How do I contest a traffic ticket?
Answer
If your ticket was issued in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington County, contact the Minnesota Courts Payment Center at 651-281-3219. Staff at Minnesota Courts Payment Center will discuss appointment options for you to meet with a hearing officer.
If your citation was issued in a county not listed above, contact the local court to request an appointment with a hearing officer.
A Hearing Officer is authorized by the Court to hear citation cases and provide options. Depending on the facts of your case and your violation history, some of the options they may be able to offer include:
- plead guilty with an explanation,
- a reduced fine amount,
- a payment plan to pay the citation over time,
- a continuance for dismissal with payment of prosecution costs,
- set your case for arraignment.
You may want to discuss your legal options with an attorney. These two clinics are open to all Minnesotans and offer free legal advice regarding criminal and traffic law:
The Washington County Law Library Criminal Legal Advice Clinic offers legal advice on issues such as traffic tickets, criminal process, criminal expungement, and DANCO orders. Call (651) 430-6330 or email LawLibrary@co.washington.mn.us to set up an appointment.
The Ramsey County Criminal Defense Law Clinic provides brief advice on criminal defense issues. Call (651) 266-8391 for more information and to set up an appointment.
In addition, if your case is in Dakota County you may be eligible to participate in the Dakota County Law Library Criminal Law Clinic. To schedule an appointment, complete this form and call 651-438-8080 to be placed on the schedule.