Traffic Tickets: What Happens If The Officer Doesn’t Show Up to Court?

Getting a traffic ticket is a real headache. Really, the whole process over that piece of paper is such a pain that people often simply pay their tickets just to make the annoying experience go away. However, it is important to consider how they can have damaging effects in some areas in your life.

If you disagree with the moving violation you’ve received, there is one most widespread myth that recurs again and again with traffic tickets. The question in hand? “What happens if the officer doesn’t show up to court?”

Traffic Tickets: To Contest or Not To Contest?

First off, there are many reasons you should consider contesting your ticket: negative consequences to insurance rates, points on your driving license… The consequences resulting from a moving violation can be particularly compounded if you have existing points on your driving record or if you drive for a living.

While weighing out your options, there are some things you don’t have a choice in. Regardless of whether the officer makes it to court, if you miss your initial court date, it will result in having a warrant issued and a hold put on your license. If you will not be attending court, you must call the court in advance, or hire an attorney to represent you.

There are also some charges, such as the following, in Ohio, where it becomes mandatory to appear in court:

• OVI/DUI
• Hit and Run
• Driving With a Suspended License
• Driving Without a License
• 3rd Traffic Violation Within 1 Year
• Drag Racing
• Eluding an Officer

Is My Traffic Ticket Dismissed If The Officer Doesn’t Show Up?

If you contest your traffic ticket, the officer who issued the ticket must appear in court. If the officer doesn’t show up, it’s possible that a new court hearing date can be set by the judge, you might be able to make a plea bargain for a lesser charge or penalty, or your charges might be dismissed.

However, it is very rare to have a case dismissed due to an officer not showing up. In a lot of cases, in order for the case to be dismissed, an officer must, not only be absent, but also must fail to call in to inform of their absenteeism.

Hire A Traffic Ticket Attorney

Needless to say, it’s not wise to contest your traffic ticket alone with the sole hope that the officer won’t show up to court. Appearing in court on the specified date is often another obstacle. There are other options to this: consider being represented!

In most cases, Sallynda Rothchild Dennison can make court appearances for you so that you don’t have to miss work. With accomplished experience in Columbus, you can rely on Ms. Dennison to get the best possible outcome in your situation.

At SRD Law Office, in Columbus, we have the resources necessary to mount a formidable defense on your behalf. Call us at 614-228-3413 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation with a knowledgeable attorney.