Closeup of a motorist who has been pulled over for a traffic violation, handing a police officer his drivers license.

Traffic

What you should know about traffic tickets

YOU CAN LOSE YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE

A traffic ticket is not a simple matter! Simply paying a traffic ticket does not end the matter since the BMV puts points on your license for most traffic infractions. Most moving violations are assessed two points. However, some offenses are assessed more than two points. If a person’s license is assessed twelve points within two years, that person’s driver’s license is suspended by the BMV. This is why it is important to defend yourself against a traffic ticket even if it is only your first violation.

Don’t wait until you are in danger of losing your license. That fact is if you record is clean, you’re more likely to keep it that way. You’ll be less likely to be ticketed or found guilty in traffic court. Points on your license can add up quickly! If you hold a commercial driver license (CDL), are an airplane pilot, or in some other line of work where not driving is the same as no paycheck, one ticket can make your life miserable.

YOUR INSURANCE COULD GO UP SUBSTANTIALLY

The insurance law permits companies to impose steep increases upon people who are convicted of traffic violations. Just one traffic violation can cost you thousands of dollars in additional insurance costs! Worst of all, the insurance increases stay with you for more than three years after you pay the ticket!

WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT?

First of all, you should aggressively defend yourself. Just because you were issued a ticket does not mean that you are automatically guilty. You are entitled to plead not guilty and to have your day in court. Keep in mind that good preparation is essential to a successful outcome. Taking photographs, contacting witnesses and creating diagrams will help you to convincingly present your side of the story. You may also consider hiring counsel to aid you in the presenting of your defense.

HOW CAN AN ATTORNEY HELP?

Traffic court is very much like any other legal proceeding. Law is unfamiliar territory to most people. This makes it difficult for many to be able to make an effective presentation. When you fight your ticket, you are likely to face a police officer who has been to traffic court before and knows how to present his case well. Being represented by an attorney can increase your chances of winning your case. An attorney familiar with the court rules can help to present your case in a more logical and persuasive fashion.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.