fighting your traffic ticket

The California Vehicle Code specifies that you can contest your traffic tickets through a trial by written declaration (CVC 40902). The way this works is that you first plead "Not Guilty," pay your bail (or fine) and request a trial by written declaration, send in a written statement of facts as to why you think you should be found "not guilty," and wait for the judge (or some other "administrative official") to rule on your case. The cop that wrote you the ticket has to also submit a written statement of facts (some never do, it's a huge hassle for them to do so).

That said, this is my favorite way to fight traffic tickets. I've successfully fought a traffic citation a year ago where I allegedly ran a red light through a trial by written declaration. The judge found me not guilty and I got a check back for the $271 in bail I sent in earlier.

I've also successfully helped several people fight their traffic tickets this way--for speeding, running red lights--you name it. I recently helped a friend prepare his defense in his written declaration trial for getting a speeding ticket and he won his case. This is the fourth case that I've helped to win (including mine!) so i'm on a roll.