Does it look better to the judge if I pay my speeding ticket before I go to court? Or should I take the 4 hour defensive driving course before I go to court? Which of the two is the best option? Help!!!
This is the most common question I encounter, and I’m here to confidently share with you the insights I’ve gained.
Should I pay my ticket before I go to court?
Paying the citation is effectively a guilty plea, which removes the case from the court docket—eliminating the need for a court date altogether. By settling the matter this way, you can resolve the issue swiftly and avoid the complexities of a court appearance. However, the points from the violation will be added to your driving record, and you will not have an opportunity to have the ticket dismissed.
How can I get reduce the points on my Driving Record after I pay the ticket?
If you choose to pay your ticket before the court date and enter a guilty plea, the state of Tennessee may provide the option to take a defensive driving class, which could help reduce points on your license. However, during my discussions with Court Clerks, it appears there is some uncertainty about how often defendants are offered the opportunity to reduce points on their driving records. It may be worthwhile to seek additional clarification or explore Tennessee state resources to get a better understanding of the process.
Should I take your 4-hour Defensive Driving Class before I go to court?
If the defendant successfully completes the course before the court date and presents the certificate to the judge, there is a strong possibility that the judge will accept it. However, it’s important to understand that the judge may also consider the defendant’s prior driving history and could impose additional requirements or even decline to recognize the course completion altogether.
What should I do before I go to court?
After speaking with multiple court clerks, I’ve discovered that the most strategic way to achieve a speeding ticket dismissal is to be patient and wait until your court date. When you go in front of the judge, the court may offer various options for resolving your case, including how to potentially avoid points on your driving record by dismissing the speeding ticket. By waiting to do anything until after you go to court you will save save your time and money while avoiding the stress of potentially making the wrong decisions. To give yourself the best chance at success, Tennessee Driver Education suggest you wait for your court date before doing anything about your ticket.
