Know Your Options

In Oklahoma you have three plea options: guilty, no contest, and not guilty. Regardless of plea, it must be entered before or on the arraignment date posted on the citation. If you've lost your ticket, learn what steps to take in our Lost Traffic Ticket page.

What it Means to Fight Your Oklahoma Traffic Ticket

Contesting your traffic ticket in courts means:

• You are using your right to a court trial with the purpose of having the charges reduced or dismissed.
• You may represent yourself, or hire a traffic ticket lawyer.
• No fines or penalties if the court rules in your favor, but you still must pay court fees and, if applicable, legal fees.
• If found guilty, you must pay fines and all associated fees. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will assign points to your driving record, possibly causing the loss of your OK driver's license and increased auto insurance rates.

Pleading Guilty or No Contest

Either plea requires paying the ticket fine amount to the court listed on your citation. No court appearance is required. Our Pay Traffic Ticket page has the whole scoop.

Avoid Late Penalties

Failing to respond to the ticket is not advised. Repercussions may include license suspension and a bench warrant for your arrest.

Notify the Court

Enter a not guilty plea either by mail or in person to the court listed on your citation.

In Person

Consult your ticket for the court location and the arraignment date and time. Try to arrive 30 minutes early. If you meet with the prosecuting attorney and no agreement can be reached, the court will issue a trial date.

Some courts allow entering a not guilty plea in person before the arraignment date. But instead of entering your plea with a judge, you enter it with the court clerk.

Mail

Some courts allow not guilty pleas to be entered by mail. Call the court that's listed on your traffic and ask. If available, the court clerk will explain what information to include on your written statement.

Hire a Traffic Ticket Attorney

Hiring a traffic ticket lawyer will improve your chances for reduced charges or ticket dismissal. Depending on your current situation, this could mean saving your Oklahoma driver's license from suspension and from increased auto insurance rates.

Prepare Your Case

Legal counsel will handle your defense. If, however, you decide to represent yourself (also known as "pro se"), the onus is on you to build a strong case. If you're unsure of the process, contact the court clerk for court rules.

Keep in mind that court clerks cannot provide legal advice.

Plead Your Case Before a Judge or Jury

After hearing both sides, a judge will issue a verdict. If you disagree with the decision, you do possess the right to appeal. Inquire with the court clerk about appeal procedures.

Check Your Driving Record

Regardless of verdict, check your driving record after the trial. Confirm the point total. Make sure there are no phantom violations.

If you detect any errors, contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Otherwise, any error against you could cause the loss of driving privileges or an unexpected jump in car insurance rates.

Shop for Better Auto Insurance Rates

If you no longer can afford your car insurance rates, take the time shop for a new provider. Comparing rates online is a fast and convenient way for finding coverage that meets your needs and conforms with your budget.