Hope… But Don’t Count On a Vermont Traffic Ticket Dismissal

No attorney  has a magic wand to make cases disappear.   What they do have is a set of skills and knowledge that help them leverage each case in a fashion that gives their client the best possible chance to avoid significant consequences for their traffic ticket.  Does the knowledge and acumen of a Vermont traffic ticket lawyer always lead to a dismissal?  I would be a straight out liar to say that it would.  However, with the specialized knowledge of the process, the officer and the presiding judge, it is reasonable to conclude that a motorists’ chances of reaching a favorable resolution (dismissal or amendment to a lessor charge) in their Vermont traffic ticket increases the better one knows the rules of the system and the players involved.

So what knowledge is needed to best prepare for a traffic hearing in a Vermont Traffic Court?  That heavily depends on the officer and the judge who will serve as the other parties in the matter.  Certain officers and judge’s rely on specific documentation a client can provide to assist them in determining what type of offer they are willing to give in a traffic ticket case.  A motorist’s driving record from the their home state  is a good first step in achieving the necessary documentation.  Some States, such as New York, (https://dmv.ny.gov/dmv-records/get-my-own-driving-record-abstract) allow driver’s to quickly secure their DMV record online. Other States ,such as New Jersey, require a more extensive process that can take up to 14 days to complete.

Beyond a DMV driving abstract there are other discoverable materials that the officer may be required to produce if requested by the defense prior to the hearing taking place. Requesting evidence such as the cruiser dash cam, body-camera, radar calibration certificates and other pieces of evidence relevant to the charge to only provide the defense with additional evidence to present their case, but also may allow for further leverage in plea negotiations if the requests are not fulfilled in a timely manner.

There is no way to guarantee a result in a Vermont traffic ticket case.  However, by preparing the case properly  and presenting the best facts possible both to the officer and, if need be, the judge, a motorist is putting their best case forward and increasing the likelihood of a favorable result in their Vermont traffic ticket case.