How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Nevada

In Nevada, traffic tickets are issued to road users by law enforcement officers following a traffic violation. Traffic offenses may lead to the suspension of the driver’s license, additional points on the driver’s record, or an increase in the motorist’s car insurance premium.

Alleged traffic violators may choose to pay the ticket, which could be seen as an admission of guilt. However, the alleged offender has the option to contest a traffic ticket if they can prove that the ticket was undeserved. On the other hand, unresolved tickets in Nevada can lead to revocation of license.

To fight a Nevada traffic ticket, the driver is typically required to plead not guilty to the ticket. Although the driver can enter this plea via mail or online, offenders are typically advised to do so in person at the court. When fighting a traffic ticket, defendants are advised to hire legal representation. If the motorist is found not guilty, the driver is absolved of associated charges. If found guilty, the offender is informed of their penalties.

Public traffic records are also managed and disseminated by third-party aggregate sites. These sites aggregate public information from several jurisdictions, offering a convenient, remote alternative to querying local custodians for records. To use these sites, inquirers are usually expected to furnish the search engine with:

• The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
• The location or assumed location of the record or person involved; includes information such as the city, county, or state that person resides in or was accused in.

Third-party sites are not affiliated with government sources nor sponsored by these government agencies. Consequently, record availability, accuracy, and validity may not be guaranteed.

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

It may be worth it to fight a Nevada traffic ticket if the alleged offender can prove their innocence beyond all reasonable doubt. However, fighting a ticket can be tasking. Nonetheless, it is better than racking up points on a driving record. Pleading guilty to a traffic ticket can lead to more financial and legal implications, such as license suspensions, increases in insurance premiums, attending traffic school, and fines.

Ways to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Nevada

Nevada traffic tickets can be fought following these steps:

• Show that a necessary element of the traffic offense is missing.

Offenses are typically broken down into elements before being used as proof of a conviction. For example, a distracted driving offense requires two elements: the driver and whether the driver was using a device, such as a cell phone. If the state cannot prove one of these elements, the judge is typically required to find the accused not guilty. So if the evidence is weak or there is a missing element, case dismissal is possible.

• Challenge the Officer’s Subjective Conclusion

In some cases, the officer puts down a subjective judgment of the event stating how the driver violated the law. The driver can challenge the officer’s view of what happened. For instance, when a driver receives a ticket for an unsafe right turn, it is based on the officer’s belief that the action is dangerous. In court, the driver can challenge this judgment and give the judge good reasons why the turn was safe.

• Prove the Conduct Was Necessary to Avoid Serious Harm

Certain situations involve a driver swerving dangerously, changing lanes, or violating a traffic law to avoid severe harm. In these cases, the driver can beat the traffic ticket by stating the “legal necessity” defense and supporting the claim. The point is to convince the jury that the action violates traffic law to avoid severe harm to the driver or pedestrians.

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket Without Going to Court

In the state of Nevada, it is impossible to fight traffic tickets without appearing in court. Drivers can go online to pay for traffic citations or pay via mail, which automatically means pleading guilty to the charge, and the case ends. Paying the ticket means dropping the option of going to court and fighting the charges. If a driver wants to contest a Nevada traffic ticket, the driver may be required to appear in court and plead not guilty.

How Do You Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced in Nevada?

To reduce a traffic ticket in Nevada:

• Contact the State Attorney

Drivers may negotiate with the state attorney to reduce the fine for the ticket. When contesting a traffic ticket, dismissal or reduction of the citation is ultimately up to the attorney in charge of the agency and the police who issued the ticket.

• Appear in Court

If the driver needs to reduce their points, they may find it easier to go to court, admit the mistake, and provide a good reason to the judge for reducing the penalty. During the court appearance, the driver should consider apologizing and promising not to make the same mistake again. Judges are also likely to take into account the driver's politeness towards the officer during the traffic stop and after receiving the citation.

• Be Proactive

Most traffic courts provide first-time offenders with administrative support and have developed a system to allow such individuals to avoid court appearances. For example, first-time violators may be able to reduce the charge or keep points off their driver’s license by taking an online driving course or enrolling in a traffic school.

Can You Get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed in Nevada?

Yes, speeding ticket dismissal in Nevada may involve contacting the state’s attorney. A driver is typically eligible to request a dismissal of charges that has fewer penalties. However, when talking to the state attorney, the driver is typically required to explain why the court should dismiss the ticket. To dismiss a speeding ticket in Nevada, interested persons can do the following:

• Contact the Court: Whether the driver pleads guilty or not guilty, it is essential to notify the court before the ticket’s date. If the alleged offender does not send a notice to the court, the court may issue a bench warrant for the driver’s arrest.
• Get a Legal Representative: Even though getting an attorney might be pricey in Nevada, it may offer a better chance of getting the case dismissed with an attorney’s aid.
• Take an Online Ticket Dismissal Course: This may prove to the court that the driver is responsible and that the violation was a momentary lapse in judgment. It may also lead to the dismissal of up to three points from the driver’s record, and if taken seriously, it is likely to earn the driver a 3-point credit.

What Happens if You Plead Guilty to a Traffic Ticket in Nevada?

When a driver receives a ticket, the officer requests that the road user sign the citation. The signature pledges that the driver will show up in court or pay for the ticket within 10 days. If the driver declines to sign the ticket, the officer can arrest the person on the spot.

Pleading guilty may be considered an admission of guilt, waiving the right to a trial, and not contesting the ticket. After paying the fine either in person or online, the case ends. The penalties for traffic violations depend on the severity of the offense. Law enforcement usually communicates the penalties immediately to the driver. Examples of traffic violation penalties are the suspension of license, points added to the driver’s record, and high insurance premiums.

How to Find a Traffic Ticket Attorney in Nevada

Alleged offenders are advised to employ a traffic ticket attorney’s services if they want to fight a ticket. The expertise of a legal representative may significantly improve the chances of winning the case. Traffic ticket attorneys for each county can be found online or in person in the court where the case is being handled.