Q: Does a ticket get dismissed if the officer doesn't show up?
I was in an accident and received a ticket for running the red light. I told the officer (truthfully) that there was a tree covering the stoplight and I couldn’t see it from the road. He said to go to court and tell the judge that, and it might be dismissed.
If the police officer doesn’t show up, will the citation be dismissed?
When I go to court, do I plead not guilty and then explain the situation?
A: I recommend that you use the Justia Find a Lawyer tab and search for traffic ticket lawyers in your area----call a few, discuss the specifics of your situation and then hire the one with whom you are most comfortable---this is the best route to maximizing your opportunity to mitigate and perhaps get your ticket dismissed. In specific answer to your questions, if the State feels it cannot prove its case then the State will dismiss the ticket or ask for a continuance. If the officer does not show up, it is highly unlikely that the State can prove its case so the State will either dismiss the ticket or ask for a continuance and obtain another trial date. When you go to Court, for the reasons stated above, I recommend that you have an attorney representing you---it is possible your attorney will appear on your behalf so you do not have to show up. Good luck.
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