Receiving a traffic ticket might seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can be a much bigger problem, depending on the situation. For some Illinois drivers, it might make sense to fight charges for traffic offenses, especially those that come with hefty fines, such as for speeding or reckless driving. However, drivers should carefully consider both the benefits and drawbacks of fighting traffic tickets.
Many police officers do not fully understand the details of the laws they believe they are enforcing. Because of this, many officers issue tickets for nonexistent problems or even initiate unjustified traffic stops. A ticketed driver may want to carefully examine the law that he or she is accused of violating, as this may reveal that a ticket was not warranted. Better understanding that law can also help demonstrate a driver’s assertion in court.
While fighting unfair or unjust traffic tickets undoubtedly feels important to the ticketed driver, he or she might decide that it is not worth the cost. If a person must take a day or partial day off work in order to appear in court and he or she would lose more in wages than the fine, deciding to pay the ticket and move on might feel like an appropriate decision. Since traffic tickets can have an impact on a person’s insurance rate and ability to maintain driving privileges, fighting the ticket can still be helpful in the long run.
When considering whether to fight a traffic ticket, a driver should not pay the fine since this is often seen as an admission of guilt. This can be problematic for an Illinois driver who is accused of engaging in dangerous behavior — including reckless driving and speeding — behind the wheel. Some drivers also find that it is helpful to consult with a knowledgeable attorney about various options for fighting tickets.