3 Ways to Handle Your Colorado Springs Speeding Ticket
Getting a speeding ticket can be a frustrating experience, especially if you believe that you were driving safely and within the speed limit.
Not only can speeding violations result in hefty fines and points on your driver’s license, but they can also cause your car insurance rates to skyrocket.
However, if you find yourself in this situation, knowing you have options is important.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the three main options available to you after getting a Colorado Springs speeding ticket: paying the fine, attending traffic school, or fighting the ticket with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
We’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of each option and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
How to Safely Handle Being Pulled Over for Speeding
Receiving your first speeding ticket is stressful, but handling the situation calmly and responsibly is important. It’s always best to avoid speeding altogether to maintain the safety of yourself and other drivers on the road.
However, if you do receive a speeding ticket violation and are pulled over by law enforcement, there are steps you can take to ensure your safety.
Follow these guidelines when interacting with police:
- Turn on your blinker to signal that you are pulling over, and then pull all the way over to the side of the road safely and park out of the way of traffic.
- Stay calm and be polite to the officer.
- Avoid any sudden movements and keep your hands in view at all times.
- Say as little as possible, and don’t admit wrongdoing. Remember, you have the right to remain silent.
- Once the officer has issued you a ticket and released you, safely merge back into traffic.
- Once you have arrived at your destination (or a safe place to pull off the road, completely away from traffic), write down everything you can remember about the encounter. This information will be helpful if you decide to fight your ticket.
Your 3 Options for Handling a Speeding Ticket in Colorado
Receiving a speeding ticket can present quite a few problems. Nonetheless, if you find yourself on the receiving end of one, you have three options to choose from.
1. Pay the Ticket
In most circumstances, individuals will simply choose to pay for their speeding ticket outright.
While this is the easiest and least time-consuming option, choosing this route has several consequences, including:
- The cost of the speeding ticket — Some speeding fines can be very hefty, depending on how far over the speed limit you were going when you were given your speeding citation.
- Points on your driver’s license — If you decide to pay the ticket, you will also get points off your driving license.
- Insurance rate increases — This new blemish on your driving record will cause your insurance rates to increase due to increased liability.
- Driver’s license suspension — If you have received too many speeding tickets, your license can be suspended.
Remember, if you decide to pay the ticket, pay it before the due date to avoid additional fines or problems. For more information about paying for a Colorado Springs speeding ticket, visit the Colorado Springs government website.
2. Fight the Ticket
If you believe you were wrongfully cited for a speeding ticket, you can fight the ticket. Some individuals would fight their speeding ticket, even if it was justified, to reduce their fines and license penalty points. If you decide to fight the ticket, you will likely be expected to make a court appearance.
When choosing this route, hiring an experienced lawyer to fight for you is in your best interest. If your penalty for speeding is very serious, you could be at risk of losing your license. In this circumstance, you will want an experienced traffic attorney on your side.
3. Seek Mitigation
Your third and final option for handling your speeding ticket is to seek mitigation. Seeking mitigation is a good option if you have not received a traffic violation in years or if it’s the first ticket you have ever been issued.
During mitigation, you admit wrongdoing and explain the circumstances that led to you committing the violation.
The main goal with mitigation is to either:
- Obtain extended time to pay the fine
- Lower the ticket amount, or
- Be allowed to attend a defensive driving course to reduce the penalty
Remember, seeking mitigation will not guarantee an automatic reduction, and some courts will reject arguments and explanations. However, you also have nothing to lose when seeking mitigation.
If you choose this option, you can either go to court yourself or hire an experienced traffic ticket lawyer to handle the case for you.
Consult With an Experienced Traffic Attorney Today
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of receiving a speeding violation in Colorado Springs, there are a few options available to you. You can pay the fine, attend traffic school, or fight the ticket. If you decide to challenge the ticket, it may be beneficial to seek the assistance of an experienced traffic lawyer.
Working with a lawyer can increase your chances of getting your ticket dismissed, especially if you have a poor driving record or significantly exceed the posted speed limit. To learn more about your speeding ticket options and discuss your case with a professional, contact us today.