How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Kansas

In Kansas, traffic laws were established to ensure orderly road use. Road users who violate these laws are issued traffic tickets by the Kansas Highway Patrol. Kansas traffic tickets are notices of traffic infractions which are categorized into two; moving violations and non-moving violations. Moving violations refer to traffic offenses that occur while vehicles are in motion, while non-moving violations are infractions committed when the vehicle is at rest. Some examples of traffic violations in Kansas state include wrong parking, speeding, reckless driving, racing, and DUI (Driving Under the Influence). On each traffic ticket, alleged violators can find details of fines and the court to contact.

Although minor traffic violations attract fines, certain offenses come with more severe penalties, such as imprisonment, restricted driving privileges, driving record traffic citation buildup, driver’s license suspension, and increased insurance rates. According to Kansas traffic law, if the driver is issued a ticket in an area like a highway construction zone, the individual may face double fines.

Kansas views paid tickets as a conviction on a person’s driving record. Individuals who believe they have been wrongfully accused may fight a traffic ticket in court with or without the aid of a lawyer. If the judgment is favorable, the alleged offender’s driving record may be citation-free. State traffic laws also mandate drivers with traffic court cases to pay court costs before court dates. Uncontested or abandoned tickets may also lead to sanctions and penalties such as community service, possible jail time, or even driver’s license suspension from the Department of Licensing (DOL), according to K. S. A.8–2110.

Records of traffic violations and other public records may also be accessed from some third-party websites. Aggregate sites are a convenient alternative for inquirers interested in searching for multiple records across several US districts. To search these databases, however, users are typically expected to furnish the search engines 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. This includes information such as the city, county, or state that the person resides in or was accused in.

Third-party sites are operated independently of government sources. Consequently, the information provided by these sites should be verified through official custodians.

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

Fighting traffic tickets may take a considerable amount of time, but it may prove worth it if the driver feels unfairly booked by the Kansas Highway Patrol. To improve their chances, offenders are advised to employ the services of a seasoned traffic attorney in Kansas. Fighting a traffic ticket may help motorists prevent penalties such as higher auto insurance rates, license suspension, hefty fines, jail time, and points accumulation on driving records.

Ways to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Kansas

An alleged traffic offender who wishes to contest a traffic ticket can contact the court stated on the ticket. Pleading not guilty to a traffic ticket involves requesting a contested hearing. After notifying the relevant court, the alleged offender may receive a notice stating the date of arraignment in front of a judge and jury to plead not guilty. However, pleading not guilty does not automatically guarantee dismissal of the traffic citation; notwithstanding, the offender's case may be helped under any of the following conditions:

• Faulty equipment from the booking officer in cases of a speed limit
• First-time offenders
• The law enforcement officer is absent on the trial date

If proven innocent, the court typically dismisses the case and waives the traffic ticket. However, before contesting the traffic ticket, offenders are advised to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online to get the Kansas driving record review before proceeding to trial.

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket Without Going to Court

Offenders seeking to contest the ticket without appearing in court can get a trial by written declaration. This involves proceeding to trial by a written account against the ticket and mailing it to the relevant court in Kansas. The booking officer may do the same, and based on the two statements; the judge usually makes a decision such as a reduction of fine, case dismissal, or conviction. The declaration can be self-written or written by an attorney. An alleged traffic offender can also win a case without appearing in court if the officer involved does not meet the deadline to send the statement.

How Do You Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced in Kansas?

In Kansas, penalties for a traffic violation may be reduced, especially for first-time offenders. Citizens of Kansas can request a mitigation hearing to reduce fines from traffic citations. Requesting a mitigation hearing can result in a fine reduction, monthly payment plan, and community service. To find which payment plan is available, offenders can contact the traffic court clerk or visit the court’s website. Also, traffic violators may have traffic tickets reduced by completing a traffic school, if eligible. The costs of a traffic school may be significantly less than paying a traffic citation fine. Also, passing the traffic school may help the offender avoid accumulated infractions off the driving record.

Can You Get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed in Kansas?

Kansas uses a straightforward approach to punishing traffic law offenders. According to Kansas 8–1523, license suspension is most likely if an individual has three major moving violations in 12 months. It is possible to dismiss a speeding ticket by pleading not guilty and fighting the ticket in court or by taking a Defensive Driving Course in a court-approved traffic school to help dismiss the ticket and also reduce point build-up from the driver’s record. Interested persons may also contact the relevant county court through the clerk’s office for steps to take. In the rare case where the offender loses the traffic ticket, the Lost Traffic Ticket may be available online on the webpage of the Kansas DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles).

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

Traffic offenders who agree to pay a traffic ticket may be considered to have admitted guilt. Based on the severity of the traffic offense, the judge may ask the violator to pay huge fines plus court fees. Jail time is typically the highest punishment for traffic violators, which can range from two days to six months. Other penalties may include a one-year driver’s license suspension. Sometimes, the offender may have the driver’s license permanently revoked.

How to Find a Traffic Ticket Attorney in Kansas

Offenders are usually advised to hire an attorney to increase their chances of winning a case in traffic court. Many seasoned lawyers in Kansas specialize in traffic law. Members of the public may locate attorneys by state and county on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) webpage. Information provided in the traffic lawyer search includes lists of attorneys for DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or traffic tickets, addresses, phone numbers, as well as other contact information.