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Asked 4 months ago - Sudbury, MA
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Today, I was cited for running a red light in Lowell, MA ($150). The cop who pulled me over seemed apologetic, and told me that, because I have a clean driving record (almost ten years without a violation), I could try appealing it, saying that the court was "pretty lenient"
I admit to blowing through the red light (I really don't have an excuse, I was just lost in thought). Would it be advisable for me to appeal the ticket? What kind of outcomes are possible? Ideally, I'd like to have the whole thing stricken from my driving record, but if I can get the insurance points reduced/eliminated, I would consider it a victory.
It is my opinion that you have nothing to lose in contesting the ticket. You will be given a court date in which you can appear and present your side of the case. Sometimes the officer fails to appear at this hearing and the case is dismissed without you having to do anything but show up at court. The worst case scenario is that the judge will affirm the civil violation, in which case you are in no worse position than you would have been had you not contested the ticket.
Good luck.
I wouldn't call it "appealing a ticket" like the cop did, which suggests that you are already convicted, (which you are not). Convicting a someone of any violation requires a trial with a judge and 2 sides.
You could probably look for a local criminal defense attorney and find out what he would charge to do the work for you.
Good luck
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