Millions of traffic tickets are being issued each year, with 24.6% of them being issued to drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour. According to MarketWatch Guides, drivers face an average of a 17% chance of being ticketed in a year.

What steps should you take after receiving a traffic ticket? If charged, you don’t necessarily need to face a judge. In fact, you can pursue an alternative defense avenue once you clearly understand the nature of your ticket. You can also try to negotiate with the prosecutor if it can be resolved.