Hector Gonzalez III is an attorney from Texas who also offers drivers advice via TikTok. While he does use @hg3law to promote his own practice, he’s also quick to tell his viewers that “no,” you don’t actually need a lawyer to help you keep a speeding ticket off your record. To that end, here are two options he recommends researching.

1 – Request a defensive driving class

Gonzalez explains, “You take the class, you complete it, and when you’re done, you submit proof to the court and they’ll dismiss the ticket for you.” The principle is that you’ve taken steps to make yourself a better, safer driver, and a judge might consider letting you off easy.

There can be catches. Gonzalez warns, “you can only do that one time per year.” He adds that his advice is “only for Texas,” though many other states have similar defensive driving options you can look into. Some states call this a “driver improvement course,” while other states don’t offer the option at all.

In addition, your individual judge will decide whether you’re even eligible to enlist in defensive driving and how much this can reduce your points or the specifics of your charge. Here’s how it works: The first step is confirming (with your judge or the agency such as the DMV that issued your citation) that you’re even eligible for the process. Second, you must enroll in a state-approved course. Finally, you submit your completion certificate.

2 – Request deferred disposition

Gonzalez puts it bluntly, “All that is, is probation.” How long does it last? “Usually 90 days.” Essentially, the judge may offer to let you off with a warning if you are on your best behavior and don’t get in trouble for any other unsafe driving incidents in the next 90 days.

Again, there is fine print. “They’re going to charge you a fee. If you don’t get a ticket within that window of time, it’ll be dismissed when the probation is over with.”

Of course, this varies greatly by state. Many states offer a probation option under a different name. Sometimes it’s called court supervision. And in any state, it is always up to your judge whether you’re even eligible.

MotorBiscuit has reached out to @hg3law for comment. You can see the original TikTok video embedded below: