How can I defend myself against excessive fines?
September 19, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Jessica Lange
Dear Sir or Madam,
my name is Martina Gehrmann and I urgently need your help regarding excessive fines in the area of traffic law. In my specific case, I was recently stopped by the police and fined 200 euros. However, this seems disproportionately high to me, as I have not committed any serious traffic offenses.
The situation was as follows: I was caught speeding 10 km/h over the limit within a town. Normally, the penalty for this is 30 euros and one point in Flensburg. However, I have now been fined 200 euros without any explanation. I am concerned that I may be unfairly subjected to high fines and I want to defend myself against this.
Therefore, my question to you is: How can I effectively defend myself against excessive fines? Are there legal options to challenge the amount of the fine or to file an objection? What steps should I take in such a case to uphold my rights and find a fair solution?
I thank you in advance for your support and look forward to your expert advice.
Sincerely,
Martina Gehrmann
Dear Mrs. Gehrmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding inflated fines in traffic law. It is understandable that you are concerned about the amount of the fine imposed on you and wish to defend yourself against it. In your specific case, you were caught speeding by 10 km/h in a built-up area and fined 200 euros, even though the usual penalty is usually 30 euros and one point in Flensburg. You are right to question whether this penalty is justified and what legal options you have to challenge it.
To effectively defend yourself against inflated fines, there are various legal steps you can take. First, you should lodge an objection against the fine notice. This must usually be done within two weeks of receiving the notice. In your objection, you should clearly explain why you consider the amount of the fine to be disproportionate and present reasons why the penalty should be reduced. It is important to present all relevant facts and evidence to support your argument.
After lodging your objection, your case will be heard by the competent traffic fine office or in court. Here, you have the opportunity to present your arguments in detail again and work towards a fair solution. It may also be advisable to be represented by an experienced traffic law attorney to best represent your interests and ensure a successful defense.
It is important to note that traffic fines are set by law and cannot be arbitrarily reduced. However, there are cases where an inflated penalty is not justified due to special circumstances and an adjustment is necessary. Through expert legal advice, you can increase your chances of a successful defense and a fair solution.
I recommend that you promptly consult an experienced traffic law attorney to discuss your situation and develop an individual strategy for defending against the inflated fine. With professional support, you can ensure that your rights are protected and a fair solution is found for your case.
I hope that my explanations have been helpful to you and I am available for any further questions. Thank you for your trust and best of luck with your matter.
Sincerely,
Jessica Lange, Attorney at Law
