Asked 9/21/2016 – Houston, TX

I struck the vehicle in front of me, got the ticket. She was turning into a parking lot when I hit her. She side-swiped vehicle pulling out, and a witness waiting to turn into parking lot saw me strike the vehicle in front of me. It’s obviously my fault and deserve the ticket, regardless of the other driver stopping on the street while turning in. I understand the ticket is legit.

I contested the ticket from a suggestion from the police officer that actually wrote the ticket, I’ve spoken to a free legal help line about how this process works as far as trying to get the ticket dismissed, or at the very least reduced and kept off my driving record.

My questions are:
1. Will it be dismissed if the officer does not show up? What if the other driver shows up?
2. If the other driver does show up, how should I approach the situation to get this ticket dismissed/reduced/off my driving record?
3. If no one shows up, how should I proceed?

I understand these are loaded questions. Any professional guidance would be appreciated. Please just legal advice please…thank you!

Answer

I do not know if you can get the assistance you desire through this forum. You are basically asking: How do I represent myself in court under various contingencies? The only way I could start is to respond: is: Prep for the LSAT. There is no Traffic Court For Dummies handbook I can refer you to, and each court has its own procedures. Contact the Harris County Municipal Justice Bar Association, get some contact information regarding local attorneys, and you can ask them more specific questions about your situation.