What To Do If You Receive A Traffic Ticket In Wisconsin

 Posted on January 03, 2023 in DUI/OWI

Receiving a traffic ticket can be a stressful and intimidating experience. It is important to understand your options and rights so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed. Knowing what steps to take when you experience a traffic law violation can make all the difference.

Steps To Take Immediately After Receiving A Traffic Ticket

Remain calm and gather all necessary documentation. This includes the traffic ticket itself and any proof of insurance you may have.

Determine the deadline for responding to the ticket. This information should be provided on the ticket itself. It is important to respond by the deadline in order to avoid additional penalties or consequences.

Consider consulting with an attorney who can help you navigate the process more efficiently. They know the law and can advise you on the best course of action.

Options For Responding To A Traffic Ticket In Wisconsin

• Pay the ticket and plead guilty-This is the quickest and easiest option, but it will cause a conviction on your driving record and may also result in fines, points on your license, and an increase in your car insurance premiums.

• Challenge the ticket in court- If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly or you have a defense, you can contest the ticket by pleading not guilty and going to court. This option requires more time and effort, but it may cause a dismissal of the ticket or a reduced penalty.

• Attend a driving defense or traffic safety course if this option is available to you- Sometimes, you may attend instead of paying the ticket or fighting it in court. This option can help you avoid points on your license and may also result in a reduction in your car insurance premiums. Not all traffic violations are eligible for a driving defense course, and you will still have to pay a fee to attend.

Factors To Consider When Deciding How To Respond To A Traffic Ticket

• The specific violation and potential consequences - Different traffic violations carry diverse penalties, including points on your license, fines, and insurance rate increases. Consider the consequences of the ticket and how it may affect you in the long run.

• Your driving record and any prior traffic violations - If you have a clean driving record, you may be more likely to receive a reduced penalty or have the ticket dismissed if you choose to challenge it in court. If you have multiple traffic violations on your record, you may face more severe consequences for additional offenses.

• The potential cost and time commitment of challenging the ticket in court - Contesting a traffic ticket in court requires more time and effort than simply paying the ticket, and it may also be more expensive if you choose to hire an attorney. It is imperative to consider the potential advantages of contesting the ticket versus its probable costs and effort.

Contact a Jefferson County Traffic Violation Attorney Today

If you have received a traffic ticket, it is important to understand all your legal options. Contact a Wisconsin criminal defense attorney at Bucher Law Group, LLC to discuss your case and determine the best course of action for you. Call 262-303-4916 today.

Source: 

https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/safety/education/drv-behavior/346.pdf