Virginia Sample Letter concerning Trial Date for Traffic Ticket
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By pleading not guilty, you will avail yourself of the opportunity to receive a negotiation concerning the issued charge. Therefore, in most instances, it is recommended that you plead not guilty upon receiving a traffic citation.
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.
Avoid emotional pleas, and stick to actualities. Keep It Brief. Keep your letter short. Focus on the facts, stating what the situation is, why you think it is wrong, and what next steps you request.
Very briefly, you file a ?Motion? with a heading or caption required by statute or rules of procedure, state your reasons clearly, sign with your name, address, and phone (the case number should be in the heading/caption). File it in that court division rather than to the particular judge.
There are options available; you can pay the fines or appeal them in court, which may result in a lower fine, no charges at all, or more serious charges if the outcome is favorable to the opposition. Even if you are found not guilty of speeding, the charges will remain on your driving record as ?previous incidents.?
If you fail to pay your fees by the due date: You could face interest charges. Your ticket could go to collections. A judge may issue a warrant for your arrest.
I understand that I have a forfeitable citation and wish to enter a written plea of NOT GUILTY to citation number _______________. I respectfully request a bench trial to be set with the citing officer present. I understand that I am waiving my right to an arraignment and a formal reading of the charges against me.
In one word: strategy. To start, defendants have a Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination. They don't have to plead guilty -- even when they are. Instead, it is up to the prosecutor to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed the crime.
