If you are caught speeding in North Carolina, you may be surprised to know that you may be able to have your ticket reduced. Here are a few tips on how to do just that:
Ask if you can have your ticket reduced to a lesser offense: This is usually done if the driver has no prior offenses, or if the driver was going less than 20 mph over the speed limit at the time of their speeding ticket. This process is accessible online in North Carolina.
Request a reduced fine: If you know that you can afford to pay a lesser fine, and you do not mind pleading guilty, you may simply plead guilty and ask the prosecutor for a reduced penalty. If you have a clean driving record, this will usually result in a reduced ticket.
Ask for a dismissal of your ticket: You can request a dismissal by sending a letter to the prosecutor stating why you believe you were not driving recklessly, and requesting that they dismiss your ticket. If you feel like you were unfairly pulled over or that the officer made an error, you may want to consider this option.
Explain your situation to the officer who pulled you over: This will help them understand your reasons for speeding and may result in a lower fine or no penalty at all. Be polite and respectful to the officer who pulled you over. If you have a good reason for why you were speeding (such as being late for work), tell the officer that. Being polite may encourage the officer to reduce or dismiss the ticket on the spot.
Offer to take a driving course: If you get a speeding ticket, one way to try to get it reduced is to offer to take a driving course. This is because the court may see that you are taking steps to try and improve your driving and are therefore less likely to speed in the future. This may lower your fine.
Do You Want to Totally Avoid Having a Dent on Your Driving Record?
If you are looking to avoid a dent in your driving record, you may want to consider a deferred prosecution agreement. In North Carolina, this type of agreement allows you to avoid a conviction on your record if you meet the terms of the agreement. This could include completing a driver improvement program, paying fines and court costs, and/or serving a probationary period. If you are successful, the charges will be dropped and there will be no permanent record of the incident.
However, as with the other methods listed above, each has its own set of eligibility requirements. As such, it is advised to speak to attorneys at Coastal South Law. We will listen to the specifics of your case and propose the best solution based on your unique circumstances. Our attorneys have decades of experience and would be happy to help you. You may call us at (910) 253-0411 so we may get started.