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Preparing for your in-person, online, or by-mail hearing

Preparation and presentation are the keys to a successful hearing. Be thorough and leave nothing to chance. Review the following tips before arguing your case:
  • Read the section of law you were cited for.

  • If you are disputing a red light, bus lane, or speeding camera violation, visit the website printed on the ticket and view the evidence against you.

  • Read the entire ticket and make sure that all required elements are correctly printed. If any of those elements are missing, illegible, or incorrect, include this in your statement to the judge.

  • Be very detailed in your statement and anticipate what questions the judge might have for you. Include detailed information about distances, times, special circumstances, etc.

  • Write your statement out on a separate sheet of paper so you can be thorough. The space given on the website may not be enough for you to be fully descriptive. You can then attach the statement as evidence.
  • When attaching evidence, make sure it is complete and shows exactly what you want to tell the judge. For example, if you took multiple pictures, send all of them if they help to tell your story more clearly.

  • Taking photos: Document the entire side of the block where you were parked when ticketed, from corner to corner. Show street names, the building address where your ticket was issued, and anything referenced in your ticket, such as signs, meters, stickers or plates. Photograph the front and back of all parking signs.

  • When producing photos as evidence, make sure you show the date and time the photos were taken.

  • Collect online map and satellite imagery to supplement the photographic evidence you gathered at the scene.

  • Mark your exhibits so you can reference them in your defense statement.

  • Tell the judge what your evidence shows and why it’s relevant in your written statement.

  • Don’t leave it up to the judge to figure it out.

  • If there were witnesses, obtain and attach their notarized statements from them as evidence.

  • If you are found guilty and you believe your evidence presents a strong defense, visit our appeals page for assistance.

  • Your decision will be sent to you by the same means you submitted your hearing request (mail or email). If by email, be sure to check your inbox and spam folders regularly for the decision.

  • Remember, you will have 30 days from the date on the decision to appeal it.

In-person hearings

  • Read the section of law you were cited for.

  • If you are disputing a red light, bus lane, or speeding camera violation, visit the website printed on the ticket and view the evidence against you.

  • Read the entire ticket and make sure that all required elements are correctly printed. If any of those elements are missing, illegible, or incorrect, include this in your statement to the judge.

  • Be prepared with all of your evidence before going in for your hearing.

  • If you are not comfortable testifying in English, you have the right to a free interpreter. The judge can call an interpreter on the telephone to translate the entire hearing. You have the right to understand what is said at the hearing.

  • Taking photos: Document the entire side of the block where you were parked when ticketed, from corner to corner. Show street names, the building address where your ticket was issued, and anything referenced in your ticket (signs, meters, stickers or plates, etc). Photograph the front and back of all parking signs. Make sure the photos show the date and time they were taken.