How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Mississippi

In Mississippi, traffic tickets are official notices issued to road users who violate the state’s traffic laws. Also known as citations, traffic tickets are issued by members of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, which oversees traffic-related matters within the state’s jurisdiction.

Traffic tickets are issued following two kinds of violations: moving violations and non-moving violations. Moving violations include offenses such as overspeeding, while non-moving violations include wrong parking. A traffic ticket attracts penalties, including fines or deduction of points against the driver, and failure to pay this fine ultimately leads to prosecution. Some traffic violations in Mississippi include reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving without adequate car insurance, driving without a seat belt on, and violating child safety seat laws. In Mississippi, offending/ticketed motorists may choose to fight a ticket or resolve it uncontested. Resolving a ticket without contest may be considered an admission of guilt and typically results in the following:

• Motorists waive the right to challenge the traffic ticket in court.
• The Department of Licensing may suspend the issued Mississippi driver’s license.
• The traffic violation may affect car insurance rates.

If found guilty of a traffic violation, the alleged offender may request a mitigation hearing to seek a fine reduction or request an installment payment plan or community service. To fight a ticket, the alleged offender is expected to plead not guilty and request a contested hearing.

Records of traffic violations and other records considered public may also be accessible from some third-party websites. These websites are a convenient alternative to government-owned resources since they aggregate records across multiple jurisdictions and provide multi-search options for inquirers seeking multiple records. To lookup traffic records using these sites, inquirers may need to provide the following information:

• The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
• The location or assumed location of the document or person involved

Since aggregate sites are operated independently of government sources, record availability, and accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Is it Worth it To Fight a Traffic Ticket in Mississippi?

Fighting a traffic ticket can be financially tasking and time-demanding. Therefore, the worth of fighting a ticket is relative. However, if a citation leads to some restrictions or increased insurance premiums, it may prove worthwhile to fight it. Additionally, considering the legal consequences attached to fighting a ticket, motorists and other road users may consider fighting a traffic ticket. Dismissed tickets may result in waived fines, and the alleged offender may avoid license suspension.

Ways to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Mississippi

There are diverse ways to fight traffic tickets in Mississippi. Below are the steps that are usually taken:

• Prepare for Court

The first step is to note the traffic offense and record the time; take a few pictures of the scene if possible, and proceed to court. The more time that passes between the incident date and the trial date, the less likely it is to proceed to trial. A traffic case can be dismissed if the arresting officer does not show up in court.

• Consider Hiring a Lawyer

Hiring an attorney that specializes in traffic citations may increase the chances that the judge will consider dismissing the tickets, reducing the fines, and waiving the points.

• Challenge the Officer’s Subjective Conclusion

When an officer issues a ticket for a traffic violation, it is based on the officer’s judgment. Sometimes, the officer’s conclusion may not be reasonable. The defense’s task is to cast doubts on the officer’s statement.

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket Without Going to Court

In Mississippi, most traffic cases do not always go to trial and may be resolved through plea bargains. Plea bargains require communication between the prosecuting attorney and the defendant’s attorney before the court date to discuss plea deals. The attorneys typically check the facts of the case and compare them with the laws of Mississippi. Having done this, the parties can determine the possibilities of different verdicts. A plea bargain can range from dismissal of all charges to an open plea.

How Do You Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, minor traffic offenses are misdemeanors, and options for traffic offenders to reduce traffic tickets include:

• Pleading Not Guilty and Requesting Trial

Respond to the ticket by pleading not guilty and request a trial within 15 days of receiving the citation. During the court proceedings, the judge usually considers the evidence presented and may decide to reduce the ticket upon request. It may be ideal to hire a lawyer during this process. An alleged traffic violator can also request a mitigation hearing to have a ticket reduced.

• Taking an Online Defensive Driving Course

Mississippi allows a one-time opportunity to attend an online driving course, and in exchange, clear the citations from driving records (excluding major infractions such as DUIs).

Traffic court judges may decrease fines or extend payment deadlines to accommodate tight finances. The defendant can communicate financial situations to the judge (even via mail). A payment plan is another possibility because traffic tickets can get expensive once all the fees and court costs are added. Traffic offenders may contact the traffic court clerk to inquire about payment plans.

Can You Get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed in Mississippi?

According to Title 63, “Motor Vehicles and Traffic Regulations” of the Mississippi Code of 1972, speeding tickets may be dismissed if the offender takes a traffic school course. In addition to improving the chances of getting a ticket dismissed, the defendant may also avoid insurance premium increases and additional points on the driving record. The court usually considers driving history and the charges faced to determine if the violator is eligible for the course. Mostly, first-time offenders with minor infractions (like speeding tickets) and cases involving teenagers and young adults are recommended for traffic courses.

What Happens if You Plead Guilty to a Traffic Ticket in Mississippi?

Paying a traffic ticket may be considered a guilty plea in Mississippi. While it can be a convenient option, compared with going through a tedious and often expensive court trial process, motorists who either plead guilty directly or are found guilty of an offense should be aware that they may be liable to face the full penalty of the alleged offense

Mississippi routinely provides information concerning traffic ticket convictions to other states. There are sanctions for repeated traffic violations, which, when added to an individual’s driving record, may result in license suspension.

How to Find a Traffic Ticket Attorney in Mississippi

When faced with an allegation of a traffic violation, offenders are usually advised to hire a traffic ticket attorney. Mississippi traffic attorneys offer legal counsel, negotiate plea bargains, and provide legal representation for the defendant. They can be found using online directories and through referrals.