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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Q. If you receive a citation for an automobile accident but you don’t believe it was your fault, should you contest the ticket?

A.If you are involved in an automobile accident and receive a citation, but you don’t believe the accident was your fault should you contest the ticket?

A. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Some questions to consider are: What are your chances of success if you do contest it? How much will it cost you? Will you lose your driving privileges? A lawyer can help you assess your situation.

If you decide to contest the citation, you are entitled to a trial. If the case is to be resolved in municipal court, a judge will decide the matter. If the case is to be resolved in circuit court, a judge also will resolve it, unless you immediately request a jury and pay the required fee.

If you decide that you do not want to contest the citation, and if someone else’s person or property was injured as a result of the accident, you should plead “no contest” rather than “guilty.” A no contest plea, unlike a guilty plea, can’t be used against you later in a lawsuit.

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