Most people who get traffic tickets don't bother to challenge them. They just pay the fine and accept the consequences. But paying a traffic is essentially an admission of guilt, and getting a ticket at the wrong time can result in the loss of driving privileges and increased insurance rates. A traffic attorney can help fight tickets and possibly get them dismissed, but this option isn't the best for everyone. Here are two questions to ask to determine if this is the right choice for you.

Are There Grounds to Dispute the Ticket?

It's a myth that you can't fight a traffic ticket if you're guilty of the crime. Whether you did what the cop said or not, though, your chances of getting the ticket dismissed—or, at least, the consequences reduced—is to prove you didn't commit the infraction, show you were legally justified to break the traffic law, or the ticket is invalid for technical reasons.

For instance, the cop gives you a ticket for failing to stop at a stop sign. However, the stop sign was obscured by a large bush. If you can produce pictures of the area showing the sign was hidden, the judge will dismiss the ticket because you didn't know you were supposed to stop at the intersection.

Unless you're familiar with traffic laws or know how to read tickets, it can be challenging to determine whether the ticket is disputable or not. Therefore, it's a good idea to consult with an attorney about the specifics of your case to figure out if you have grounds to fight before you spend hundreds of dollars hiring an attorney.

Are the Consequences Higher than the Costs?

A lot of times, people simply pay the ticket because the cost of fighting it is more than the fine they have to pay. For instance, you would have to take time off work to go to court, which may cost your hundreds of dollars in lost wages. If you're not at risk of suffering any other consequences except inconvenience, then it may be best to resolve the matter by paying what you owe simply.

However, sometimes it's much more expensive not to fight the ticket. As noted previously, you can lose your driving privileges if you get too many points on your license, and your insurance premiums may skyrocket if you are convicted. In cases like this, it's worth paying the money to have an attorney work on getting the ticket dismissed or, at least, make a deal with the court for reduced penalties.

For more information about fighting a traffic ticket or to talk to someone about your case, contact your local traffic attorneys.