How to Beat a False Parking Ticket
- 1). Take a picture of the scene. For instance, if the ticket was falsely issued because of your proximity to a fire hydrant or tow zone sign, or there were no signs nearby indicating you did anything wrong, take a picture that demonstrates you were under the assumption you parked legally.
- 2). Examine the ticket carefully. Some parking tickets (false or deserved) can be beat if the ticketing officer failed to fill in any pertinent information. This includes the make and model of the car, license plate number, date and time of the offense, the exact offense, the exact fine and (possibly) a court date for you to appear and plead your case. In some municipalities, a court date is mailed to you or you must request one if you intend to contest the ticket.
- 3). Go to court as early as possible. Most municipalities lessen the fine if you pay your ticket or contest your ticket within a certain time frame. If you miss that time frame, the cost of the ticket either goes back up to normal, or is doubled. Contest your ticket as early as possible; the judge will see you're serious about your innocence. Don't wait until the fine goes up; it could appear that you are only contesting the ticket to save yourself money.
- 4). Bring proof of your innocence to court, or mail it in. This could be a written explanation of the circumstances, pictures of the scene, statements from witnesses, etc. It the ticket was given because you were missing something you have since acquired, such as a tail light, license plate, parking sticker or proof of registration, bring proof of that as well.
- 5). Be respectful. Even if you feel the ticket was unjustly issued, be respectful of the officer, the judge and the court. Keep a positive attitude to ensure a favorable outcome.