Two different pieces of paper
The statement of offence. Drawn up on the spot. It is not a penalty but a finding. You can already record an objection on it.
The penalty notice. Issued after the statement, and it is what imposes the sanction. This is what is appealed to the court.
People often think that once they have signed the statement, it is over. It is not. The signature confirms that you received it, not that you agree.
If you can, write your objections into the statement itself, even briefly. It matters later.
Why many notices fall
Not because the facts were different, but because the procedure has requirements.
What gets examined is the competence of the official, whether the statement contains the required elements, whether the offence is described precisely, whether the dates and location match, whether service was proper, whether the periods for drawing it up and issuing it were met, and whether limitation has expired.
An imprecise description of the offence is the most common defect. If the text does not make clear what exactly was done, that has consequences.
Minor cases
For some offences, where the case is minor, a warning may be given instead of a sanction. This is not always considered on the authority’s own motion, and it is worth raising.
Deadlines
Appealing a penalty notice has a short period running from service. Paying at the reduced rate usually means giving up the right to appeal, so that is decided before, not after.
If you have already paid, say so at the start.
If you are a foreign national
Statements and notices served on someone who does not understand the language raise additional questions about the validity of service and about comprehension.
You do not need to be in Bulgaria to appeal. It is handled through a power of attorney.
What I will need
The statement and the penalty notice, in full. The dates they were drawn up and served. The envelope or receipt. Photographs or documents if you have any. And your own account of what happened, even if it contradicts what the statement says.
This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice on any specific case. Rights and deadlines depend on the facts and the applicable law.