Things to Bring to Traffic Court: Part 1
If you plan to fight a traffic ticket in court, you should prepare so you have everything you need before you arrive. No matter how minor or major of an infraction you have been cited for, you should never ignore it or just pay the fine. How you handle the ticket determines the consequences you will have to face. To minimize the chances of you receiving more fines, points on your driving record, a warrant and even jail time, you should familiarize yourself with the items you need to bring to traffic court.
Photo or Video Evidence
Anytime you receive a South Carolina traffic ticket, you should take pictures of the scene and conditions so you can use them as evidence. For example, if a traffic officer issues you a speeding citation for driving 50 miles an hour in a 50-mile per hour zone, take a photo of the speed signs that are in the area of your traffic stop. Even though law enforcement professionals are expected to know, follow and encourage others to adhere to the law, there are times when they make mistakes. You are just one of many drivers the pull over each day.
Another example is if you received a ticket for turning on a red light. If you did not see a sign that tells you not to turn on red because it was not visible because of an obstruction, you might be able to get that ticket dismissed if you have photo or video evidence that clearly shows that the sign was not visible to drivers.
A copy of your driving record
Magistrate and Municipal Court judges tend to be more lenient on individuals who have good driving records. Tickets are not just given to bad drivers. Sometimes there are circumstances where good drivers make mistakes that result in them receiving traffic tickets. By showing up in court with evidence that you have a good driving history, you demonstrate to the courts that you are willing to do what is necessary to maintain your good driving record. They may decide to show good faith and lower or eliminate the fines and points that are associated with your traffic ticket.
Depending on your situation, you may also benefit from having a traffic attorney represent you in Court. Traffic infraction cases are not always easy for people to resolve on their own. In most cases the attorney can appear on your behalf without you ever having to appear in person.