Your argument should be clear, concise, and persuasive. State the reasons why you believe you should not have been charged and present any evidence that supports your case. Use specific examples and be as detailed as possible.
Ways to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Texas Submitting a not-guilty plea can be done in person or via mail. A hearing date is then selected by the court, where the accused motorist can argue his or her case before a judge.
Writing an appeal letter to the court about your traffic ticket is the first thing you need to do in order to get a violation dismissed. In your letter, you should explain who you are, when and where you got your ticket and the reasons why you believe the fine should be decreased or dismissed.
First, because a traffic ticket and other class C prosecutions (public intoxication, possession of paraphernalia, assault by contact, etc.) are criminal, you have the right to a jury trial in Texas. This means a jury of six people can be empaneled to decide your guilt or innocence after hearing the evidence.
Traffic Ticket Defenses that Can Succeed Show That a Necessary Element of the Traffic Offense Is Missing. Challenge the Officer's Subjective Conclusion. Challenge the Officer's Observation of What Happened. Prove Your Conduct Was Based on a Legitimate "Mistake of Fact" ... Prove Your Conduct Was Necessary to Avoid Serious Harm.
If you plead not guilty, your case will be set for trial. You may waive your right to a trial by jury and have the case heard by the court. At your request, the court will subpoena a witness on your behalf, but you must furnish the court with the name, address, and telephone number of each witness prior to trial.
You can be fined from $100 to $1,000 for failing to answer the summons. If you fail to attend court without a reasonable excuse, you can be fined $100 to $500. Filing a false claim of exemption from jury service can also result in fines.
Any party is entitled to a trial by jury. A written demand for a jury must be filed no later than 14 days before the date a case is set for trial. If the demand is not timely, the right to a jury is waived unless the late filing is excused by the judge for good cause.