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Watch your attitude: When pulled over, do not take the occasion to impress your friends and "rage against the machine." Such behavior only motivates the officer to punish you more severely. Mind your manners and adopt proper etiquette, remembering that anything you say can and will be used against you. A bit of respect may earn you a get-out-of-jail-free card. - 2
Take notes. If you want to contest the ticket, a clear record of the event may go a long way to getting you off the hook. Write down all the details highlighting any mitigating circumstances such as obscured signs, poor visibility, crossing moose or anything else that may reasonably account for your infraction. Whenever possible, take a photograph as evidence. - 3
Get the facts: Before you challenge the law, make sure you understand it clearly. Obtain a copy of the statute or ordinance you are accused of violating. It may be possible to question its validity. Vermont law also enables you to obtain all information regarding your ticket directly from the Police Department, which is essential for any challenges. - 4). Confer with a lawyer or legal specialist. Professional consultation can be costly, usually more than the ticket, but extremely useful. Relevant advice can also be found through motorists' rights groups, such as the National Motorists Association, which can easily be accessed online (motorists.org).
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Go to court: Just showing up at court may earn you a reprieve since an officer does not show up in around a third of the cases. When he does, do not only be on your best behavior, but also be well versed in the process in order to defend yourself more effectively. Even if you can't convince the judge of your innocence, most cases that go to court end up with a reduced penalty. - 6). Appeal. If the first hearing doesn't do the trick, a second might. A different judge may see it your way and by the time the appeal occurs, the officer may no longer have a clear recollection of the incident. Not only that, Vermont also allows violators to ask for a trial by jury, although those are extremely rare.
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