Retaining Rights & Denying Order of the Court?

Without going into too much detail, I received a traffic ticket driving through a county that is notorious for issuing them in Minnesota.

If I appear in court, I'm sure I can get this ticket dismissed completely for a number of very valid reasons (Including the fact I was not speeding!). The problem is that traveling to and from this county will cost me much more than the ticket.

Is there a way I can pay their ticket without a plea of guilt and waiving my rights to:

1. A Trial
2. Representation by Counsel
3. Be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
4. Confront and cross examine all witnesses again you and
5. Either remain silent or to testify on your behalf.


If I can't pay the ticket without waving these rights, I presume I can file a civil case against the police department for travel fees/etc once this ticket is dismissed?

Look into either an Alford Plea or a Plea of Nolo Contendere.

However, once you pay the fine, the case would be closed. I suppose you could try and reopen the case at some other point, but the cost would be prohibitive.

Usually, once you pay the fine, regardless of whether or not you plead guilty or not, you waive your rights to question witnesses ... etc.

been there done that, as they say.
pay the fine, your waiving your rights, and admiting guilt, but its not worth the fight.
choosing your battles is the name of the game.

No, you can't file a civil case against the police department. Well, I guess you probably can, in small claims court, but all you would be doing is spending more money to file because, if you pay the ticket, I would think it's over. If you really think you can beat the ticket, then show up in traffic court and contest it. If you're just flapping your gums, pay the ticket and drive more carefully next time.