While no one likes to receive a traffic ticket, one that is issued in Santa Monica, California is sure to bring dismay. Whether a police officer spotted you speeding or you were falsely accused of running a red light, you know that a ticket means a trip to the Santa Monica traffic court. If this is your first time to visit the court, then you may be surprised at how long the wait times can be and how much a traffic ticket can disrupt your life. Here is a guide to making sure your case is handled correctly and that everything goes according to schedule for your court date.
Contacting the Court
On your ticket, there will be a number for you to contact with any questions you may have about your court date and case. While you will eventually be able to talk to someone, the Santa Monica traffic court is notoriously busy. Therefore, you may want to call early in the day to avoid a lengthy wait. If you are attempting to correspond by email, then understand that they rarely ever respond. Your best bet for contacting an actual person in the court system is to hire a lawyer or appear in person.
What to Expect on Your Court Date
Going to court for a traffic ticket can pose many inconveniences. In addition to missing work, you will need to find and pay for parking. Then, you will have to wait until the Santa Monica traffic court officer calls your case. After possibly waiting all day, you may find yourself face-to-face with one of the strictest judges in all of California. For this reason, it is best to be prepared and understand how to defend your case. If you do not have experience in law, then an attorney will be your best bet for avoiding heavy fines and penalties.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer to handle your ticket is the most effective way to navigate through the Santa Monica traffic court system. In addition to representing you in court, your lawyer will be able to help you receive the best outcome by helping negotiating fees and making sure your driving record remains clean. Additionally, your lawyer can handle all of the communication so you never have to call that unanswered phone line.
After getting a traffic ticket, your life can be turned upside-down by how the Santa Monica traffic court conducts business. By hiring a qualified attorney, you can avoid the hassle and know that your ticket will be handled in a way that leaves you with the best possible outcome.
