How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Connecticut

Connecticut traffic tickets are official citations served by law enforcement officials to road users for violations of the state’s traffic law. The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains and disseminates driver information.

In Connecticut, the following traffic offenses may result in being served a traffic ticket:

• Road rage
• Intimidating driving
• Street racing
• Engaging a law enforcement officer in pursuit
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Driving past a school bus
• Reckless driving
• Riding in the right lane

Motorists who are issued a citation are expected to provide a response by the “answer date” written on the ticket.

To contest a Connecticut traffic ticket, the motorist should inform the court of the intention to plead “not guilty”. This can be done by one of the following:

• Online: via the website of the state’s Centralized Infractions Bureau(CIB)
• Phone: Defendants can also call the Centralized Infractions Bureau at (860)263–2750 during regular business hours and on weekdays.
• Mail: Connecticut traffic citations contain the details that a defendant will need to mail their response to the appropriate court. This information includes what court to contact, phone lines, addresses, and the deadline to respond.

After contacting the appropriate official, the petitioner may then be informed about the time and location of the court hearing.

Motorists issued citations in Connecticut can also fight the ticket by participating in the state’s online ticket review program. To participate in that program, interested parties may visit the CIB website and enter their ticket number and the initial three letters of their last name. If the individual qualifies and chooses to partake in the program, a prosecutor may be assigned to review that driver’s case. If the case goes to court, the defendant will be mailed a “transfer notice” from the CIB. However, it might be months before the court hearing is scheduled.

Traffic-related records that are considered public may also be accessible from some third-party websites. These sites simplify the record retrieval process by collating records from various judicial districts, assembling them on one database, and allowing users to search for specific or multiple records. To use third-party search engines, interested parties are expected to provide:

• The name of the person involved in the record, unless said person is a juvenile
• The location or assumed location of the record or person involved. This includes information such as the city, county, or state in which the person resides or was accused.

Since third-party sites are operated independently of government sources and not sponsored by these agencies, record availability, accuracy, and validity are not guaranteed.

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

Yes, contesting a Connecticut traffic ticket may prove worth it, especially for road users who were wrongly accused. Paying the fine is usually deemed a “Nolo Contendere” plea (no contest). Although this does not mean the person admits to the charges, it may still have the same legal implications as pleading guilty and may lead to higher premiums from the insurance company. Also, drivers should be aware that paying off the ticket may still result in being handed administrative sanctions such as license suspension by the state’s commissioner.

Pleading nolo contendere often implies relinquishing the right to contest the ticket. Thus, following a nolo contendere plea, the driver is expected to pay the fine, which, depending on the circumstances, may be expensive. However, deciding to fight the traffic ticket offers offenders a chance at not paying the fine.

Ways to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Connecticut

Per Connecticut traffic laws, road users may dispute traffic tickets in the state’s courts. Motorists are usually advised to hire a legal traffic advisor. The process of fighting a traffic ticket typically begins with the driver responding to the traffic ticket and receiving a court hearing date. The defendant could submit a written response to the appropriate prosecutor if the citation was issued in specific Connecticut locations with Regional Motor Vehicle courts. Then the prosecutor may decide to “nolle” (drop the charges of the case) or “not nolle” (not drop the charges). If the case does not get nolled, the defendant has to appear in a traffic court.

To contest a traffic ticket in Connecticut, the defendant’s party typically needs to build a strong defense. Building the defense means establishing the driver’s account of the event that led to the citation. The concerned party should detail every occurrence before, during, and immediately after receiving the traffic ticket. Details such as traffic conditions, weather, the official’s demeanor, the road type, and others may be included. Questions regarding the court may be directed to the office of the clerk.

How to Fight a Traffic Ticket Without Going to Court

In Connecticut, offending motorists may contest their traffic citation out of court through a bargain or a mitigation hearing. The defendant’s traffic ticket attorney may meet with the prosecuting party in a bid to strike a bargain. A bargain could involve community service, a driver retraining program, or other menial penalties to the defendant. If the concerned party qualifies for and participates in the online ticket review program and the prosecutor "nolles” the case, such a person would not need to appear in court.

How Do You Get a Traffic Ticket Reduced in Connecticut?

Persons issued Connecticut traffic tickets can get their fines reduced through the online ticket review program. After applying for the program, if the case is not nolled, the prosecutor could make the defendant an offer. This offer generally comprises reduced traffic ticket charges. The offer may also include the option of different but reduced penalties.

Can you Get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed in Connecticut?

Yes, motorists in Connecticut may get their speeding citations dismissed if the prosecuting officer fails to appear in court on the hearing date. Alternatively, a Connecticut online ticket review program may also get the ticket dismissed if the prosecutor nolles the case. By getting their traffic tickets dismissed, defendants may be able to avoid points being added to their records and ultimately prevent high insurance rates. However, unlike most states, Connecticut does not allow for dismissals of speeding tickets after a driver participates in an operator retraining program.

What Happens if You Plead Guilty to a Traffic Ticket in Connecticut

If an offender pleads guilty to violating any of the state’s traffic rules, such persons may have penalty points added to their driving records. They may also be forced to enroll in any of the state’s driver retraining courses while having their driving licenses suspended. Further, the consequences in terms of auto insurance premiums can be very costly. However, through a mitigation hearing, road users can get hefty penalties replaced with community service. Committing three major moving violations or a combination of 12 minor and major moving offenses within five years makes a driver a habitual traffic offender. Such a driver may be charged with a compulsory 4-year license suspension.

How to Find a Traffic Ticket Attorney in Connecticut

Contesting a traffic ticket may prove arduous. Therefore, defendants are advised to employ the services of a Connecticut traffic ticket attorney. Interested persons may find these attorneys both offline and online in the state. The Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) is a good starting point for parties looking to read the lawyers’ reviews. Certain third-party sites also offer listings of professional traffic lawyers in the state. These sites provide the credentials of the lawyers to make it easier for individuals to make a choice. A credible attorney can help build a strong defense and successfully bargain with the offense to settle the case out of court.