Cited For Running A Stop Sign? Defenses A Traffic Law Attorney May Use To Fight The Ticket

If you were cited for failing to stop at a stop sign, you may think that the only thing you can do is pay the citation and move on. After all, it is your word against the officer's. But, there are many different defenses that can be raised to help fight the ticket. A traffic law attorney can help you put together a defense that may help you get the ticket dismissed. Here are three common defenses that are used to defend against failure to stop at stop sign tickets. 

The Stop Sign Was Obscured or Hidden

One of the top defenses used when fighting a ticket for running a stop sign is that the stop sign was obscured or hidden. A stop sign has to be visible in order for you to know it is there and stop accordingly. If the sign is obscured because tree branches are hanging over the sign or someone hit the sign and knocked it over, you may not be able to see it and be able to safely come to a full and complete stop. If this is the case, be sure to take pictures of the obscured or hidden stop sign to help with your defense. 

The Police Officer Couldn't See Where You Stopped

Another common defense that is used to help fight failure to stop at stop sign citations is that the police officer couldn't see where you stopped. In some cases, you may have stopped a few feet back from the stop sign or the line on the ground indicating where to stop. But if the officer is hiding around the corner, they may not have been in an angle to see that you did stop and where. These cases can be challenging to prove, but a great attorney can raise reasonable doubt, which may get a judge to throw the ticket out. 

Your Actions Were Justified

The last defense that is used if you were cited for running a stop sign is that your actions were justified. If someone is tailgating you, you may not want to stop at the stop sign because you know they will rear end you. Or, if you see illegal behavior taking place on a corner, you may not feel safe coming to a full and complete stop. If there was a reason why you did not stop, a judge has the ability to hear your reasons and rule whether they feel your actions were justified or not. 

These three defenses are the most common defenses used to fight a ticket you may have received for running a stop sign. However, they are not the only defenses that may be raised. If you have been cited for failing to stop at a stop sign, contact a traffic law lawyer today to find out how they can help you work to get your ticket dismissed. 

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