An urban legend says that if you get a ticket, you should fight it. Unfortunately, many are left asking how often do cops show up for traffic court?
You probably won’t find a specified number, but in general, it’s worth a shot. Continue reading more, and then hire Gibson Bail Bonds for 24-hour service in Pennsylvania.
How Often Do Cops Show Up for Traffic Court for Issuing Tickets?
Some people think that most police officers are too busy to attend court over tickets. Other times, however, their department makes it a point that they show up. It may be a form of quality control or intimidation on their part. While cops can’t always make it, you can’t assume your odds are good. If you do intend to fight your ticket, make sure you arrive prepared. Make sure to take plenty of notes and evidence to argue your side.
What’s the Difference in Traffic Citations?
Most offenses for traffic laws are typically considered as major or minor citations. Each has its set of penalties, but major tickets will go on your record. Minor traffic citations include offenses that most of us make without thinking. An officer may penalize you for several different infractions, including:
The dreaded traffic ticket
- Parking Violations
- Speeding Tickets
- Prohibited Lanes
- Driving Between Lines
- School Bus Stop Signs
- Expired Documentation
- Parking Meters
- And other minor citations
One the other hand, major traffic tickets are often moving violations. These citations will also increase your insurance premiums, such as:
- Excess Speeding
- Tailgating/Cutting Drivers Off
- Failure to Stop
- Failures to Signal
- Improper Loading
- Missing Seal Belt
- Passing on the Shoulder
- Crosswalk Violations
- Right-of-Way Violations
- Expired/Suspended License
- And other moving violations
What if the Cops Don’t Show Up for Traffic Court?
For many, if a police officer doesn’t appear in traffic court, your case is dismissed. However, that is not always how court happens, and sometimes you have an uphill battle. Some judges may merely postpone the trial, giving them another opportunity or two. Or, you could subpoena the office with a request not to appear, negating dismissal.
Finally, other officers have all their ticket cases scheduled for the same day. That way, they can get through many of them at once. In the end, unless they have a good reason, they likely will try and appear. Plus, if the charges are severe enough, they won’t hesitate to fight your defense.
Should I Always Pay My Ticket Upfront?
Even if you know you’re in the right, you may decide to pay for the ticket. That way, you can get on with your life and continue driving. However, more often than not, paying a ticket is admitting to guilt. Also, if you are taking on the admission of fault, you’ll likely have to go to traffic school.
Bail Out from Your Traffic Charges Today
If you have been arrested on traffic charges, you can be bailed out of jail now. Contact the agents at Gibson Bail Bonds for 24-hour surety bonds throughout the Pennsylvania community.
