Complete Step-by-Step Guide • 2025 Updated
How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Miami
Complete guide to fighting your traffic ticket in Miami-Dade County. Learn exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to protect your driving record. Written by experienced traffic attorneys.
97%
Success Rate
30
Days to Act
Free
This Guide
What You'll Learn
Your Three Options
Pay, attend court, or hire an attorney
Critical Deadlines
Don't miss your 30-day window
Technical Defects
How to spot errors that get tickets dismissed
Court Process
What to expect if you go to traffic court
Step-by-Step: How to Fight Your Traffic Ticket
Read Your Ticket Carefully (Within 24 Hours)
Look at the citation date, violation code, court date (if listed), and officer information. Take photos of your ticket front and back. Check for any obvious errors like wrong date, wrong vehicle description, or missing signatures. These mistakes can get your ticket dismissed immediately.
Don't Pay the Ticket Yet (You Have 30 Days)
Paying the ticket means you admit guilt. Once you pay, you cannot fight it. Points go on your license automatically and insurance companies get notified. Instead, use your 30-day window to explore your options. Our free AI scan takes 60 seconds and finds technical defects.
Check for Technical Defects (Free Scan Available)
Many tickets have technical errors that lead to automatic dismissal: missing officer certification, improper radar calibration, vague location descriptions, incorrect violation codes, or missing required information. Our AI technology scans your ticket and finds these defects instantly. If we find defects, we can get it dismissed for just $35.
Understand Your Three Options
Option 1: Pay the ticket (admits guilt, points on license, insurance increases). Option 2: Attend traffic court yourself (miss work, wait hours, may not win). Option 3: Hire an attorney (we appear for you, much better success rate, often costs less than insurance increase). Most people choose Option 3.
File Your Response (Before 30-Day Deadline)
If fighting the ticket, you must respond within 30 days. You can: elect to attend traffic court (you appear), request mitigation hearing (explain why you did it), or hire an attorney (we handle everything). Missing the deadline means automatic conviction. We can file for you the same day.
Prepare Your Defense (We Do This for You)
If we find technical defects, we file a motion to dismiss citing specific legal errors. If no defects, we prepare a full legal defense: gather evidence, review officer training records, check equipment calibration, interview witnesses if needed, and prepare legal arguments. You don't do any of this - we handle everything.
Court Hearing or Motion Review
For dismissible tickets ($35), the judge reviews our motion in chambers. You don't appear. For standard defense ($89), our attorney appears in court on your behalf. You still don't have to appear. We handle all court proceedings while you go about your normal day.
Get Your Result (Usually 2-8 Weeks)
Most dismissible cases resolve in 2-4 weeks. Standard defense cases take 4-8 weeks. You receive official documentation: dismissed (no fine, no points), reduced to non-moving violation (no points), or reduced fine. If dismissed, it's like the ticket never happened. No record, no insurance increase, no points.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Case
❌ Paying the Ticket Too Quickly
Once you pay, you can't fight it. Always check for defects first. Our free scan takes 60 seconds.
❌ Missing the 30-Day Deadline
Miss this and you automatically lose. Mark your calendar the day you get the ticket.
❌ Admitting Guilt to the Officer
Anything you say can be used against you. Be polite but don't admit you were speeding or ran the light.
❌ Going to Court Unprepared
Judges hear 100+ cases daily. Without preparation and legal knowledge, you'll likely lose.
❌ Not Taking Photos of the Scene
If signage is unclear or stop sign is blocked, photos help your case. Take them within 24 hours.
❌ Ignoring Traffic School Options
Sometimes traffic school can remove points. But many tickets can be dismissed entirely - that's even better.
Why Fighting Your Ticket Saves You Money
Cost of Paying the Ticket
- •
Ticket fine: $150-$500 (varies by violation)
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Court costs: $40-$80 additional
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Insurance increase: $300-$800 per year for 3 years
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License points: 3-4 points (closer to suspension)
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Total 3-year cost: $1,200-$3,000+
Cost of Fighting the Ticket
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If dismissible: $35 total (we file motion to dismiss)
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If not dismissible: $89 total (attorney representation)
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Insurance increase: $0 (if dismissed or reduced)
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License points: 0 points (if dismissed)
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Total cost: $35-$89 (saves you $1,000-$3,000+)
💡 Simple math: Fighting your ticket costs $35-$89. Paying it costs $1,200-$3,000+ over 3 years. Even if you were actually speeding, technical defects can still get it dismissed.
Your Three Options (Simple Breakdown)
Option 1
Pay the Ticket
- ✗ Admit you're guilty
- ✗ Points on your license
- ✗ Insurance goes up 20-40%
- ✗ Costs $1,200-$3,000+ total
⚠️ Not recommended
Option 2
Go to Court Yourself
- ✓ Can fight the ticket
- ✗ Miss work for court date
- ✗ Wait 2-4 hours at court
- ✗ Low success rate without lawyer
⚖️ Possible but difficult
Option 3
Hire an Attorney
- ✓ 97% success rate
- ✓ No court appearance for you
- ✓ AI finds defects in 60 seconds
- ✓ Costs $35-$89 (saves $1,000+)
✅ Recommended by attorneys
When to Fight vs When to Pay
✅ Always Fight These Tickets
- • Speeding tickets (radar/lidar often have defects)
- • Red light cameras (85% have technical errors)
- • School zone tickets (timing errors common)
- • Stop sign violations (visibility issues)
- • Careless driving (serious, needs attorney)
- • Any ticket over $150 (insurance impact too high)
ℹ️ Consider Paying These (Rare)
- • Equipment tickets under $50 (if already fixed)
- • Parking tickets (no points, minor cost)
- • Valid citations you can't contest (very rare with our AI)
💡 Note: Even these might have defects. Our free scan takes 60 seconds - always worth checking first.
Common Questions About Fighting Tickets
What if I was actually guilty?
Doesn't matter! If your ticket has technical defects (and most do), it gets dismissed regardless of guilt. Our AI finds these defects instantly. Examples: radar not calibrated properly, officer certification expired, vague location description, missing information on citation.
Do I have to appear in court?
No. For dismissible tickets ($35), we file a written motion. The judge reviews it in chambers - you don't appear. For standard defense ($89), our attorneys appear in court for you. In both cases, you never have to take time off work or go to court.
How long does the whole process take?
Dismissible cases (when we find technical defects): 2-4 weeks typically. Standard defense cases: 4-8 weeks. Some complex cases may take 2-3 months. We handle everything and keep you updated.
What are my chances of winning?
With TicketToro: 97% success rate. We achieve dismissal or significant reduction in 97% of cases. Without an attorney: about 20-30% success rate. Prosecutors and judges are more willing to negotiate with attorneys.
Can I still fight an old ticket?
If it's within 30 days, yes. After 30 days, options are limited. If you already paid, no - paying means you admitted guilt and the case is closed. If you missed your court date, we may be able to help reopen the case.
Related Guide Topics
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