Officers will not show in court around a holiday
Many people believe that if you schedule a hearing date before or after a holiday the officer is less likely to show up. This however is not true. Part of an officer's job is to show up in court, and they are very aware of these dates when they schedule vacation. In addition judges are very aware of this common myth.


Knowing an Officer will help you
Once a ticket is in the system there is very little an officer can do. Many people think they can influence other officers in not showing up, this is illegal. Officers routinely not showing up in court is frowned upon.


Arguing the technicalities in court will help
In order to dismiss a ticket there has to be an overwhelming amount of evidence as well as major mistake on part of the officer.


Speeding Tickets a few miles over the limit are easier to dismiss
A ticket is a ticket. Although, excessive speeding carries a harsher penalty, any ticket over the designated speed limit is not readily dismissed.


Tickets are primarily given to deter unsafe driving conditions
The laws are written to ensure safe and orderly driving, however tickets more and more represent a huge revenue for the local enforcement agencies. This is why it is very difficult to dismiss a ticket without the proper representation.


Trial by Declaration are easier to win
It is actually harder to win by Trial by Declaration, because of the notes that are written on the back of the ticket by the officer. An officer must testify from memory so when a ticket is given every detail is recorded, as well as what you have said.


There is nothing you can do to contest your ticket
This is one of the biggest misconceptions out there. Tickets get reduced or dismiss all the time by attorneys. Every ticket is different and it is in your best interest to consult with an attorney. Stay away from attorneys that promise dismal, or do not want to give you a free consultation. No one can guarantee a dismal and a 95% dismal rate does not mean much.No attorney can guarantee the outcome of any case.


Red Light Camera Tickets

In California, the law allows for photo enforcement tickets. That is, an officer does not have to be present to cite you for a vehicle code violation. These are commonly known as Red Light Camera tickets. These tickets are issued by mail to the registered owner of a vehicle when the driver of the vehicle has gone through the intersection, or turned right, without stopping for the red light. This citation counts as 1 point in your driving record with the DMV.

California Vehicle Code 210 requires that the photograph be clear. Unfortunately, the definition of "clear" is subjective and judges have a lot of latitude as to what it means. In most cases, many tickets are dismissed on the date of trial at the request of the police, due to poor quality face photos. The burden of proof is on the People, represented by the officer and the photographs. You are not required to help the officer convict you and this right is guaranteed by the 5th Amendment to the Constitution which states that "No person... shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself."

If your name is on the ticket but it's not your face in the photo, you don't have to identify the person driving even though the ticket you have received states you must do so. You do not have to turn over the person who was driving if you do not want to.