Consequences of Losing a Traffic Ticket Case in Court
Dealing with a traffic ticket can be stressful, especially if you decide to contest it in court. Whether you win or lose, there are significant consequences you should be aware of. This guide aims to clarify what happens if you go to court and lose a traffic ticket case.
The Financial Impact
When you lose a traffic ticket case, there are no additional penalties aside from the fine that was originally assessed. For instance, if your ticket has a fine of $400 and you do not succeed in disputing it, you will be required to pay this exact amount. However, in certain situations, such as when defenses are successfully raised, you may avoid paying any fines at all. If you are unsuccessful in your case, the full amount of the fine is due.
Difference Between Guilty Plea and Court Trial
It's important to note that if you plead 'not guilty' initially and are subsequently found guilty, you face different outcomes compared to a guilty plea. By pleading guilty, you avoid the court appearance and the associated costs. However, you still have to pay the fine and it goes on your driving record.
However, if you decide to go ahead with a full court appearance, the judge has the discretion to reduce the fine. While this is not guaranteed, some judges might consider reducing the fine based on the circumstances of your case and your overall conduct in court.
Loss of Eligibility for Traffic School
One crucial consequence to be aware of is that if you enter a 'not guilty' plea at the initial arraignment, you may become ineligible for traffic school. This is because traffic school is typically offered only to those who plead 'guilty' or have the ticket dismissed. However, the lawyer, judge, or even the prosecution might have the power to grant you traffic school despite this initial ineligibility.
Post-Trial Consequences
After losing your case, you will have to pay the fine and it will be recorded on your driving record. The specific impact will depend on the nature of the violation and the jurisdiction. For instance, a moving violation might result in driver's license points, making you a 'negligent operator' under California law, for instance.
If you had to post bail, it will be forfeited as part of your fine. This means you will need to pay the additional amount to the court. If no bail was posted, you will be required to pay the fines that day or make other arrangements with the court.
Some judges may allow you to participate in traffic school, provided you are eligible, which can have the benefit of having the conviction and points removed from your record. Others, however, may only allow you to request traffic school before the trial begins, not after.
Regardless of the outcome, the fine will remain on your record for three years, affecting your driving record and potentially your liability in the eyes of insurance companies.
Conclusion
Contesting a traffic ticket in court can have significant impacts. Losing the case leads to the payment of the original fine and the addition of the violation to your driving record. The financial and legal repercussions can even potentially affect your insurance rates and your ability to obtain traffic school. It is crucial to understand these consequences before deciding to contest a ticket.
Key Takeaways
Losing a traffic ticket case means paying the full fine, plus court costs if applicable. The fine and any additional court costs will be recorded on your driving record. Eligibility for traffic school may be affected, though it can be overridden by the judge. The fine will stay on your record for three years, unless traffic school is successfully completed.Keywords
traffic ticket, court appearance, traffic school