How Do Cops Forget to File Tickets?

You were cruising down the highway in your shiny new car, on the way to work, when you were stopped by a police officer who told you that you were going too fast and would be getting a ticket. You were, in fact, going 10 miles over the speed limit. You were in a hurry and just wanted to get to work as quickly as possible.

You had your eyes on the road and didn’t see the cop car until you blew right past it! The officer was nice and he let you go. However, you were surprised that he didn’t even cite you on the spot!

Does this mean you can get a traffic ticket in the mail or at a later date?

If you’re caught by a law enforcement officer for a serious violation, the ticket could be sent to your home or business via the mail. This happens in cities with traffic light cameras, but it’s not always the case.

Does this mean you can fight the ticket in court?

If the ticket is a violation of a state law, like driving over the legal limit, or a traffic offense that carries some jail time, you may have to appear in court. If you decide to contest the ticket, you’ll need to send a request for discovery with the court to get all the evidence the police have collected.

Then you can take it to court and ask the judge to dismiss the ticket. This may be a good option if the ticket is for a minor violation.

Did the officer fill out all the appropriate information on your ticket?

If he forgot to list your name or the make and model of your vehicle, that can be grounds for the ticket being thrown out. Providing documented proof of the missing data will likely help you win your case.

Did the officer fail to explain the reason for your stop?

The officer should give you a full explanation of why you were stopped and what your rights are. If they don’t, that can be a sign that they are not professional and you should seek the advice of a lawyer before proceeding with your case.

Did the officer show improper conduct at the time of your traffic stop?

A traffic stop can be invalidated if the officer does not explain why you were stopped or if he violated your civil rights by asking you to take an inventory of your belongings. The officer should also explain to you what your rights are before he issues you with a ticket.

Did the officer forget to write down your driver’s license number?

This is a very common problem for drivers. In many jurisdictions, you’ll have to provide a copy of your license and a photo ID to prove that you own the car on the ticket. If the officer doesn’t have a copy of your driver’s license, it will be very difficult for you to win your case.