Traffic violations are usually minor offenses – known as infractions – that involve the issuance of a traffic ticket. These traffic tickets most often can be resolved by simply paying the fine indicated on the ticket, although you typically also have the option to fight the ticket in court. Most states and counties have specific courts that only handle traffic tickets, with much simpler and streamlined court rules and procedures.
Although most traffic tickets are minor, they can still have a negative impact on your driving record, which can affect your driver's license. Whether your state uses a point system or simply keeps track of your traffic offense, too many traffic violations can lead to the suspension of your driver's license and even higher car insurance rates.
If you have ever received a traffic ticket, you may have wondered, do I need a traffic ticket attorney? While this is a question that only you can answer, this article provides some information about the negative consequences of traffic tickets and how an attorney may be able to help you with your traffic ticket.
The Negative Impact of Traffic Tickets
Although most traffic tickets don't typically result in jail time, it doesn't mean that they don't have a negative impact on you. Most states employ a point system in which each traffic offense is assigned a point value, with more serious offenses having higher points. States with such a system will usually set a limit to the number of points a driver can receive within a given time period, and if a person reaches that limit, his or her driver's license can be suspended.
States that do not use a point system still keep track of the number of traffic tickets drivers receive, and too many traffic offenses can result in the suspension of your driver's license. Since traffic laws are decided by states, it's important that you check your state's traffic laws to find out what conduct can lead to the suspension, restriction, or revocation of your driver's license.
When You Might Need a Traffic Ticket Attorney
An attorney can be a very helpful tool when you're faced with a legal issue or matter. An attorney's goal is to protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the most favorable outcome for you particular situation. Although a traffic ticket doesn't always require the assistance of an attorney, anytime you have questions about a matter that is legal in nature, it's usually a good idea to contact an attorney. Many of them offer a free initial consultion to prospective clients, so there's often nothing to lose.
If you're trying to decide whether or not to hire a traffic ticket attorney, it's helpful to know what he or she can do for you. At your first meeting, your attorney will gather facts and information from you, evaluate all aspects of your traffic offense charge with you, identify your options, and explain what you can expect. If you and your attorney decide to challenge your traffic violation in court, your attorney will represent you zealously at every stage of your case.
Your attorney will be responsible for gathering evidence related to your traffic violation, researching all relevant legal issues, interviewing any witnesses, and working with law enforcement and traffic court officials. A traffic ticket attorney will be better equipped to handle such matters, as they have experience in these matters and usually also have a business relationship with law enforcement and traffic court officials.
Finding an Experienced Traffic Ticket Attorney
If you would like help resolving a traffic ticket, or have been charged with a more serious traffic violation, you may want to contact an experienced traffic ticket attorney in your area.
For more information and resources related to this topic, you can visit FindLaw's Traffic Laws section.
