Three Things You Should Do At The Time Of A Traffic Stop To Help A Traffic Attorney

Posted on: 6 January 2022

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When you are initially pulled over by a police officer, your mind may not go to fighting the ticket or hiring a traffic attorney to fight the ticket. However, the actions you take immediately after you are pulled over can have an impact on the ability of a traffic attorney to defend you against the ticket you receive. Here are three things that you should get in the habit of doing if you are pulled over and cited by a police officer, especially if you think you may fight the ticket. 

1. Write Down the Exact Date and Time You Were Pulled Over

If you were pulled over, one of the first things you want to do is note the exact date and time that you were pulled over. This is important for two reasons. First, it allows a traffic attorney to subpoena any cameras on the police officer's vehicle or body cam footage. This footage may be used to discredit actions such as running a stop sign or running a red light. Secondly, this information is important if you were cited for speeding and a radar gun was used. Radar guns need to be properly maintained and calibrated. If the gun was even a minute past the calibration or maintenance time, the reading can be off, and thus, your traffic ticket should be dismissed. 

2. Photograph Any Roadway Signs Pertaining to Your Ticket

Another important thing to do if you are pulled over and cited for a traffic infraction is to photograph any roadway signs that pertain to your ticket. For example, if you missed a stop sign because the sign was covered by an overgrown tree, photograph it. If you were cited for making an illegal U-turn but there was no sign saying no u-turns, photograph it. These signs, or lack thereof, can be instrumental in helping a traffic attorney defend your case. 

3. Film the Flow of Traffic and Weather Conditions

Finally, after you are pulled over and cited for a traffic infraction, particularly speeding, pull out your cellphone camera and film the flow of traffic and the current weather conditions. If a lawyer can show a judge that traffic conditions were perfect and the flow of traffic was fast, they may be able to argue that you were just keeping up with the flow of traffic and that your traffic ticket should be dismissed or reduced. 

The actions you take after you are pulled over and cited by a police officer or highway patrolman can provide a traffic attorney with evidence that they can then use to fight the ticket you received. This evidence is vital to helping to get the ticket reduced or dismissed. If you have received a traffic ticket, reach out to a traffic attorney to discuss any possible defenses that may be available to you.