If you plead not guilty to a traffic ticket and then lose in court, several consequences typically follow:
- You will be found guilty of the traffic violation charged against you.
- You will be required to pay the fines associated with the violation as well as court costs.
- Points may be added to your driving record, depending on the violation and state laws. Accumulating points can lead to further penalties such as license suspension.
- Your car insurance premiums may increase due to the conviction.
- Additional penalties might apply, especially for serious offenses like DUI, which could include license suspension, mandatory courses, or even jail time.
- You retain the right to appeal the decision to a higher court if you believe there was a legal error, though appeals can be costly and complex.
This process means that pleading not guilty and losing generally results in the same or similar penalties as if you had pleaded guilty initially, but you gain the opportunity to contest the charges and possibly have them reduced or dismissed if you win
