Traffic Tickets in Tampa

When you receive a ticket for speeding or traffic violation, you'll be issued a citation.

If you choose to pay the citation then, you can pay it online(will be mentioned in the citation) or goto the Clerk's office and pay in person.

If you choose to fight the case then, you can request a hearing at the Clerk's office but be sure to ask for an actual hearing and not a pre-hearing.

What happens during pre-hearing?

The judge would ask you if you would like to plead the following:

• Guilty
  
• Not Guilty
  
• NO Contest(which is similar to pleading Guilty)
  

Usually, if you choose Guilty or No Contest depending on your driving record your fee will be reduced. Its worth it to just show up and have your fees reduced!!!

What happens during hearing?

Most LEO's(Law Enforcement Officer) will show up at the hearings since they get paid over time...won't you?

If the LEO shows up then you get to hear his/her version of the story and then the judge will ask your version of the story and then cross examine each other.

I strongly suggest that you cross examine the LEO and ask relevant questions.

If you were stopped because you ran a red light, ask the LEO if he had a good view of the intersection? Bring photos and ask where he was lurking(oops standing or parked) around..
If you were stopped for speeding, ask the LEO if his/her radar working? If you could see the speeding report and so on

This is the time to ask and I saw some of the people were able to defend their tickets and other's couldn't and if your case had any merit then the judge may find you guilty but you will not be assessed any points on your driving record..

Full Disclosure:

• Received citation : April 2008
• Prehearing : July 2008
• Hearing : Sep 2008