Know Your Options

You have three traffic ticket plea options: guilty, no contest and not guilty. Regardless of plea, you must enter before the court date listed on your Ohio traffic citation. If you've lost your ticket, learn what steps to take in our Lost Traffic Ticket section.

What it Means to Fight Your OH Traffic Ticket

Challenging your ticket in court means:

• You may represent yourself or hire a traffic ticket attorney.
• No penalties or fines if the court rules in your favor. You still, however, must pay court fees and, if applicable, legal fees.
• The court possibly issues a guilty verdict, requiring paying the traffic ticket fine, as well as court fees and, if applicable, legal fees. Points will be assigned to your driving record, causing a possible increase in car insurance premiums and loss of driving privileges.

Pleading Guilty or Not Contest

Pleading guilty or no contest waives your right to a trial by court. No further action is required after paying the traffic ticket fine. Read more in our Paying Your Traffic Ticket section.

Avoid Being Issued a Warrant

Failing to enter a plea before the ticket's court date expires could lead to the suspension of your Ohio driver's license and a bench warrant for your arrest.

Notify the Court

To challenge your ticket in court you must enter a not guilty plea. You can do this either by appearing in court on the date and time listed on your citation, or by visiting the court with your traffic ticket and entering a not guilty plea in writing and completing the required paperwork. The court will then issue you a future trial date. If you opt to enter a not guilty plea in writing, be sure that you present it before the citation's court appearance date expires.

Hire a Traffic Ticket Attorney

If your budget allows, strongly consider hiring legal counsel. A traffic ticket lawyer's advice might improve your chances for a favorable decision. This could mean reduced charges or even outright dismissal, sparing you of points and increased car insurance rates.

Prepare Your Case

If you opt against hiring a traffic ticket lawyer, you'll need to prepare your own case. You'll be pitted against a seasoned prosecutor, requiring presenting a strong defense. In addition to gathering evidence this may also include subpoenaing witnesses and ordering a copy of your driving record.

Plead Your Case Before a Judge or Jury

After hearing both sides, the judge will issue a verdict. If found not guilty, you'll be spared of fines and penalties but still be required to pay court and, if applicable, legal fees. If, however, the judge finds you guilty, you'll be instructed of all repercussions.

Check Your Driving Record

Check your driving record after the trial. Verify for accuracy. Make sure the point total is correct. Any errors could go against you, causing the possible loss of driving privileges and increased car insurance rates.

Shop for Better Auto Insurance Rates

You always have the option to counter increased car insurance rates by shopping for a new provider. Comparing car insurance rates online is a fast and convenient way for finding an affordable coverage package.