How Do Plea Bargains Work with Traffic Tickets?

If you’ve been charged with a traffic violation you may be looking for alternatives to pleading guilty to the charge on your ticket. You’ll need to know the answer to this question: How do plea bargains work with traffic tickets?

Some people may think, “Well, it’s just a traffic ticket—what’s the big deal? Why not just admit guilt by paying the ticket?” Read on to find out.

Why You May Want to Consider a Plea Bargain for Your Traffic Infraction

The big deal is that not all traffic violations are equal, with some being considerably more serious than others.

Another reason you might be taking a traffic ticket very seriously is if your job depends on a clean driving record.

And finally, if you’ve already been convicted of several traffic violations, you have likely accumulated a number of points on your record. If you receive too many points, your driving privileges could be revoked.

For the above reasons, among others, you may be wondering whether you can get a better deal by working out a plea agreement with a prosecutor.

Why Would Prosecutors Want to Bargain?

The main reason plea agreements are made is to serve the interest of justice while also saving the court some time and money. Trials are expensive and time-consuming, and there aren’t many communities with enough resources to handle every traffic infraction in court.

This is actually good for you. It means you have the opportunity to reduce the severity of your traffic infraction by working out a plea deal with the prosecution. There are various reasons why a prosecutor might agree to a plea deal in your case:

• The evidence against you isn’t rock-solid.
• The court is especially busy at the time.
• You have a limited criminal history.
• The infraction isn’t very serious.
• Few witnesses are available.
• You’re not likely to reoffend.

Even if you’re offered a plea deal for your traffic offense, you should still speak with an attorney to weigh the pros and cons. If you would rather fight the charge after speaking with legal counsel, you should do so. Once you plead guilty, even to a lesser offense, there aren’t many take-backs after the judge has ruled on the case.

Speak with the Law Office of James Medows

Now you know a little more about how plea bargains work with traffic tickets. If you’re facing a traffic ticket and are worried about how the infraction will impact your life, it’s a good idea to speak with a traffic ticket attorney before making any decisions.

Call the Law Office of James Medows to talk to an attorney for free in an initial consultation. Reach us via our online contact form at the bottom of this page or by calling 917-856-1247.