How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Minnesota

In Minnesota, a traffic ticket is an official citation issued by a law enforcement officer to persons charged with violating traffic laws in the state. Minnesota traffic violations range from petty offenses to serious felony traffic violations. A traffic ticket usually contains the name of the offender, the vehicle registration details, the offense, the traffic law relevant to the offense, the receiver’s response, and any associated penalties. Traffic citations may be payable or non-payable. While payable citations may be resolved by paying fines, non-payable citations typically require a court appearance. A ticket recipient can enter a guilty or not-guilty plea. A guilty plea usually leads to a conviction per Minnesota traffic laws, and the penalty options for traffic violations in the state include payment of fines, imprisonment, or losing driving privileges. Ultimately, convictions on Minnesota driving records are visible when the involved party seeks to get a license in another state.

Public records may also be accessible from some third-party websites. Since these sites host records from various judicial districts, they offer a convenient and expedited alternative to some government-owned repositories. To search these databases, inquirers are typically required to furnish the engine with the following:

• The name of the person involved in the record, unless they are a juvenile
• The location or assumed location of the record or person involved

Given that aggregate sites are operated independently of government sources, the information obtained from them may be inaccurate, incomplete, or inapplicable following a recently issued court order or state statute.

Is it Worth it To Fight a Traffic Ticket in Minnesota?

Minnesota residents have the right to appear in court to fight a traffic ticket. They also have the right to request a jury trial. The involved party may decide to either self-represent in court or get the services of an attorney. Fighting a ticket in a Minnesota court of law gives the involved party the chance to avoid the penalties of a driving conviction. The recipient should understand the nuances involved in the rules of court.

Ways to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Minnesota

The procedure for fighting a ticket in Minnesota varies from county to county. However, the procedural framework is the same:

Interested parties are typically expected to visit the applicable courthouse to schedule an appearance with the court within 30 days of receiving the citation. The following counties provide hearing officer appointments to persons who wish to contest their tickets: Ramsey, Hennepin, Dakota, and Washington. Hearing officers assess the case and provide options based on the merit of the case and any previous violation record. Available options for clearing a ticket are:

• Reduction in fine
• Guilty plea with explanation
• Installment payment arrangement
• Dismissal with payment of prosecution costs

For other counties, contact the local court for more information.

Defendants may appeal their case if the hearing officer’s options do not favor them. If all the aforementioned options fail or the defendant insists on a court appearance, the hearing officer may set the case for a trial by the laws regarding misdemeanor traffic violations. Hearings for petty offenses may be held within 30 days of setting the trial date; if not, the defendant may lose the right to one, according to the statutes regarding trial of traffic cases.

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket Without Going to Court

Attendance at a court hearing is mandatory unless there is adequate representation by an attorney. Hearing Officer appointments are made possible by remote technology or by mail. Eligible parties can schedule one by contacting the Court Payment Center. For a remote technology appointment, parties are usually required to have the following:

• Valid and current photo ID (birth certificates are not acceptable)
• Evidence of vehicle insurance. A cover letter from the company or a copy of the policy is acceptable.
• Accident report, if applicable.
• Colored copy of photo proof of correction of equipment violations, license plates, and relevant receipts
• Original copy of disability permit, if applicable.
• Presence of parent or guardian (with juvenile offenders)

The system allows persons other than the ticketed party to meet the hearing officer as per parking violations. Mail hearings typically require:

• A clear, readable copy of driver’s license
• A copy of the citation
• A statement of the circumstances of the offense

Note that these options are usually only applicable to payable citations.

How Do You Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced in Minnesota?

A “guilty with an explanation plea” option usually offers offenders a chance of a ticket fine reduction. Alternatively, the hearing officer may recommend a reduction based on the merit of the case. If it is not reducible, the option of payment in installments may be considered.

Can you Get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed in Minnesota?

To get a ticket dismissed in Minnesota, the alleged offender is typically required to fight the ticket in court. However, in selected cases, a hearing officer may also recommend that a ticket be dismissed when the defendant completes the payment of the prosecutor’s fees. Besides, gross errors on the ticket could also lead to a dismissal of the case. For example, if the name of the ticketed party, vehicle information, or location do not match with the details of the defendant.

What Happens If You Plead Guilty to a Traffic Ticket in Minnesota?

When a traffic ticket recipient pays off a fine without a contest, the court may enter a default guilty plea on behalf of the defendant. A guilty plea translates to a conviction in Minnesota. The court sends the conviction records to the Department of Public Safety where they are assessed as points on the party’s driving record. The accumulation of assessed points can lead to the suspension or revocation of the party’s driver’s license. The aftermath of assessed points also causes an increase in insurance rates. If fines do not come in within the stipulated period, the court may enter a default judgement for the party and may issue an arrest warrant.

How to Find a Traffic Ticket Attorney in Minnesota

The experience and expertise of a traffic ticket attorney may increase a defendant’s chance of being declared not-guilty. Interested parties can get the list of attorneys in a county by visiting the county information offices or website for a directory. The Minnesota Judicial Branch also provides links to the Minnesota Bar Association, where traffic attorneys may be looked up or contacted. Additionally, some traffic ticket attorneys have websites accessible through an internet search. Also, some third-party websites provide online directories of attorneys by state, county, and expertise.