We are living through an uncertain and unheralded time right now in Missouri. Covid-19 mandates and restrictions have hurt the state economy, people may be more cautious about getting into a car that is not theirs, and bars and restaurants are running at reduced capacities, so there is not as much need for rides to and from these places. If you are a rideshare driver, with a business through Lyft or Uber, you are probably feeling the economic crunch right now. If you make a mistake and get a traffic ticket, you could have to pay a hefty fine and possibly lose your ability to drive as a rideshare driver. On top of everything else going on these days, you don’t need that headache and stress! If you get a traffic ticket in Springfield, MO, here is why you can and should fight it!
Should You Pay Or Fight A Traffic Ticket In Missouri?
If you are a current Uber or Lyft driver, you have passed the background check. But it’s good to know that both companies conduct yearly background checks on drivers. So if you get a ticket or two or three in a certain period of time, depending on the state you are in and which company you drive for, you could lose your job as a rideshare driver. So your first priority should be driving as carefully as possible to keep your clients safe and to not be pulled over or ticketed for any driving infractions.
However, life isn’t always perfect, and even the most careful drivers can make a mistake. Turning into the wrong lane, driving just a bit over the speed limit, barely missing a yellow light, any of these can get you pulled over and even-handed a traffic ticket in Missouri that you will have to either pay or fight in court. If you choose to pay the fine and avoid a fight, your rideshare employer may penalize you or fire you. If you choose to fight the traffic ticket in Springfield, Missouri, you have a chance at eliminating the traffic ticket, not having to pay a fine, and not risk losing your ridesharing job!
How To Fight A Traffic Ticket In Missouri
If you decide to fight the traffic ticket In Springfield, Missouri, you need to be prepared for the process. If you win your case, you will keep your clean driving record, and avoid paying a fine. If you lose your case, you will have to pay the fine and have the stain on your driving record. Having traffic tickets on your record can also affect your insurance rates.
First, you will be given the ticket that will have a court date on it, in the event that you don’t want to pay the fine. You will need to prepare for your upcoming court case. You will need to remember everything about what led up to being pulled over. Was there a reason you may have made too wide of a turn? Did you speed up to get some distance between your car and a tailgater, and in doing so exceeded the speed limit? There is a term called “mistake of fact”, which refers to scenarios where you may have made a traffic mistake, but it was due to a scenario where it would be hard to tell, such as if a stop sign is obscured from view by tree branches, or a crosswalk had faded paint and was hard to see. In cases like this, it is a good idea to go back to the scene of the traffic stop and take photos of whatever may have caused you to make the traffic violation.
Another important thing to do is to look for any mistakes on the ticket. If any of the information is not correct, such as your name or driver’s license number or the car information like the model name or license plate information, this could possibly result in having the ticket dismissed on a technicality.
You may have heard that if you go to traffic court and the ticketing officer doesn’t show up, your case is dismissed. This isn’t really completely true, but it can certainly help your case if the officer doesn’t appear, you can plead your case to the judge without the officer’s account which could work in your favor. If the officer does show up, you will have to challenge the officer’s view of the infraction. Do not be intimidated, but be polite. You don’t want to appear angry or argumentative. State firmly and politely why you think the officer was in the wrong, and why you think your ticket should be dismissed. Show up to court on time, and look presentable, as if you were going to a job interview. Be prepared, have all of your notes, photographs, documents, and witnesses (if any) with you and organized. Remain calm and polite, and do the best you can.
How To Get Help To Fight A Missouri Traffic Ticket
With the cost of the fines, and the threat of a traffic ticket on your record and possible insurance rate hikes, and even the loss of your Uber or Lyft job, you may feel like fighting the Missouri traffic ticket really is in your best interest. But the process of gathering information and speaking in court may seem intimidating and even overwhelming for many people. It does take some nerve and courage to face an accuser in front of a judge. If you do not feel 100% confident, but still want to fight and not pay the Missouri traffic ticket, then you need to hire a traffic ticket attorney. Traffic ticket attorneys are experts in traffic law and how traffic court works. They are adept at navigating the traffic court system.
As soon as you call an attorney at Springfield Traffic Tickets, your case is taken over by an attorney so you don’t have to worry about any details. An attorney can even appear in court on your behalf, you don’t even need to be present in many cases. If you do need to be present, your attorney will be with you. You won’t have to argue your case, your Springfield traffic ticket attorney will fight the ticket for you. The consultation is free, the attorney costs are competitive. And worth it, if you can keep your Lyft or Uber job, keep your record clean, and keep from paying the fines. If you want to fight your traffic ticket, Springfield Traffic Tickets can help!