We’ve all been there. When you pull over, you see the flashing lights in your rearview, you receive a slip from the police officer and immediately you feel a knot in your stomach. The first reaction is typically to immediately go online and pay the fine and put the entire event to rest. What many drivers don’t know is that in nearly every state, paying the fine online is legally equivalent to pleading guilty. If you pay the fine in full does not just mean you have cleared your obligation, but acknowledging a formal conviction that will be added to your driving record. Before making a decision that impacts your future, consulting a knowledgeable ticket attorney allows you to review your rights and explore options you might not know exist.
The Long-Term Hidden Costs of Citations
In most cases, the fine on your ticket is usually a small fraction of what you actually have to have to pay for traffic violations over time. Insurance companies look over driver records on a regular basis, and even a simple moving violation such as driving 12 mph above the speed limit can increase your premiums by 20-30%. In a typical 3-year period this can add to hundreds or thousands of dollars. Points are added to your driving record and could result in driver safety classes, state surcharges or even suspension of your license.
Every traffic stop has a story
It’s easy for people to consider the decision of an officer as final. However, traffic stop situations often occur in a chaotic and fast-moving environment. Radar calibration issues or road conditions as well as poorly visible speed limits hidden behind overgrown branches may influence the result of an arrest. If the testing and maintenance of speed measuring devices is not performed regularly, it could cause the reading to be invalidated. An attorney who handles traffic tickets can help you review the details, facts and procedure that you were stopped to determine whether they’re valid or not.
Why Local Legal Experience Makes A Difference
The local laws and traditions of traffic courts differ from one county to the next. The most effective option for those who are looking for a traffic citation attorney is to choose someone with experience in the jurisdiction where the citation was issued. Local lawyers are knowledgeable about the specific ways that prosecutor’s negotiate plea agreements and can determine if your case is eligible for deferred dispositions that keep points off your record. Lawyers can be present in court on behalf of you, saving time from having to miss your job or make use of vacation days.
Address Warrants Before They Turn Into Bigger Legal Problems
It’s simple to get tickets, or miss a court date. If a date is missed without any action being taken in court, courts usually issue a Failure to Appear Hold or an active warrant for arrest. Most drivers don’t realize they have an outstanding warrant until they renew their licenses or are stopped. An experienced warrant attorney can assist you with these concerns before you face further penalties. An attorney can assist you put up a bond, get the arrest warrant, change the court dates, and restore peace of mind.
El Paso Legal Advice based on the real People
Traffic Ticket Lawyers’ 915 mission is to provide practical legal advice along with a personalized service for drivers in El Paso. Each case will be handled in a direct manner by an attorney familiar of the effect a traffic infraction can have on professionals in the workplace, Fort Bliss soldiers, Fort Bliss students, and families who depend on a clean driving record. If you’ve been charged with tickets for speeding or an expired license, you’ll certainly not be the only person within the system. Protecting your record isn’t just about avoiding a penalty today, it’s about protecting your ability to get to work along with your finances and your future tomorrow.