
Originally Posted by
cstone
Depending on what the court cost and fines could be, you may want to go to the first appearance (set on the ticket) and see what the prosecutor offers. Dress nicely and be contrite. Most ADAs handling traffic cases are pretty open and they often have a normal plea offer for most common offenses. Many attorneys will cost you more than the actual cost of the ticket. If nothing else, you will have a good idea after that first meeting what the prosecutor is relying on to make their case.
Obviously if it is more complicated, an attorney may be worth it. Do you have time before your court date to go sit in the courtroom and observe? This will also give you an idea of how the court operates and may give you an indication of what types of pleas are made on similar charges. You can see some of the defense attorneys at work and determine whether one of them could possibly give you the assistance you need.