Maybe in small claims court but the times I've been to traffic court I walk away with charges dropped, every time. It's likely because the court sees I had to give a lawyer money so as long as I feed the system at some point they are pleased. Must be something jewy involved but what do I know. I doubt any judge would allow representing oneself in any thing that could result in a felony conviction and if they pushed it and the judge allowed it would will turn out badly. I take the prevention route by never driving after drinking (even one beer I won't), staying away from large sporting or concert events, if I know a protest is coming to town I make sure not to be there, making sure I am not anywhere near a downtown after dark, etc.
My spouse was a cop who went to traffic court all the time and it is almost standard that the judge will either drop/reduce the points or the fine as long as you're not a dick and you have at least some valid argument to make
My luck never works that way. One time I received a ticket for something that wasn't even against the law. I brought a copy of the vehicle code with me and simply told the judge that what I was cited for wasn't against the law and offered the vehicle code as evidence. The judge literally said, "I don't care what the law says. Guilty!"
I heard a good saying from a concealed carry insurance company: "Don't go somewhere with your gun that you wouldn't go without it."
It's a reminder that avoidance is always the best defense.
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