NewsJanuary 25, 20240 comments

Do I Need To Hire a Traffic Ticket Attorney?

Traffic tickets are not something to take lightly. They can have serious implications for your driving record, your insurance rates, and your wallet. It is best to consult a traffic ticket attorney if you receive a citation for a driving violation.

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What Are the Consequences of Traffic Tickets?

Traffic tickets can have many consequences that extend far beyond the initial fine. Understanding these effects can help you make an informed decision about handling a traffic ticket.

Points on Your Driving Record

Accepting a traffic ticket and paying the fine is often an admission of guilt. This admission typically results in points on your driving record. Each state has its own point system, but the underlying principle is the same: accumulate too many points, and you risk license suspension. These points are a mark against your driving record and can remain there for several years, affecting your driving privileges and presenting an ongoing reminder of your infraction.

Increased Insurance Premiums

One of the most immediate and noticeable consequences of traffic tickets is the rise in car insurance premiums. Insurance companies use your driving record as a key factor in determining your insurance rates. Points on your record signal to insurers that you may be a higher-risk driver. As a result, you can expect an increase in your insurance costs, which can be substantial and long-lasting. In some cases, this cost increase over time can far exceed the original amount of the traffic fine, leading to a significant financial burden.

Potential for License Suspension

Accumulating points on your driving record isn’t just about higher insurance rates; it can also lead to the suspension of your driving privileges. This is particularly true for more serious violations or accumulating multiple infractions over a short period.

Losing your license can profoundly affect your daily life, affecting your ability to commute to work, perform errands, and maintain your social and family commitments. The process of reinstating a suspended license can be both time-consuming and costly.

Risk of Increased Fines and Penalties

While the initial fine associated with a traffic ticket might seem manageable, there can be additional financial penalties down the line. In some jurisdictions, accumulating points can lead to surcharges, additional fines, or even court costs if the matter escalates. For more serious offenses, such as DUI or reckless driving, the financial penalties can be even more severe, including expensive fines and legal fees.

Legal Ramifications and Criminal Charges

Traffic violations can escalate beyond civil infractions and into criminal charges in certain circumstances. This is particularly true for serious offenses such as DUI, hit-and-run incidents, or reckless driving. Facing criminal charges can lead to many legal issues, including the potential for jail time, probation, mandatory driving courses, or community service. The implications of having a criminal record can be far-reaching, affecting employment opportunities, travel options, and overall reputation.

How a Traffic Ticket Attorney Can Help

How can a traffic attorney help?

First, you may not know all the rules and regulations that apply to your case or how to use them to your advantage. A traffic ticket attorney can build a strong defense strategy based on the specific laws and facts of your case.

Second, traffic tickets are not always fair or accurate. Sometimes, the officer who issued the ticket may have made a mistake or violated your rights somehow. For example, they may have used a faulty radar device or stopped you without probable cause. A traffic ticket attorney can spot these errors and challenge them in court, which can result in getting your ticket dismissed.

Third, traffic tickets are not always inevitable or irreversible. Some factors can work in your favor, such as your good driving record, the nature of the offense, or the circumstances that led to the incident. For example, you may have been speeding because of a medical emergency or because your speedometer was broken. A traffic ticket attorney can present these mitigating factors to the judge or the prosecutor and persuade them to reduce your penalty or drop the charges altogether.

Fourth, traffic tickets can have long-term impacts on your life. A traffic ticket can add points to your license, leading to higher insurance premiums or even license suspension. It can also result in a criminal record, affecting your employment, education, and reputation. A traffic ticket attorney can minimize these effects by negotiating for a lower fine, fewer points, or a dismissal. They can also expunge or seal your record, if possible, to prevent it from haunting you in the future.

Of course, not every traffic ticket requires an attorney, but some situations may warrant their counsel. For example, you may want to hire a traffic ticket attorney if:

You have a commercial driver’s license (CDL): CDL holders face stricter rules and harsher penalties for traffic violations, which can jeopardize their livelihood. A traffic ticket attorney can protect your CDL and your career whenever possible.
You have a prior record of traffic violations: If you have accumulated too many points on your license or have previous convictions for serious offenses, such as DUI or reckless driving, you may face enhanced penalties or license revocation. A traffic ticket attorney can often eliminate or minimize these consequences.
You are facing a serious charge: Some traffic violations are considered criminal offenses, such as hit-and-run, vehicular manslaughter, or driving with a suspended license. These charges can carry large fines, jail time, or probation. A traffic ticket attorney can fight these charges and protect your rights.

As you can see, a traffic ticket attorney can be a valuable asset in dealing with a traffic ticket. They can explain the law, challenge the evidence, find the best solution, and reduce the impact on your life. If you ever receive a traffic ticket, don’t hesitate to contact a traffic ticket attorney for a consultation. They may save you a lot of time, money, and trouble.

Taking the Next Step: Seeking Legal Assistance

Lindsay Bernstein, Esq. | Attorney for Traffic Ticket — Lindsay Bernstein, Esq, Traffic Ticket Lawyer

If you’re facing a traffic ticket, it’s important to consider all your options. An experienced traffic ticket attorney can offer a consultation to discuss the specifics of your case and provide guidance on the best course of action. Remember, the goal is to protect your driving record and financial well-being, and seeking professional help is a step in the right direction.

While hiring a traffic ticket attorney depends on individual circumstances, the benefits of professional legal assistance are clear. An attorney can help mitigate a traffic ticket’s financial and legal consequences, providing peace of mind and potentially saving you money and stress in the long run. If you’re unsure how to proceed with a traffic ticket, contacting a qualified attorney is a sensible first step.