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Can I ask a judge to reduce a ticket?

I got a ticket yesterday and I’m so bummed. I’ve never gotten a ticket before—I was just zoned out and didn't realize I was going 10 over. Can I ask the judge to reduce my ticket?

avatar
Melanie Johnson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Ugh, I’m sorry you got a speeding ticket. No one wants a traffic ticket, but there is a chance you can get it reduced. You can ask a judge to reduce your ticket by being honest, admitting fault, and citing your clean record as proof that it will not happen again.
Do’s and don’ts of asking a judge to reduce your ticket:
  • Do dress professionally in court, be courteous, and do not interrupt the judge.
  • Do explain your situation, but do not make excuses.
  • Do ask for leniency—if you have a clean record, reference this as proof that you are unlikely to speed again.
  • Do consider consulting with an attorney if what you are facing is a criminal charge—like a DUI or reckless driving.
Since you have an otherwise
clean driving record
, you have the best possible chance of getting your ticket reduced. If your record was spottier, you’d have a harder time. Good luck!
If that ticket stays on your driving record, you’ll likely benefit from shopping for a new
car insurance
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