How To Beat The Fuzz's Speeding Ticket!

Well it happened. After all those years you finally got caught speeding! If you are like most of the people in the United States you'd just assume to pay for the ticket and be done with it. The problem with this is once you pay the ticket your admitting guilt, paying the maximum fine, which is usually over $100, possibly paying a higher insurance rate, and the ticket will be on your record for 3 years. Unbelievable! What if I told you there is a chance to beat that ticket. Yep, you heard me right, a chance to beat that ticket! According to Mel Leiding, an attorney from Anaheim, California and author of a 53-page guide titled "How to Fight Your Traffic Ticket and Win," says he would rather be mugged than get a traffic ticket. Why? Getting mugged is faster, cheaper and has no long-term repercussions, such as increased insurance premiums, loss of a license or being forced to attend traffic school.

According to Netscape, there are the only two legitimate ways you might be able to wiggle out of it. The key word is "might." Good luck!

1. Ask for a warning.
When you're pulled over by a police officer for speeding, remain in your car. Never get out. When the officer comes to your car window, look contrite. Be very polite. Do apologize--profusely. And ask very nicely for a warning instead of a ticket. Never answer such questions as: "Do you know why I stopped you?" or "Do you know how fast you were going?" Say "I'm not sure," instead of saying something that admits your guilt.

2. No matter what the facts are, plead "not guilty" and ask for a court date.
Never pay the ticket by mail since that is the same as admitting guilt. Remember, this is the United States where you are innocent until proven guilty. Even if you think the evidence is solidly against you--after all, there is that radar gun the cop was using--don't give up. There are many ways the police can make mistakes that will result in your ticket being dismissed. Leiding says that as many as half of the traffic tickets issued in this country are dismissed because the police officer who wrote the ticket doesn't come to court. Those odds notwithstanding, when you do go to court, be prepared to fight the ticket. Consider hiring an attorney, which could be cheaper than the increased insurance premiums you'll have to pay if you're found guilty.

This is America! So we are entitled to fight, right?