Tags: Attorneys, Traffic Violations
When fighting traffic tickets, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some traffic violations result in little more than a slap on the wrist – pay a fine and you’re done. No points, no traffic school, no community service necessary.
However, other traffic violations are quite serious and can result in license suspension, jail time and a criminal record. If you couldn't get out of your traffic ticket and you’re trying to decide whether or not to hire a traffic lawyer, take the following into account:
If you have a CDL, you are probably going to want to hire a traffic attorney because the outcome can affect the status of your license.
In most states, CDL holders are held to a different set of rules – usually more stringent – than the normal driving public. Even a minor traffic violation incurred while driving your personal vehicle can affect the status of your CDL.
Traffic violations affect insurance rates, which affect whether employers will hire you or not.
If you have a commercial drivers license, a traffic attorney will be able to help you decide the best course of action – perhaps avoiding any kind of permanent damage to your motor vehicle record at all.
License Points: One of the first things many drivers think about when they get a traffic ticket is will it lead to points on their license.
With the ever-present concern of rising auto insurance, it is a valid fear. Whether or not you will receive points on your license depends on many things, eg, the type of traffic violation, if you have previous driving violations, your age, whether or not you’re under the influence, etc.
In most instances, if your traffic violation is not acute, you’ve never had any serious driving violations, have current insurance and a current license in good standing, chances are good that you won’t get points on your license.
You will almost certainly have to pay a penalty, though. This can be a fine, attending traffic school, community service, and/or a combination of the three.
The penalty you will be assessed is up to the judge, who considers many factors (driving history, seriousness of violation, etc.).
Previous Traffic Violations: If you have previous traffic violations, it will most likely be in your best interest to retain a traffic lawyer.
Even if your offense is a relatively minor one (eg, going 5 miles over the speed limit), an attorney may be your best line of defense because you will be looked on as a repeat offender – never a good thing in the eyes of the law.
Some violations are more serious than others and definitely require the expertise of an attorney, ie:
DUI/DWI; accident involving personal injury; leaving the scene of an accident; excessive speeding; etc. In many cases, at the very least, a traffic attorney can reduce any penalty(ies) you may be assessed, making them well worth the investment.
If you need help looking for an attorney, consider reviewing the DUI attorneys, personal injury lawyers, and law firms that help with auto accident cases listed on our Local-Attorneys.com directory, or ask your friend and family members for a referral.