Ticket Snipers helps parents as they help their teens fight traffic tickets. Mistakes are often part of learning, and for many teen drivers, that may result in a traffic ticket (or two). But fortunately, there are things that you can do together to fight the ticket and win – because teamwork makes the dream work.
Ticket Snipers gives you tips on helping your teen fight a traffic ticket. Drivers in Los Angeles can contact Ticket Snipers to get their tickets dismissed.
Was your teen justified?
Firstly, it’s important to figure out if your teen driver had a legitimate reason for their actions. Were they speeding in order to create distance from a dangerously swerving driver? Did they move quickly to avoid an animal? Was there fog restricting their vision? Was their vehicle stuck in an illegal parking spot due to a mechanical failure? Many of these reasons are understandable and will get the ticket dropped without further question.
Appearances matter.
Unfortunately, many judges will have a bias against teenagers. It’s important to remember that these hardworking court officials are seeing large numbers of people day in and day out. Some teens can come across disrespectful, apathetic, or simply ignorant. As humans, our brains are wired to make snap judgments about our environments, and the courtroom is no different. The halo effect has been proven to impact our decisions about others. When your teenager looks clean, well dressed, and well groomed, they will automatically carry more credibility into the courtroom.
Speak calmly.
As the old saying goes, “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Due to mirror neurons, people tend to match the tone and quality of those around them. (We are a social species, after all.) So if you and your teen blast into the room with a red hot anger and something to prove, that sort of hostility will likely be returned to you. On the other hand, if you express yourself in a calm and respectful manner, you will come across as more composed, level headed, and more likely to be innocent.
If the officer doesn’t show…
Although it is rare, if the police officer who wrote the ticket does not appear in court on the date of the trial, then the judge may dismiss the ticket altogether. Ultimately, it is the officer’s word against your teen’s, and if the officer isn’t present, their side is not accounted for. But it’s best to show up prepared and expect to speak your side of the story.
If you’d like additional help fighting your teen’s traffic ticket, get started here and learn what you can do!