Shakopee, MN asked in Traffic Tickets and Car Accidents for Minnesota

Q: Should I fight my rear end or plea no contest and hope for reduced sentencing?

I rear ended someone while I was looking in the mirrors. I was in stop and go traffic so I wasn't speeding. When the police officer arrived much later in my shock I spouted some nonsense on what happened on my distance. I was cited with "duty to drive with due care" rather than "following vehicle too closely". Looking at the photos there's a chance that the vehicle in front suddenly merged but I have no hard proof. I didn't receive any medical treatment from my insurance and i didn't provide too much detail in the insurance report. This is my first violation. What should I do?

1 Lawyer Answer
Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Licensed in Minnesota

A: It's personal decision. I would fight every traffic charge in an effort to either avoid a conviction being certified to the driver's license record. And having a clean record for the past 3-5 years will help in that effort. Also, any time a person is involved in a traffic collusion, it's a good idea to notify your own insurance company and fill out whatever forms they want about it. That will help as well.

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