If you got a speeding ticket in Hannibal, Missouri and pled guilty, you might be wondering if it’s too late to take it back. Maybe you didn’t know all the consequences. Maybe you didn’t talk to a lawyer. Maybe pleading guilty is now affecting your driving record, insurance rates, or even your job.
In some cases, it is possible to undo your guilty plea by filing a legal request called a motion to set aside a guilty plea.
This article will explain what that means, how it works, when you can do it, why it might help you, and what Missouri laws apply. We’ll also look at court examples, frequently asked questions, and how Bond Law Firm can help.
What Is a Motion to Set Aside a Guilty Plea?
A motion to set aside is a legal filing that asks the court to cancel a guilty plea and reopen your case. It gives you a second chance.
Under Missouri Supreme Court Rule 29.07(d):
“A motion to withdraw a plea of guilty may be made only before sentence is imposed or when imposition of sentence is suspended. To correct manifest injustice, the court may set aside the judgment of conviction and permit the defendant to withdraw the plea.”
If the court agrees, your guilty plea is erased, and the case is reopened. From there, you can negotiate a better deal or fight the ticket.
Why Would You Want to Undo a Guilty Plea for a Speeding Ticket?
There are several reasons you may want to withdraw a guilty plea:
- You didn’t understand the legal consequences
- You pled guilty online or by mail without knowing it would add points
- Your insurance rates increased dramatically
- You have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and didn’t realize the risk to your job
- You were never told you could speak to a lawyer
- You want to negotiate a better outcome or a no-point amendment
In Missouri, pleading guilty to a moving violation like speeding often results in points being added to your license. This can lead to higher insurance premiums and even license suspension.
What Missouri Laws Apply?
- Rule 29.07(d) – Governs the withdrawal of guilty pleas in criminal and traffic matters
- Section 479.190 RSMo – Allows municipal courts to reopen a case “for good cause shown”
- Section 302.302 RSMo – Missouri’s point system for moving violations
- State v. Taylor, 929 S.W.2d 209 (Mo. App. 1996) – A guilty plea may be withdrawn when it was not entered knowingly and voluntarily
- State v. Rodriguez, 877 S.W.2d 106 (Mo. App. 1994) – Courts may allow withdrawal of a guilty plea when the defendant was misinformed or unaware of their rights
How Long Do You Have to File a Motion to Set Aside?
While Missouri doesn’t have a universal deadline, most courts—including Hannibal Municipal Court—expect you to file a motion to set aside within 30 days of the judgment.
However, in some cases, such as when there was a lack of due process, courts may allow late filings.
Example: A driver pled guilty to a speeding ticket online. Two months later, they lost their job due to points on their CDL. The court allowed a motion to be filed late due to hardship and lack of legal understanding.
How Does the Process Work?
- Hire an attorney experienced in traffic and municipal law
- Your lawyer prepares a motion explaining why the plea should be set aside
- The motion is filed in the same court where the plea was entered
- A hearing is scheduled (if the court requires one)
- Your attorney appears in court and argues the case
If the judge approves the motion, your guilty plea is withdrawn. The case becomes active again.
What Happens After the Plea Is Withdrawn?
Once your case is reopened, you have several options:
- Fight the ticket in court
- Negotiate with the prosecutor for a reduced or amended charge
- Request a no-point violation or court supervision
This can help protect your driving record and prevent further consequences.
Example: A Hannibal driver pled guilty to driving 17 mph over the limit. After realizing the insurance hike, they filed a motion to set aside. The case was reopened, and the charge was amended to a non-moving violation, avoiding points.
Can You Do This Without a Lawyer?
You can try—but it’s not recommended.
Courts have strict rules about formatting, deadlines, and legal standards. If your motion isn’t done properly, it may be denied.
A skilled traffic lawyer can:
- Write a legally sound motion
- Appear in court for you (often without you present)
- Negotiate directly with the prosecutor
- Maximize your chances of success
What About CDL Drivers?
If you have a commercial driver’s license, a guilty plea can be even more serious.
- Points can lead to CDL disqualification
- Some employers may terminate drivers with recent tickets
- Moving violations affect your driving record nationwide
CDL holders should never plead guilty to a traffic ticket without speaking to a lawyer first. If you already did, filing a motion to set aside could protect your job and license.
What If You Paid the Ticket Online?
Paying a ticket online is legally the same as pleading guilty. Many people do this without realizing they’re pleading guilty to a moving violation.
If you didn’t understand the consequences, you may still qualify to file a motion to set aside.
What If You’re From Out of Town or Out of State?
If you don’t live in Hannibal or Marion County, you can still undo a guilty plea.
Your attorney can usually handle the motion and court hearing on your behalf. In many cases, you don’t have to appear in person.
Step-by-Step Example
Step 1: Jane pled guilty online to a 14 mph over speeding ticket in Hannibal.
Step 2: Two weeks later, her insurance agent told her her rates would increase by $480 per year.
Step 3: Jane contacted Bond Law Firm.
Step 4: We filed a motion to set aside her guilty plea within 14 days.
Step 5: The judge granted the motion. We negotiated an amended charge of “Defective Equipment,” a non-moving violation.
Result: Jane avoided points, kept her insurance rates low, and her record stayed clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo a guilty plea after more than 30 days?
Possibly, but it’s harder. The sooner you act, the better.
Does this wipe the ticket off my record?
Not automatically. It reopens the case, and from there, you can work toward a better result.
Will I have to go to court again?
Often, your attorney can appear for you. You may not need to attend.
Can this help if I already lost my license?
Maybe. If the guilty plea caused the suspension, setting it aside could help reverse that.
Can I expunge a speeding ticket later?
Yes—if it meets Missouri’s expungement requirements. But setting aside the plea first is often the smarter move.
What If the Ticket Was in a Different City or County?
Bond Law Firm helps with motions to set aside throughout Northeast Missouri — including:
- Marion County
- Ralls County
- Monroe County
- Hannibal, Palmyra, Monroe City, Center, and more
We know the local courts and can help wherever your ticket happened.
Call Bond Law Firm, LLC Today
Bond Law Firm, LLC
P.E. Bond
102 N. Main St.
Palmyra, MO 63461
Phone: (573) 769-6155
Fax: (573) 303-3774
Email: eric@bondlawfirm.com
Don’t let a speeding ticket wreck your driving record, insurance, or job. If you pled guilty and regret it, we’re here to help. Contact us today and let’s see if we can set it right.
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