Driving laws exist to help maintain order and safety on public roadways. Traffic tickets are issued to drivers who are deemed to be violating major traffic laws. While a traffic ticket might not seem like a big deal, it can contribute to points on your driver's license and cause your insurance premiums to increase.

You have the right to dispute a traffic ticket in court if you feel the ticket was issued in error. Follow these protocols to help you successfully handle a traffic ticket in the future.

1. Make a copy of your ticket.

The information that is written on your traffic ticket by the police officer who issued the citation will be needed to help you plead your case in court. It's important that you have access to this information at all times.

As soon as possible, make two or three copies of your traffic ticket. You can keep one copy at home in your official records, send another copy to your attorney, and provide the original ticket to the court to be used as evidence in your case.

2. Plead not guilty.

Before you can have a judge rule on whether or not your traffic ticket was issued in error, you will need enter a plea of not guilty with the court. This plea is typically entered when you appear in person on the date assigned to you by the court.

Pleading not guilty lets the court know that you disagree with the ticket and you want to take the issue to court. Never discuss your case or offer details when entering a plea, as the information gathered by the court at this time can be used against you during your trial.

3. Ask for a supporting deposition.

In order to mount a defense case that will help the judge see why your traffic ticket should be dismissed, you will need access to a supporting deposition. This deposition is a written statement prepared by the officer that issued your ticket.

The deposition will outline the details surrounding your ticket and provide you with the information you need to refute the officer's claims. You should retain an attorney experienced in handling traffic violation cases. He or she will know how to use the supporting deposition to draft a defense that will give you the greatest chance of winning your case.

Don't be afraid to dispute a traffic ticket. You may find that you are able to present your side of the story in court and have the ticket dismissed so it will not affect you adversely in the future. Contact a traffic ticket defense attorney for more information.