Fight Traffic Ticket in Minnesota

The right to a fair trial is a bedrock of the American legal system, and one you're entitled to pursue if you feel you've been wrongly cited.

If you've been issued a traffic ticket in Minnesota, you can fight it by pleading not guilty and going to court.

Read below to see what that process entails and what you can expect to deal with along the way.

Pleading Not Guilty in Minnesota

Pleading “not guilty" means you believe you did not violate the law in question. It's strongly recommended to have some evidence supporting this claim before going to court. Considering hiring a MN traffic attorney to help you navigate the legal system and argue your case.

The process of pleading “not guilty" and starting your traffic ticket fight differs by county. Contact the court in the county where you received your citation for instructions on pleading not guilty.

Meeting with a Hearing Officer

Your first step toward contesting a traffic ticket in MN is to set up a meeting with a hearing officer if got your ticket in one of the following counties:

  • Dakota.
  • Hennepin.
  • Scott
  • Ramsey.
  • Washington.
  • Carver.

Your traffic ticket should include the proper contact information and step-by-step instructions for setting up your hearing.

At the meeting, you'll be able to discuss your specific case and legal options.

DMV.ORG TIP: Know When to Fight

It's important to know whether your traffic ticket is worth fighting. Check out our guide to when to fight a ticket for a walkthrough of the pros and cons.

Fighting Your MN Traffic Ticket

Once your court date has been set to contest your Minnesota ticket, make sure you appear at the right time and place. Missing your court date in MN often carries the potential for penalties.

At your trial, you or your lawyer can:

  • Question the officer who issued your citation.
  • Argue the law.
  • Call witnesses.
  • Present evidence in your favor.

At the end of the proceeding, the judiciary official will rule on your case, deeming you either guilty or not guilty.

Potential Costs

The potential traffic fine facing you is just one financial consideration to keep in mind when fighting your Minnesota traffic ticket.

Don't forget to think about the other monetary factors in play, including:

Staying cognitive of the bigger picture will be helpful when determining whether to fight your ticket.

Consequences of Fighting Your Ticket

When all is said and done, you'll either be found guilty or not guilty by the court.

If you win your case and are found not guilty, you will NOT have to:

  • Pay your MN traffic ticket fine.
  • Have the violation stay on your driving record.

Ask the judiciary official about finalizing all paperwork and wrapping up the process.

However, if you lose your case, your sentence becomes a criminal conviction on your court record.

If you are found guilty, you could have to deal with:

Depending on the violation's severity, you may also face:

Ask the court or your traffic attorney about all possible outcomes of losing your trial.

Guard Your Driving Record

Your MN driver record contains vital information! Make sure it accurately reflects the outcome of your traffic ticket fight by ordering a copy of your driving record for review.

Missing Your Court Date

Missing your court date is an unwise move. Failing to appear could result in:

  • License suspension.
  • Additional fines.
  • A warrant issued for your arrest.

If you don't think you'll be able to make your court date, call the proper county court as soon as possible and ask to reschedule.

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