The easiest way to get an update is by sending your attorney a message directly from your Off The Record (OTR) account. This can be done either from our website or our mobile apps. When your attorney replies you'll receive an email notification at the email address associated with your OTR account.
Attorneys are often able to reply right away, but please do allow 1-2 business days to receive a reply (Attorneys are human too and may need the extra time).
Once you log in to your account you'll also have access to your attorney's phone number and email address:
Keep in mind that fighting a traffic ticket can be a lengthy process. The courts are notoriously slow and it can take them weeks or months just to set a court date. This is completely outside of your attorney's control. The good news is that the ticket does not affect you or your driving record in any way until your case is resolved.
I'm not receiving a reply from my attorney
If you sent your attorney a message and you haven't received a reply after a couple of days, please contact us. We'll jump in and make sure you get an update promptly.
Please note that the OTR customer service staff will only get involved if you've already sent your attorney a message through your account and it has gone unanswered. We do not take into account phone calls or emails sent directly to the attorney.
Below are some common reasons why your attorney may not have replied:
Is it clear from your message that you are awaiting a reply?
Please make sure that it is clear from your message that you are expecting a reply. You can do this by asking clear question(s).
Example 1:
Hello <attorney name>, could you provide me with an update on my case? Are we still waiting for a court date to be scheduled or has the court already scheduled one?
This is a great message with clear questions. Your attorney will appreciate this and answer your specific questions.
Example 2:
Hello <attorney name>, thanks for handling my case. Let me know if you need anything from me.
While it is great that you are offering to assist in any way you can, it is not clear from this message that you are expecting a reply. There is no specific question or concern, so your attorney may read this and not realize you are expecting a reply.
Example 3:
Hello <attorney name>, thanks for handling my case. Is there anything that you need from me or that you would like me to provide? What's the process like from here on out?
If you are expecting a reply, this is a much better message than the one in example 2.
Is your question repetitive?
Many of us get anxious about our traffic tickets or criminal traffic matters. That's understandable. However, it's important to realize that there may be long periods of time where nothing happens with your case.
For example, if your attorney informs you that your court date has been scheduled for a day three months from now, there's no point in asking your attorney each week for an update on your case. The answer will always be the same: No update until your court date. Of course, if anything changes from your end you should update your attorney right away (i.e. If you receive a piece of mail from the court or if you receive a new ticket).
We always want you to be at ease and anxiety-free, but certain aspects of your case such as your court date and the timeline of events are often completely outside of your attorney's control. The good news is that you don't have to give it any thought - your attorney will keep track of all the important dates and update you when necessary.
