Ticket Lawyer: Why You Should Never Pay a Traffic Fine Without Legal Help

Introduction

Traffic tickets are a daily occurrence, but the majority of people are unaware of the ramifications of paying for a traffic ticket. Although it seems like the easiest thing to do, paying a traffic ticket can lead to higher insurance rates, license points, and even license suspension. What you are supposed to do is hire the services of a ticket lawyer who will represent you in the court of law and will most likely dismiss or reduce charges against you. In this article, we are going to be watching why it is recommended that you hire the services of a ticket lawyer and how they are going to save you money, time, and stress.

Learning About the Consequences of Paying for a Traffic Ticket

When you receive a traffic ticket, you may be tempted to pay the fine on the spot and be done with it. But doing so accomplishes more than just the immediate repercussions most drivers forget:

Demerit Points on Your Driver’s License

Most traffic tickets will put you with demerit points on your license. Too many points will raise your insurance with, in extreme cases, suspension of your license.

Higher Insurance Premiums

Car insurance companies base your premium rates on your driving record. One violation will increase your insurance, hundreds or thousands of dollars in premiums to be paid down the road.

Risk of License Suspension

Numerous infractions will lead to license suspension or even revocation of your driving privileges. Minor infractions in some states can proceed quickly and gravely.

Criminal Record for More Serious Offenses

Some traffic crimes, like reckless driving or drunk driving, may result in a criminal record. This can affect your job prospects, background screening, and even limit your travels in certain cases.

How a Ticket Lawyer Will Help You

A ticket lawyer is an expert in traffic law who will employ his or her knowledge to the service of contesting your ticket. The following are some of the most significant ways they will assist:

Challenging the Ticket in Court

A lawyer can challenge the ticket by challenging the officer’s observations as incorrect, challenging evidence, or alleging procedural errors. This may result in a lighter penalty or charges being dropped.

Lighter Fines and Penalties

Even when the ticket cannot be dropped, a lawyer can lower the fine, lower points against your license, or barter penalties such as attending a defensive driving course for a high fine.

Low Insurance Rates

By having your ticket reduced or dismissed, a lawyer can keep your insurance rates from increasing, which will save you money in the long run.

Time and Trouble Saved

Instead of spending the entire day in court or filling out forms, your ticket lawyer will do the legwork for you so you can attend to other matters in your life.

When to Use a Ticket Lawyer

You will not always need a ticket attorney for each traffic offense, but there are some situations when it is highly recommended that you hire one:

If You Have Multiple Violations

If you have been issued more than one ticket, an attorney can deter undue fines which can lead to serious penalties such as suspension of license.

If You Were Issued a Major Offense Ticket

Severe offense summons for careless driving, DUI, or having no valid license attract massive punishment, and one would need professional help. 

If You Are a Commercial Driver 

For a commercial driver, any single mistake, no matter how small it seems, has implications for his/her career. Professional help would soften the blow for their commercial driver’s license record. 

If You Feel You Were False Ticketed

If you believe the officer was wrong or exceptional circumstances justified it, a lawyer can present evidence to contest the ticket.

Best Defenses Employed by Ticket Attorneys

A veteran attorney will employ more than one defense available to the law to defeat your traffic ticket. The best of them are:

Disputing the Observation of the Officer

The attorney can assail the officer’s observation as correct or his capacity of identifying your vehicle specifically.

Assaulting Defective Equipment

If a radar gun or red light camera was used, lawyers can ask whether equipment was in proper working condition and calibrated. 

Raising Necessity or Emergency

If you were forced to have no choice but to break a traffic regulation to avoid collision or to address an emergency case, your attorney can make this an alibi.

Procedural Mistakes

Mistakes on ticket issuing, i.e., omitted information on the ticket or abuse of legal process, can result in cancellation of a ticket.

How to Get the Right Ticket Lawyer

A veteran traffic attorney is the key to the best result. Here is how to find the best one:

Choose a Traffic Law Specialist

Choose an attorney who practices traffic offenses and tickets exclusively and not general practice.

Check Reviews and Reputation

Online reviews, client reviews, and word of mouth can lead you to a good attorney.

Ask about Fees and Success Rates

Some lawyers charge flat fees, while others charge hourly. Ask about their pricing and track record with similar cases before hiring them.

Schedule a Consultation

Many traffic lawyers offer free consultations. Take advantage of this to discuss your case and assess whether they are the right fit for you.

Final Thoughts

A traffic citation is the fix in front of us, yet it has far-reaching consequences by way of increased insurance premiums, license points, and suspension of your license. Your traffic ticket attorney will make you beat the charge, reduce fines, and save your money in the long run. Every time you get cited for a traffic offense, the smart move is to find a lawyer who will save your driving record and your money.

Rather than just paying your next ticket like a hot check without blinking, call a ticket lawyer—they will be amazed at what they can accomplish for you!