Legal Question in Traffic Law in Florida

Re: running a stop sign

In response to your question, I can only speak about the procedures here in the various counties in North Fla. Basically, you need to request a hearing at the Clerk's Office. Up here, they 1st set it for a pre-trial. That is where you show up on that date and advise the Court that you do want a trial. The judge gives you a trial date and you leave.

Traffic trials are a bit informal. First the officer stands in front of the judge and states his/her version of the facts. Then you get to state your version. If you have any witnesses, they get to speak. then the judge rules. It is basically your word against the officer's.

I often advise my clients not to go to trial. first they save $500 to $750 for my fees and they avoid the risk of getting adjudicated guilty (which means points and a fine.). We usually ask the judge for a withhold of adjudication of guilt (no points)and court costs. If my client does not have a bad driving record or hasn't had a ticket in a while, we usually get that. I will fight for my clients, but I advise them to pick their fights that are worth fighting. A traffic ticket may not be worth it. If I can help in North Fla., please give us a call. Good luck. Tom Rosenblum