Do You Require An Attorney For A Traffic Violation?

4 min read

If you need a traffic ticket attorney, we would begin by providing you with the answer that appears to be given by the vast majority of attorneys in response to virtually any legal query: it depends. Several criteria decide whether you need legal assistance for your traffic ticket. There are situations when the price of engaging an attorney to contest the ticket is not justified. In some situations, though, you might only profit from having legal counsel on your side.

The Expenses Related To A Traffic Ticket

There is a fee associated with hiring a traffic attorney to contest your ticket. You must weigh the anticipated expense of a counsel against the potential repercussions of obtaining a traffic ticket. Here, you incur two big expenses:

  • The price of the penalty
  • The possible points on your license

If you have been charged with a major traffic crime, the fine alone may make it worthwhile to hire counsel. The judge in traffic court can take your defense more seriously if it is presented by an experienced attorney. If you contest the citation, the court may lessen your fine.

Points Can Affect Your Driving Capability And Insurance Rates

The points are an even greater cause for concern due to a variety of factors. The first is that your ability to keep your driver’s license may be affected. If you have been charged with an infraction that carries numerous points, you will face the possibility of losing your license in the future if you are pulled over again.

The penalty for exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 miles per hour is six points. Once you get 12 points in 12 months, your license may be suspended. Using a lawyer to contest tickets is one approach to attempt to avoid or lessen possible points. The judge of the traffic court has this authority.

Points on your license may also result in higher vehicle insurance premiums. Any traffic conviction may be reported to your auto insurer, which might lead to a rate increase. Consequently, the impact of a fine may be amplified by its influence on your insurance premiums. What may appear to be a little citation might cost you hundreds more by the time you have paid for your auto insurance.

If your driving record is marked by a high number of citations, you should see an attorney each time you are charged. Again, you have a genuine danger of losing your license if you are convicted of a sufficient number of offenses. You need an attorney to assist you to argue the issues.

An Attorney Is Advantageous For Commercial Drivers

Commercial truck drivers must also be represented by traffic attorneys. These drivers depend on vehicle operation for their living. If they lose this, they will be unable to support themselves. Certain violations by commercial drivers are punished more severely. In addition, a truck driver’s poor driving record might cost them their job and their ability to find a new one.

Judges In Traffic Court May Be More Receptive To An Attorney’s Arguments

Having an attorney accompany you to traffic court and argue your case before the judge is advantageous. Let’s face it. Numerous traffic court judges are jaded because they hear daily tales. Some of them are imaginative and fanciful. They may be more willing to listen to an attorney who regularly appears in their court and has established a track record of trustworthiness. A lawyer will increase your chances of being taken seriously, and if your driving record is at risk, you must be heard. If your case goes to trial, having a lawyer tell your account may increase its credibility.

In court, it is possible to defend a traffic case. Claiming that you were unaware of your speed or that you were required to stop across the street from a school bus is unlikely to convince a court. Due to years of expertise in this forum, a traffic attorney understands which arguments are most likely to convince a judge to listen. A court will not necessarily pay attention to standard explanations.

If The Option Exists, A Lawyer Could Negotiate

If you have been charged with a significant traffic violation, there may be room for settlement. Even if you are not facing criminal charges, you may still be able to negotiate a reduction in the penalty associated with the ticket. A lawyer is better qualified to represent you in traffic court since they are familiar with the system and procedure. They may even perceive an opportunity for a bargain that would decrease your fines.

There may be situations where hiring an attorney is unnecessary. However, when the repercussions are anything more than modest, it seems prudent to hire an experienced traffic court attorney. Otherwise, your finances and future driving privileges may be at risk.

You May Also Like

More From Author