Geo. McCalip's Traffic Ticket Site

SO, YOU WANT TO PLEAD GUILTY

Before you plead guilty, I would encourage you to consider the possibility of a trial by declaration. This may be done by mail, so you do not even have to go to court. If you submit your declaration and the officer fails to submit his/her declaration, you win automatically. If you lose, the result is the same as pleading guilty. At least this gives you a chance of beating the ticket.

Some people say, "Even if I wasn't guilty on this one, I've broken the law often enough that I'll just pay this one." By the same philosophy, the cops (local police, Sherrif's Deputies, CHP, etc.) have written enough bad tickets, that you should hold them accountable for this one, even if you think you deserve it.

If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen."

-- Samuel Adams

If you were in an accident and need to plead "No Contest" I strongly recommend a trial by declaration. This offers the (admittedly long shot) possibility of having the case dismissed. If you are "dissatisfied" with the decision (i.e., if you lose), you are by law entitled to a new trial (Vehicle Code Section 40902(d)). At the new trial you can enter your "No Contest" plea.

If you really want to plead guilty, thank you for visiting my site.

Please sign the guest book before you leave.

If you're not sure you want to plead guilty, you may continue the tutorial.

© 2001 Geo. McCalip