What Is A Mitigation Hearing

What does it mean when your citation is contested?

You can contest your ticket by mail without making a single court appearance. Contesting your citation through the mail gives you a better chance of winning your case than at a court trial. Even if you seem to be guilty of violating the law, the procedural hassles for the prosecution will often lead to a dismissal.

Can you defer a speeding ticket in Washington State?

You may only receive one deferral for a Moving Violation and one deferral for a Non-Moving Violation every 7 years. … You have not received a Deferral or Deferred Finding in the past 7 years from any court in the State of Washington, moving or non-moving, depending on the charge that you are requesting to be Deferred.

How do I find out if I have a ticket in Washington State?

To find out where you have an unpaid traffic ticket in Washington State, contact the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) Customer Service by calling (360) 902-3900.Nov 8, 2004

What happens at a contested hearing?

The contested final hearing is a formal court hearing (like the interim hearing, if you had one). The Judge listens to both sides, then issues a final order. You may give your own testimony and present witnesses and documents. … The court rules of evidence and procedure apply.

What is mitigation hearing?

A mitigation hearing is where you admit you committed the violation, but wish to explain the circumstances of the infraction. To request a mitigation hearing you should check box two. The Judge, depending on the explanation and your record, may adjust the penalty.

How do you get a speeding ticket dismissed in Washington state?

To “contest” the ticket. Contesting the hearing is the only way to get a speeding ticket completely dismissed. Check this option, photocopy both sides of your ticket, and make sure it is mailed in within 14 days of the citation.May 30, 2019

How do I seek mitigation?

Opt for Mitigation

In mitigation, you plead guilty, but get to explain the circumstances that led to the ticket and ask the judge for leniency. With this option, there are no guarantees. The judge may buy your excuse and lower the fine or leave it the same.Feb 16, 2017

How do I write a mitigation letter?

Tips when writing a letter of mitigation

1. The letter should be short and to the point.
2. You should say you accept full responsibility and say you regret what you’ve done.
3. You should say that you’re determined not to offend again.
4. If this is your first offence, you should say so.

What do you say in a mitigation hearing?

In a mitigation hearing, the driver agrees an infraction was committed but then explains the circumstances – how and why it happened – in the hope that the judge will reduce the fine. For example, in a speeding infraction case, the driver admits to speeding but wants to explain why.

How does mitigation work in court?

Mitigation is the story-telling part of representing the criminal defendant. Where the prosecution talks about the crime and the victim, mitigation talks about the story of the defendant as a person before the crime, after the crime, and in the future.

Is contesting a ticket worth it?

It’s certainly possible, but fighting traffic tickets can take a lot of time and effort and may not be worth it in the long run, even if you ultimately prevail. … But if a ticket means thousands of dollars in increased insurance premiums, however, it may be very worthwhile to fight it.Mar 30, 2021

How do you contest a citation in writing?

Explain in the first paragraph that you are contesting your traffic violation, give your ticket number, and offer a brief description of the incident, stating such facts as location, date, time and reason for citation.

What does contest a citation mean?

Contesting a Citation. … If you receive a citation that you believe is not legitimate or justified, you have the option to contest the citation within 21 calendar days from the date the citation was issued. There are three progressive levels to contesting a citation.

What happens at a contested court hearing?

This is a court hearing that held when the people involved in a case cannot reach agreement on what should happen. It may be that the parties cannot agree on the facts or the law. The court will hear evidence from the parties. … At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge will give judgment to determine the outcome.

What happens at a contested hearing family court?

What happens at a contested hearing? During the hearing, each party gets the chance to argue their position and present their case in front of a judge. … An example of a contested hearing is where one parent contests an interim contact order, regulating contact between the other parent and child.Mar 14, 2020

What does it mean to contest a hearing?

Related Definitions

Contested hearing means a quasi-judicial proceeding before a hearing officer or arbitrator in which the parties may introduce documentary evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses under oath, and submit arguments.

How can I get out of a speeding ticket in Washington State?

Drivers have three options:

1. Pay it. This is a terrible option because the ticket will go on your driving record and likely impact your insurance rates.
2. Ask for a mitigation hearing. With a mitigation hearing, you agree you committed the infraction, but want to explain the circumstances to a judge. …
3. Contest the infraction.