Understanding the Process – No Marketing Fluff
Fighting a traffic ticket in California is less about legal arguments and more about playing the odds. Here’s the reality: about 70% of officers do not show up to court when you contest your ticket. If the officer doesn’t show, the ticket is dismissed automatically. If you file a Trial by Declaration (TBD), your chances increase to 80%, because not only does the officer have to respond in writing, but you also get a second chance with a Trial de Novo, where the officer must show up again.
Additionally, in nearly 90% of cases, judges offer some type of fine reduction if you simply ask for one. This is why many so-called "ticket defense services" advertise high success rates—because they count any reduction as a win. But you don’t need to pay them; you can do it yourself for free.
Now, let’s break down exactly how to fight your ticket, step by step.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fighting a Traffic Ticket in California
1. Get an Extension
The first thing you should do is request an extension on your ticket. This can be done online through the court’s website or by calling the court.
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure how to find your local courthouse or need to pay fines or look up tickets online, use our Find Your California Court resource. It has quick links to Pay Fines, Look Up Tickets & Cases, and Schedule Court Hearings in California.
Why do this? Because over time, the issuing officer might get reassigned or transferred, making it more likely they won’t be available for court appearances, which increases your chances of dismissal.
2. Schedule an Arraignment
As your extended due date approaches, schedule an arraignment. This can also be done online or by calling the court.
At the arraignment, you will appear in person or virtually (if the court allows it). When your name is called, you tell the judge you would like to proceed with a Trial by Declaration (TBD).
3. File a Trial by Declaration (TBD)
After the arraignment, you will need to submit a Trial by Declaration to the court. This is a written statement contesting your ticket. Important: You must include a check for the full bail/fine amount when submitting your TBD.
- If the officer does not respond, you automatically win, and the court will refund your money.
- If the officer does respond, the court will issue a ruling based on the written submissions.
If you lose, don’t worry—you still have another chance.
Need help drafting your Trial by Declaration? Check out our Trial by Declaration form generator, which can help you quickly create and print the necessary paperwork.
4. File for a Trial de Novo
If the officer does respond and you lose your TBD, you immediately file for a Trial de Novo. This is essentially a request for a new, in-person trial.
Once filed, the court will send you a notice with your new trial date. The key here is that the officer must show up again.
- If the officer does not show up (about 80% chance) → You win. The ticket is dismissed, and your bail check is refunded.
- If the officer does show up → You proceed to trial.
5. What to Do If the Officer Shows Up to Trial de Novo
At this point, the best move is to simply ask the judge for a fine reduction and traffic school. Most of the time, the judge will reduce your fine and allow traffic school, which keeps the ticket off your record.
Final Thoughts
Fighting a traffic ticket in California is about using the legal process to your advantage. The key steps are:
✅ Get an extension to increase the chance that the officer is unavailable.
✅ Schedule an arraignment and request a Trial by Declaration.
✅ File a Trial by Declaration and hope the officer doesn’t respond.
✅ If you lose, file for a Trial de Novo and get another chance at dismissal.
✅ If the officer does show up, request a fine reduction and traffic school.
By following these steps—and using resources like our Find Your California Court page or our Trial by Declaration form generator—you have the best chance to beat your ticket without an attorney and for free!