Florida traffic-ticket representation
What Do I Do When I Get a Traffic Ticket?
You have three paths: pay it, have an attorney fight it, or—only after talking to counsel—consider a driver improvement course.
You must contact an attorney within 30 days. If you do not, you lose options. Your attorney can often buy you more time. Missing the 30 days will cost you extra fines and can even mean license suspension.
Option 1: Pay the Fine
If you pay the ticket, you pay the highest fine, you are adjudicated guilty, and it is added to your driving record.
That is not “handling it.” That is accepting the worst civil outcome on the citation—conviction, record entry, and points when they apply—plus the insurance and license risk that follow.
Related: Negative Consequences of Paying a Traffic Ticket · Don't Pay Your Traffic Ticket Yet
Option 2: Have Your Attorney Contest It
Your attorney will contact the clerk of court, request a hearing, go to court, and work for you to seek a dismissal, a lower fine, avoiding a finding of guilty, and avoiding points—when the law and facts allow.
In most traffic cases you will not have to appear. That is the point of hiring counsel: protect the record without you losing a day of work guessing what to say to the judge.
Option 3: Elect a Driver Improvement Course
You may be eligible to elect a driver improvement course. Do not do so without first talking to an attorney.
School can be the right move in some cases and the wrong move in others. Your attorney can tell you whether electing a course helps your citation—or whether fighting for dismissal, a lower fine, or avoiding a finding of guilty is the better path.
The 30-Day Clock
You must contact an attorney within 30 days. Wait, and you lose options.
Your attorney can often buy you more time. Missing the 30 days will cost you extra fines and can even lead to license suspension.
Common Questions
How long do I have to respond?
You must act within 30 days. Your attorney can often buy you more time. Missing the 30 days will cost you extra fines and can even mean license suspension.
Is paying the same as being found guilty?
Yes. When you pay, you pay the highest fine, you are adjudicated guilty, and it goes on your driving record.
Can my attorney help with points or a better result?
Yes. Your attorney can pursue dismissal, a lower fine, avoiding a finding of guilty, and avoiding points when available—and can advise whether a driver improvement course makes sense for your ticket.
Call Within 30 Days
Paying locks in guilt and the highest fine. Contesting through an attorney is how you fight for a better outcome. School is not a DIY default—talk to counsel first.
Contact an attorney within 30 days. Do not give your options away.