If I Take Defensive Driving Will My Ticket Be Dismissed

As a driver who may be facing a traffic ticket in Columbus Ohio, you should be wondering how to avoid some or all of the associated penalties by getting the ticket dismissed.

One question you may have is if you can get a ticket dismissed by taking a defensive driving course.  The answer is maybe.  Defensive driving courses are available in Ohio, but you want to make sure the course you take will provide the benefit you seek i.e. dismissal, points credit, etc.

Can I Get a Ticket Dismissed Through Defensive Driving Courses?

To immediately answer the question of if you can get a ticket dismissed through defensive driving courses, the answer is maybe.  Each courthouse and even each prosecutor within that courthouse may have a different position in relation to completing defensive driving courses.  You will want to make sure that you or your Columbus traffic attorney appears in court to discuss the potential benefit of completing a course if any.  As with many traffic tickets, the outcome of contesting a ticket will depend on the individual facts of the case as well as a variety of other factors i.e. the prosecutor, judge/magistrate, standard policy/procedure, etc.  Working with a Columbus traffic defense attorney who has experience dealing with these variables can make a huge difference. Read Also: How to Pay a Traffic Ticket in Ohio

A Columbus traffic defense attorney, like one at The Maher Law Firm, will be able to navigate the often complex legal process tied to trying to dismiss a ticket through defensive driving or other means.

For more information on traffic defense, check out our FAQ here.

What is a Defensive Driving Course?

For those that might not be familiar, defensive driving is basically where you learn and/or refresh your ability to comply with traffic rules and safe driving techniques.  Courses may be available online or in-person, but online versions are less acceptable in many courts. 

A defensive driving course may help with the points you have on your driver’s license. According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, one of the possible suspensions drivers in Ohio can face comes from points that can accrue on your license.

If you receive 12 or more points on your driving record within a two-year period, you can face a 12-point suspension. To have your license reinstated after a 12-point suspension, certain requirements must be met including but not limited to:

• Serve a six-month suspension,
• Complete a remedial driving course, such as defensive driving.
• Pay a reinstatement fee,
• Re-take a full driver’s license exam, and
• File a certificate of insurance called an SR22.

In order to avoid the penalties associated with a 12-point suspension, consider taking a defensive driving course (aka remedial driving course) approved by the Ohio BMV to extend your point allowance to 14 for the two-year period rather than 12.

How Do I Know if I Qualify For a Remedial Driving Course?

While every case might not result in getting a ticket dismissed through defensive driving courses, there is a simple way to tell if you might be eligible to take a remedial driving course to help with points.

According to the Ohio BMV, if you have “at least two points but fewer than 12 points on your driving record” you might be eligible to take a remedial driving course that provides a 2 point credit.

It is important to note that completing a remedial driving course may not result in a dismissal of your ticket or remove points from your record. But it “can act as a cushion against future convictions that may take you to 12 points within a two-year period.”

Speak With a Columbus Ohio Traffic Defense Attorney

Should you have questions about how you might contest a ticket in Columbus Ohio, reach out to an experienced traffic defense attorney like Colin Maher of the Maher Law Firm. He has handled thousands of cases involving traffic offenses like speeding, DUI/OVI, and driving under suspension.  If you can name a traffic violation, chances are he has handled them.

He provides free phone consultations to all potential clients. You can contact him online or by calling 614-205-2208.