Contesting a ticket for failure to yield right of way?

Question

I received a ticket for failure to yield right of way in which i made a left turn in front of a police officer that claimed that he was turning directly across from me, but he was located so far back that it appeared that he was in the turning lane for the turn before the turn he said or at most a U-turn in which case the right of way would have been mine. On top of this he was so far back that he was breaking the law by crossing double yellow lines and and intruding on the split turning lanes for the traffic going the other way. What would be the best way to argue this case?

Answer 1

A lawyer, probably. They can negotiate with the prosecutor better than you can and they are pretty cheap - $75 to $200.

Answer 2

Talk to the cop before trial and apologize or you loose, I've done a lot of traffic court and have never seen the judge call a cop a liar.

Answer 3

    The problem you're going to have here is that in many states and provinces, the police car and other emergency vehicles have  a right of way that the rest of us don`t enjoy. In Canada, we can plead guilty to a traffic charge, and still have an option to argue the case  in court. This is much easier, as you don`t require a trial, and you don`t have  to present formal evidence to prove the case. That`s the route I would take. Take note however that normally, if you plead guilty, the judge is required by law  to fine you, although that may be minimal. And you will get the record. But frankly, you don,t have a strong case.  

Answer 4

you should of paid the ticket get the charge reduced and been done with it. a trial by jury is more involved if found guilty you could be looking at court fees and costs. you might want to get a lawyer and that is not a sure bet. it doesn't matter what you feel. the cop has the upper hand. good luck  

Answer 5

The best way fight a ticket is to hire a lawyer.  I know this sounds like too much, but trust me....You will not win this in court.  If anything, they might lower the ticket but if you think your word pulls more weight than the police officer you are just being silly.

If you hire a lawyer, they wont be in the mood to drag it out and they will drop it.  If you are a person of principle, then pay the lawyer and not the state! Good luck.

Answer 6

Honestly.. your going to lose and its going to cost you much more in the long run. Just by not pleading guilty at the first court appearance you added court costs when you lose.. if you hire a lawyer he will charge you more than the price of the ticket just for a retainer.

Your words against the officers.. whos word to you think the law will take?

Answer 7

Just pay your fine and forget about it.