Traffic Ticket Trials

Finder Law Serves Clients Across Jefferson City, Columbia, and Central Missouri

July 17, 2024

Just about anyone who has been driving for any significant period has received a traffic ticket at some point. If you hire an attorney to help you with your violation, often the charge will be amended to a more minor violation. That’s where most traffic cases end when you retain legal counsel for help, but what happens if the prosecutor refuses to amend the charge or provides no reasonable reduction? Continue reading for more information on what happens when traffic tickets go all the way to trial.


If no agreement is made between your attorney & the prosecutor, the case will be set for trial. The prosecutor will subpoena the officer who wrote the ticket so he can offer his testimony. If any other evidence was collected at the time of the stop (such as BAC tests, field sobriety tests, etc.), those will be admitted into evidence as well. Your attorney will call you as a witness so you can provide your side of the story. Your attorney may also ask that you bring friends or family with you as well. If anyone else was in the vehicle with you, they could be a potentially helpful witness. Friends & family could provide character evidence as to why your charges should be amended or expelled. It’s important to understand that the state has the burden of proof. If the officer doesn’t show up or the prosecutor fails to make their case, you will win. Sometimes simply showing up is all you need to do to win your case.


Once all evidence & testimony has been put on the court record, the judge will make their ruling. Whatever decision the judge makes will be final. That’s why it is so important to do research when hiring an attorney, even if it’s just for a traffic ticket. If you happen to receive a ticket in a county with tough prosecutors, you’ll want to make sure whoever you hire is willing to take the case to trial if necessary. You’ll also want someone local who knows the judges & prosecutors. This will make settlements more likely & ensure that the judge they may be in front of is familiar with their work & knows their reputation. If prosecutors are careless with their recommendations, they will end up wasting their time trying lots of cases. That’s not a luxury most prosecutors have, so your attorney putting pressure on them could help them change their mind about amending charges. A good defense attorney with whom the prosecutor is familiar (especially one who they know isn’t afraid to go to trial) makes it more likely they will try to settle the charges reasonably prior to trial.


Hiring an attorney for a traffic ticket is an important decision. Daniel Finder of Finder Law, LLC has over 10 years of experience in criminal law from traffic tickets to felonies. His reputation in the mid-Missouri area is excellent & he will give your case the attention it deserves. He’s not afraid to stand up to unreasonable prosecutors & ensure that you receive a fair outcome.


Call us today for a consultation.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact our office directly.

What to Do If Your Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance in Missouri

September 9, 2025
Workplace injuries can happen when you least expect them—whether it’s a fall, a machinery accident, or a repetitive stress injury. In Missouri, most employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect employees in case of a job-related injury. But what happens if your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp insurance and you get hurt on the job? At Finder Law, LLC, we often hear from injured workers in this exact situation. Here’s what you need to know if your employer is uninsured.

What Happens If You Violate Your Probation in Missouri?

September 4, 2025
Being placed on probation in Missouri often feels like a second chance. Instead of serving time in jail or prison, you’re given the opportunity to live in the community under certain rules and conditions. But what happens if you violate probation? The consequences can be serious—and in some cases, life-changing. At Finder Law, LLC, we represent clients facing probation violations throughout Missouri. Here’s what you need to know about how violations are handled, what penalties you could face, and why having an experienced defense lawyer matters.

Do You Have to Go to Court to Get a Divorce in Missouri?

September 2, 2025
If you’re thinking about divorce in Missouri, one of the first questions you may have is: “Do I have to go to court?” The answer is yes—but how much time you spend in court depends on your situation.

The “Laughing Heirs” in Missouri: What Happens When Remote Relatives Inherit?

August 26, 2025
Estate planning often focuses on spouses, children, and grandchildren. But what happens when someone dies without a will and without any close relatives? This is where the concept of “laughing heirs” comes into play.

When Should You Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Missouri?

August 19, 2025
If you’ve been injured on the job in Missouri, you’re likely dealing with pain, medical treatment, and the stress of lost wages. While workers’ compensation benefits exist to provide financial and medical support after a workplace injury, navigating the system can be complex and frustrating. Knowing when to hire a workers’ compensation attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

Personal Injury Claim FAQs in Missouri: What You Need to Know

August 14, 2025
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be considering a personal injury claim. Whether the incident involved a car crash, slip and fall, dog bite, or workplace accident, Missouri law provides a legal pathway for victims to recover compensation. Below, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about personal injury claims in Missouri.

Do Grandparents Have Visitation Rights in Missouri?

August 12, 2025
Family relationships can be complex, and when parents separate or a child loses a parent, extended family members—especially grandparents—may wonder about their legal rights to remain in a child's life. In Missouri, grandparents do have potential visitation rights, but those rights are limited and only apply under specific circumstances.

Coping with Permanent Disabilities After an Accident in Missouri: Your Legal Options

August 7, 2025
Accidents can change your life in an instant—especially when they result in a permanent disability. Whether from a car crash, workplace injury, slip and fall, or other traumatic event, adjusting to a new way of life brings immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you or a loved one has sustained a permanent disability in Missouri due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Here’s what you need to know about your rights and legal options under Missouri law.

The Impact of Domestic Violence on Child Custody in Missouri

August 6, 2025
When determining child custody in Missouri, the court’s paramount concern is always the best interests of the child. One of the most serious factors that can influence custody decisions is domestic violence. If you're navigating a custody dispute involving allegations of abuse, understanding how Missouri law addresses these situations is essential.

Exploring Alternatives to Jail and Prison in Missouri: A Path Toward Rehabilitation

July 29, 2025
In the Missouri criminal justice system, incarceration has long been the traditional response to criminal offenses. However, increasing awareness of the limitations and costs associated with jail and prison sentences has led courts, lawmakers, and advocates to explore alternative approaches that emphasize rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and alleviate overcrowded facilities. This post explores some of the key alternatives to incarceration currently available or emerging in Missouri, providing valuable insight for defendants, attorneys, and concerned citizens.