We get many questions about what it actually means when a person signs a traffic ticket in Texas. Some people think that by signing the ticket that they are admitting to the offense and cannot contest it. Others think that they are not required to sign the ticket if they felt it was unfairly given. This article is intended to help Texans understand what it actually means to sign a traffic ticket in Texas. If you have questions about a specific traffic ticket you were issued, feel free to leave a comment in the section below or call our North Texas traffic ticket lawyers at 214-321-4105.
Signing The Ticket
Signing the ticket is not an admission of guilt in Texas. It is simply a promise to appear in court at a later date in order to determine how you would like to proceed with a case. Just as in civil suits, after you have been served you have a certain amount of time to answer the lawsuit. With a traffic ticket the time to answer and plead “not guilty” or “no contest” is listed on the citation itself
By signing the ticket, you simply are telling the court that there is no need to arrest you and bring you before a judge immediately. You are saying you are responsible enough to contact the court at a later date to dispose of the citation or contest it as you see fit.
Missing The Appearance Date
If you miss the appearance date, then the court can report the citation to the Failure To Appear Program. This program is a tool courts use to declare a person’s license ineligible for renewal until the citation is resolved. A person will not be allowed to renew their license until they contact the court either through an attorney or themselves to finalize the case.
Do Not Pay The Ticket Off To Remove A Hold
Removing a hold by paying off a traffic ticket causes a permanent conviction on your driving record. It will never be removed. It can also cause the suspension of your driving privileges based on the offense. For a person that paid off the traffic ticket to renew their license, this can be counter to what they hoped to accomplish. By paying off the ticket, it may allow for renewal of the driver license only to have it suspended by the conviction from the same ticket that was paid off.
Consult A Traffic Ticket Lawyer For Your Best Options
If an appearance date has been missed, it is best to contact a lawyer to help with the removal of the hold without harming your record. This does not mean the lawyer will magically make the case disappear. But it will ensure that you do not create further harm to your record and possibly a suspension of your driving privileges. To discuss your particular case with our lawyers, call 214-321-4105
