Q: I got my very first ticket and the officer told me to appeal it. Should I bother doing it or just pay it?
I wanted dismissed if possible, but i'm not sure if it's worth it. I was at fault so what would i say in court? I was driving and passed a red light that changed just before i past it. is the officer telling me that he's not going to appear in court? i've had my license only for 3 years and this is my first ticket. I am 22 so this is why i'm not sure what to do.
A: APPEAL THE TICKET!! There are a number of very important reassons to take the appeal. First, you are under the age of 25 and in the age bracket where there can be larger SDIP points assessed or possible surcharges on a policy. Second, if you have 3 speeding tickets or 5 overall moving violations within 2 years you suffer a license suspension. This counts as a moving violation. Third, right now you have a clean record and if the ticket is dismissed it stays that way. That is important for many reasons like work if you drive a company car, Uber/Lyft driving, and possibly other reasons. Usually if you were more than half way through the intersection when the light changed you can be OK. The first step is a hearing with the police prosecutor and clerk, the next with the Court. If the officer doesnt show up, the ticket is dismissed.
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