How To Fight a Traffic Ticket in Wyoming

Traffic tickets in Wyoming are citations issued to individuals who violate traffic laws within the state. Depending on the location of the traffic offense, officers of both the state and local law enforcement agencies may be responsible for issuing traffic tickets. Offenders may receive tickets for either a moving violation or a non-moving violation. Moving violations are offenses that occur when the vehicle is in motion, like speeding, illegal changing of lanes, and reckless driving.

Non-moving violations, like parking, typically occur when the vehicle is not in motion during the transgression. The penalty for traffic violations generally depends on the severity of the offense.

Traffic tickets in Wyoming usually indicate the penalty of the offense. Typically, minor traffic offenses are punishable by fines payable to the circuit or local municipal court. To settle the tickets, offenders must plead guilty, and these convictions are then noted on their driving records. However, some offenses may require offenders to make an appearance in a state court. Such violations are usually severe and may involve serious damage to properties, serious injuries caused to persons, or death.

Persons who receive traffic tickets also have the option of contesting it in court. They can make their intention to contest the ticket known to the appropriate court by submitting a not-guilty plea, following which a hearing is scheduled. Defendants may have the option of settling the traffic citation with the prosecutor to prevent going to trial. If the case goes to trial, defendants may present their argument and evidence before a judge/jury.

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

To contest a traffic ticket in Wyoming, alleged offenders usually have to plead not guilty to the offenses in court. Compared to paying ticket fines, fighting traffic tickets may take more time due to the court proceedings, especially if the case goes to trial. Defendants may also find it more expensive because of court costs and attorney fees. If the judge/jury finds the defendant guilty of the traffic violation, they are expected to pay the full fine charges and other related court fees. However, defendants may strike a plea bargain with the state prosecutor and avoid trial proceedings.

Ways to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Wyoming

Interested persons who wish to fight a Wyoming traffic ticket can submit a plea of not guilty to a state Circuit Court or their local Municipal Court. The court may schedule a hearing for the defendant and prosecutor to present their arguments. A judge or jury presides over the hearing and makes a decision based on the facts presented by both sides.

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket Without Going to Court in Wyoming

Persons who wish to fight traffic tickets in Wyoming are usually required to appear in court. Currently, Wyoming state laws provide no other options for parties that want to contest a traffic ticket. Traffic court hearings are typically presided over by a judge or jury. The defendant has the opportunity to present witnesses, evidence, arguments, and facts to aid a possible dismissal of their tickets. Failure to appear in court may result in more fines alongside other penalties as decided by the judge/jury.

How Do You Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced in Wyoming?

Individuals guilty of a traffic offense in Wyoming may have their ticket reduced by requesting a mitigation hearing. Usually, traffic tickets contain instructions on how to do this. Mitigation hearings may also help offenders get a lesser penalty in lieu of resolving the ticket through the standard options. Mitigation hearings in favor of the traffic offender may result in the reduction of fines or community service instead of the full payment of the original charges. Offenders who cannot pay their fines at once may also request a monthly payment plan from the court. Defendants should, however, note that they cannot appeal a judge’s decision.

Can You Get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, motorists who are eligible to participate in a defensive driving program can get their speeding tickets dismissed. The court typically allows the dismissal of tickets for traffic violators who complete an approved defensive driving course and pay the necessary fees. Defensive driving requirements usually depend on the local municipal court in the jurisdiction where the offense occurred. In Laramie City, motorists do not qualify for defensive driving if they have any of the following charges:

• Overtaking a school bus
• Speeding above twenty-five miles per hour or more than the approved speed limit
• Speeding in a school zone
• Speeding that led to an accident
• Reckless driving
• Driving under the influence of illegal substances

Also, motorists with commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) are not eligible to partake in the program.

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

Pleading guilty to a traffic ticket in Wyoming may be considered an admission of guilt. Offenders who do not have to appear in court may resolve their tickets by pleading guilty and paying the ticket fine. Offenders whose ticket indicates that they have to appear in court may plead guilty and negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor to avoid going to trial. However, by pleading guilty, the convictions usually appear on the offender’s driving records. Wyoming does not use the traffic point system like other states. Motorists who receive more than three moving violations in a year may be penalized by the suspension of their license. The Department of Transportation suspends offenders’ licenses for up to 90 days. For further violations, the DOT extends the suspension window to 90 days for each offense.

How to Find a Traffic Ticket Attorney in Wyoming

If an offender chooses to contest their ticket, they may hire a traffic ticket attorney to help their case in court. Attorneys are usually more knowledgeable about the state’s traffic regulations, and they can help to present good arguments in court to dismiss a ticket. Persons looking to hire a traffic ticket attorney may contact the clerk of court to see if they have any resources that they can utilize or check the court’s site.