A long time ago, when people started working on those crazy “horseless carriages,” it quickly became clear that some control measure needed to be implemented to improve, not to mention the safety, of society. This led to the implementation of laws that were specifically designed to address driving and the dangers it can present. Although this system was intended to be based on the general idea that defendants are innocent until proven guilty, this is not always the case when it comes to traffic laws.

Subsequent changes in the laws governing driving have occurred since those early days and, sadly, have led to frequent abuses of power between various law enforcement agencies. These abuses can range from an unjustified traffic stop to being harassed by officers simply because they carry a gun and badge. Even if a driver only commits a minor violation of the law, often the police officers will stop him and look for other problems for which they can issue traffic tickets or even lead to arrests. Sometimes this happens if there is only the perception of a violation.

From the moment of contact with police officers, most drivers feel intimidated. This is not surprising considering the setting. You are sitting in your car on the side of the road and there is an authority figure with a gun looming over you. For many people, being in this subordinate situation goes back subliminally to primal instinct, inducing a fear response because sitting while someone is standing next to you makes you feel vulnerable in the best of circumstances. Then there’s the look of other drivers slowing down and watching as they pass. When this happens, let’s face it, it’s just embarrassing. You know all the other drivers think, “Better him than me.”

Then there’s the standard question that ALL cops ask you: “Do you know why I stopped you?” Okay, anything you can say right now could be troublesome. As anyone who has seen police programs on television knows, the things you say can and will be used against you. If you say, “I’m so sorry, officer. I didn’t realize how fast I was going,” bam! – is unconsciously confessing to having violated the law. This is true if you respond to any infraction you think you may have committed, not just speeding. Not only have you admitted your guilt, but you may also be fined for something other than the reason for which the officer detained you.

Due to the power they wield and the legal mallet already stacked against them, the worst thing you can do at this point in the traffic stop is question the police or get into an argument. Your best option is to be courteous and brief. Never offer too much information. Doing so will not only result in him finding as many infractions as possible to write to you about, but it will also make it more memorable for him when it comes time to go to court. You can be sure that if you are obnoxious during the traffic stop, he will take notes regarding your comments that he will use when facing you in court.

Things may not be more favorable for you when you have to face the judge or hearing officer. That is unless you have a good traffic ticket attorney there to defend you, of course. Judges and hearing officers often deal with disreputable people throughout the day. It is simply the nature of the legal system. So it’s critical that you make sure you differentiate yourself from the kind of people the judges see over and over again. This is just one of the main reasons why it is imperative that you do not approach the situation with a chip on your shoulder. Those involved in the legal system deal with too many people who lack the proper respect that is warranted when one appears in court.

You will also want to dress appropriately for court. Like a bad attitude, a bad choice of clothing can devastate a case if the way you present yourself gives the judge the perception that you are a negative person. They are not likely to take you very seriously if you show up to court with your cleavage exposed or your pants hanging so low that your boxers are exposed.

Don’t forget that the judges and the police do this all day, every day. Unfortunately, when you find yourself in a position where you have to deal with criminals, liars, and manipulators on a daily basis, it’s easy to get tired. You can begin to assume the worst in people before you know all the facts of a case. This is another important reason why it is almost always in your best interest to hire a traffic ticket attorney. We work with most South Florida judges and have established a strong working relationship with them accordingly. Doing our research, maintaining a professional courtroom demeanor, and being well versed in traffic laws gives us an advantage in having your traffic ticket dismissed or reduced.

The type of abuse by law enforcement and the alleged culpability of the legal system towards drivers that I have mentioned are just two of the reasons I left corporate law. I want to help drivers who are often misled by this often unfair legal system. This is one of the things that motivates me and I like my job. It gives me the opportunity to correct many of the injustices that I see perpetrated by law enforcement and the judicial system. If you believe you have received an unjustified traffic ticket or even choose to fight a traffic ticket that may have been justified, call our office for a free consultation at 954-967-9888. The structure of traffic laws may mean that the odds are against you, but every driver has the right to a fair defense.