Traffic cases may be presided over by a judge who gives the final verdict based on the arguments and facts presented by the prosecutor and defendant.

Is it Worth to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Arizona?

Fighting traffic tickets in Arizona requires that the alleged offender appear in a traffic court and plead not guilty to the traffic violation. However, contesting a traffic ticket might be expensive since defendants may need to hire a traffic attorney and pay the traffic ticket fine as well as other associated court fees if they lose the case. Persons who don’t appear in court may have a default judgment entered against them and may lose their driving privileges. If a traffic ticket does not mandate a court appearance, the motorist should consider settling the necessary fines to avoid a possible traffic convictions.

Ways to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Arizona

Alleged offenders who are not mandated to appear in court can fight such tickets by informing the court (in writing) about their intention to contest it. The court hearing typically ensues before a judge who gives a decision on the case. Typically, an alleged offender’s ticket may be dismissed if the law officer that issued it does not show up in court.

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket Without Going to Court

Arizona State currently has no provisions for persons who wish to fight their traffic ticket without going to court. Individuals who want to fight their traffic tickets are usually required to appear in a traffic court and make their case before the judge. However, gathering evidence and getting statements from witnesses present at the traffic violation scene may help the defendant’s case.

How Do You Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced in Arizona?

The process for getting a traffic ticket reduced in Arizona depends primarily on the justice court’s policy in the county area that the violation occurred. Some courts may provide alternative options for offenders to settle their tickets or monthly payment plans for persons who may not afford the fines at once. Interested individuals can query the judge or court clerk for information on available options for traffic ticket reduction.

Can You Get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed in Arizona?

Interested persons can get their speeding tickets dismissed in Arizona if the court requests that they attend a defensive driving school. Arizona courts typical prescribe a defensive driving course as a prelude to dismissing minor civil traffic violations, including speeding. Upon the successful completion of a court-approved defensive driving course, individuals can have their speeding tickets dismissed. However, persons who wish to participate in such programs are typically required to meet the following criteria:

• The offense must be a civil traffic moving violation
• Must not have attended a defensive driving school within the last twelve months
• Must not hold a non-commercial driver’s license

Defensive driving programs usually aid the dismissal of one traffic violation and further accumulation of points on the motorist’s driving record.

What Happens If You Plead Guilty to a Traffic Ticket in Arizona

Persons who plead guilty to a traffic ticket in Arizona might not have to appear before a court, especially if the offense is a civil traffic violation. However, when an alleged offender pleads guilty to a ticket, it may be considered an admission of guilt and will typically result in a conviction. Such individuals may be expected to pay the fine levied on the ticket, and the sentence is typically added as points on their driving record. The Arizona traffic point system assigns several points to offenses in correspondence to their severity. Motorists who accumulate eight points or more within twelve months may have their driving privileges suspended or revoked. Certain violations may also lead to the automatic revocation of the offender’s license.

How to Find a Traffic Ticket Attorney in Arizona

Persons who choose to fight a traffic ticket or are mandated to appear in a traffic court can hire a traffic attorney to assist them. Traffic attorneys understand the Arizona traffic laws better and can help present a compelling argument in favor of the defendant. The court may also provide resources that interested individuals can use to find an attorney.

Public Arizona traffic records are also accessible through third-party websites. These sites offer the convenience of a statewide database where individuals can perform singular or multi-record searches. To search these platforms, users may be required to provide information to facilitate the search including:

• The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
• The location or assumed location of the record or person involved

Since third-party sites are independent of government sources and not sponsored by these agencies, record availability, accuracy and validity may not be guaranteed.