Know Your Options

You have two initial plea options in Montana: guilty or not guilty. You may plead "no contest," but only after you've first pleaded "not guilty" and met with the county or city attorney.

Regardless of how you plead, you must enter it with the court before the appearance date posted on your citation. If you cannot find your traffic ticket, read what to do in our Lost Traffic Ticket section.

What it Means to Fight Your MT Traffic Ticket

Challenging your traffic ticket means:

• You have accepted your right to stand before a judge and contest the charge.
• You may represent yourself or hire a traffic ticket attorney.
• The court may rule you not guilty and reduce your charge or dismiss the ticket. You would still pay court and, if applicable, legal fees.
• The court may rule you guilty. You would pay fines, court fees and, if applicable, legal fees. Points would be assigned to your driving record.

Pleading Guilty

Pleading guilty forfeits your right to a court trial. No court appearance is required. Submitting your payment is all that's needed to satisfy the court. Read more in our Paying Your Traffic Ticket section.

Avoid Being Issued a Warrant

Be sure to enter your plea before the appearance date on your citation. Failing to respond comes with consequences. The court will suspend your Montana driver's license and, depending on the circumstances, possibly issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

Notify the Montana Court

You will enter a "not guilty" plea with the court listed on your citation. In most instances, you will be required to enter your plea in person. Call the court if you have any questions.

Hire a Traffic Ticket Attorney

If your budget allows, hire legal counsel. traffic ticket attorney's expertise will heighten your chances for reduced charges or a dismissed ticket. This in turn could spare you from loss of driving privileges and increased car insurance premiums.

Prepare Your Case

If you can't afford a traffic ticket lawyer, you'll need to prepare your own defense. This may require interviewing witnesses, gathering photos, and ordering a copy of your driving record.

Plead Your Case Before a Judge or Jury

After hearing your defense, the court will issue a verdict. If found guilty, you will be instructed on how to pay all fines and fees.

Check Your Driving Record

After a verdict has been issued, check your driving record for accuracy. Verify that the appropriate traffic violations are listed, and nothing more. An accumulation of offenses could lead to license suspension and higher car insurance rates.

Shop for Better Auto Insurance Rates

If a guilty charge causes points to be added to your driving record, check with your car insurance company on how this will affect your rates. If your premiums exceed your budget, search for more affordable coverage by comparing car insurance rates online.