In Florida speeding tickets for less than thirty (30) over the speed limit do not require a hearing. There are three (3) choices:
1. Pay it
2. School it
3. Court it
If you pay it, then that is an admission of guilt and points will be assessed on your license. (3 or 4). Points on a license can affect insurance rates and employ-ability well into the future.
School can be chosen only once every twelve (12) months and five (5) times in a lifetime. People who have a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) cannot choose school to avoid points on the license. If the accused holds a CDL, then the only way to avoid points is to take the ticket to court.
If you are not licensed by the State of Florida, your home state may not honor the entry of ‘no points’ or no ‘conviction’ upon the choice to elect school. Some states do not consider the school election a court order that must be followed. You may have to elect Court to avoid points on your driving record. To check with your home state visit http://www.ACASLaw.com/Resources.shtml, scroll down to find the licensing state and follow the link.
In any civil traffic ticket/infraction case, including any speeding ticket (even appearance required), the Defendant does NOT have to go to court. A lawyer can go on behalf of the accused. However, because it is a civil case, there is no right to have a lawyer appointed. Therefore, if you want to have representation, you will have to hire your own lawyer. Please click, call or fill out the form to begin the process of representation.
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