Traffic tickets: Is it right to fight?

You’re in a hurry and drive a bit fast, roll through a stop sign or accelerate through a yellow light. The motorcycle cop on the corner flips on his blue and red flashing lights. Busted!

Pre-9/11, during our booming economy, you might have paid the fine, figuring it wasn’t worth the time or trouble to fight the ticket. But what about now? Is it right to fight?

This political conservative says, “Absolutely, yes!” Americans across the nation are seeing precipitous declines  in their paychecks due to decreased hours, stagnant salaries and increased payroll taxes, thanks to the liberal “tax-and-spend” Congress,

under President Obama's direction. Today every dime and dollar counts, at home and at City Hall. Shrinking city revenues mean more aggressive traffic monitoring throughout America, not just in northern Nevada. And “minor” traffic violations aren’t cheap: they can cost you hundreds of dollars, busting your monthly budget, while filling your city’s liberally mis-managed pot ‘o gold.

Conservatism focuses on taking personal responsibility and being financially frugal on a personal level, not just in government. If you can convince a judge to reduce your fine or dismiss the charges, and do so honestly, it’s a win-win-win, because you get to keep your money in your pocket, not the government’s, and you can do so with a clear conscience, even if you’re guilty. Here’s how:

1. Collect your registration, insurance, license and a recent pay stub…anything that shows the judge that you are a tax-paying, law-abiding citizen. If the ticket was to fix something, take proof it’s fixed, including pictures and receipts.

2. Dress professionally, in clean, pressed clothes. Look like responsible citizen, not a ski bum or park dweller. Wear your work uniform, if it is clean and stain-free. Judges are more likely to take pity on someone who works; they assume you took time off to plead your case. If you have an official work badge, wear it.

3. Prepare a speech that starts with, “Thank you, your honor. My name is _________, and I am very sorry I (whatever the officer said you did). There is no excuse for breaking the law.” List what you do right, whatever is true for you: “I have no prior tickets.” “My car insurance and registration are paid.” “My driver’s license is current.” “I always wear my seatbelt.” “I never text while driving.” State your job and why you can’t afford to pay the ticket. For example, “I’m a clerk at the Reno High 7-Eleven and my husband just got laid off from Granite Construction. Frankly, I can’t even afford to be here today.” Write down your speech if you’re afraid you will forget it. Practice it in front of the mirror. Make sure it is a minute or less.

4. When the bailiff calls your name, stand quickly and face the judge. Speak loudly and clearly. Stick to your speech. End your speech with a plea for the judge’s help. “I would appreciate any leniency you can show me, sir.”

5. If the judge reduces your fine or dismisses the charge, remember to say, “Thank you, your honor. I promise to be more careful/observant/diligent (whatever you need to do better) next time.”

While there are no guarantees these tips will sway the judge, you will definitely lose hundreds of hard-earned dollars if you don’t even try! So go defend your right to keep your income to spend in the pursuit of your happiness, not Big Government's.

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(Photo: http://kissmyticket.com/)