Pleading to Florida Speeding Tickets
There are 3 ways to plead: Guilty, Not Guilty, or No Contest.
Some people pay the ticket, without realizing that it automatically enters a GUILTY plea. This means that upon paying the fine, the driver is considered to have admitted guilt to the speeding charge, and points will be assessed on the license. Automobile insurance companies often find out how many points are on a driver's license, and raise insurance rates accordingly.
Other people insist, "I didn't do it!" If they plead NOT GUILTY, their case will be set for trial. Witnesses are subpoenaed, including the officer who issued the citation. On very rare occasions, the officer fails to show up for the trial. In that case, the ticket is automatically dismissed.
Finally, pleading NO CONTEST is often referred to as the "plea of convenience." In Duval county and many other counties in Florida, the cleaner your driving history, the more likely your No Contest plea will be acceptable to the Courts. If this is the case, although you pay court costs, points will not be assessed against you, and your driving record will not show that you were guilty of the charge.
What's the best plea option? Contact me at (904) 355-8888 or jyau@woodatter.com to find out.
Labels: no contest, not guilty, speeding, ticket
