Traffic Citation Clinic - California Tickets

Welcome to our online clinic to assist in fighting a traffic ticket. There is one very easy way to beat a traffic ticket. It is easy in the sense that it takes very little effort, not that it works every time. You may just rely on the presumption of innocence and the burden of proof. Yes, it's true. A defendant may simply rely on the burden of the prosecution to establish a prima facie case. That means the government must prove certain elements to support a conviction. If it fails to prove one of the essential elements then you can ask for an acquittal.

This site will help you with this one aspect of fighting a ticket. If the officer leaves out an element you might win. If he covers all the elements, then you proceed and present your case or simply submit it. Since we will not help with a defense for the rest of the case, you should consult such sites as "Help, I got a ticket." for assistance with that portion.

Disclaimer: Note that this is not an exhaustive consideration of issues for a traffic trial but simply a starting point which should be researched and refined before appearing in court. The statutes and cases cited should be checked to insure that they have not been overruled or amended. Further, this is not meant to constitute legal advice nor to create an attorney-client relationship, but is merely an example of some possible issues.

Materials prepared by the Sacramento Traffic Citation Clinic 2277 Fair Oaks Blvd., Suite 330,Sacramento, CA 95825. Phone: (916) 924-8862, Fax: (916) 924-9195. Last updated: September 13, 2006.