‘I just got a ticket.
I think I may have done what the the officer said, so what can I do? Should I just pay the fine?"
Traffic tickets are a lucrative source of income
for government and there is great pressure on patrolling police officers to increase the number of tickets they issue.
This means your risk of receiving tickets are increasing exponentially.
So, should you just pay that ticket?
“Should I just pay it?”
There is no simple answer to this question but it is essential you
explore all of the options and their consequences before you do pay.
“What options and consequences do you mean?”
Again, there are no simple answers.
Options can vary: - from simply paying the ticket (and thus pleading ‘Guilty’ to the charge)
-
through
having the charge dropped or
- amended to a lesser one, or
- a trial in which the prosecutor
must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt
-
You may not really be guilty!
Consequences can vary: - from a relatively small fine with no demerit points (depending on the charge)
- through fines which are beyond almost anyone’s
ability to easily pay
- and suspension of driving privileges and
- jail
- loss of employment
- increased motor vehicle insurance premiums or even cancelled vehicle insurance.
Bewildering, isn't it?
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