Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog
Should I Fight a Speeding Ticket in Court?
Almost everyone receives a speeding warning or ticket at some time in their lives. A speeding ticket is not necessarily a big deal, but in some cases, it can have a lasting impact. Generally, you have the option to simply send in a payment for the ticket or request a hearing. If you pay the ticket, you are admitting guilt, and therefore, you will be assessed a number of points on your driver’s license. If you wish to fight a speeding ticket, it is often helpful to seek guidance from an experienced defense attorney.
What are Points and Why Do They Matter?
Whenever you are found guilty of a traffic violation, you will be assessed a number of points on your driver’s license. These points accumulate over time, and if you get too many, you could lose your driving privileges. If you accumulate seven points, you must attend a driver training class. When you get 12 points in a three-year period, your license will be suspended for 60 days for a first offense. Traffic violations are worth a number of points based on the severity of the infraction. Insurance companies also use a point system. The more points you have, the higher your insurance rates will be.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Fight a Speeding Ticket?
There is no requirement to have a lawyer represent you for a traffic ticket, although you will likely achieve a better outcome with an attorney. Your lawyer will review the details of the infraction and look at your previous driving record and other factors. Your attorney will represent you in court and contest the ticket. In some cases, your lawyer may be able to get the ticket dismissed or the charges reduced. This may occur when the evidence is weak, or the traffic stop itself was conducted illegally. Some severe infractions are criminal misdemeanors.
Costs You May Incur With a Speeding Ticket
Speeding tickets can be very costly. The fines associated with a speeding ticket vary depending on the speed you are traveling. Some tickets can cost more than $250 if you were speeding in a work or school zone. There will be additional court costs if you take the matter to court. In addition, your car insurance rates could increase significantly. Your rates might go up as much as 80% depending on the number of points you accumulate. If you do not fight a ticket now, you could face more serious penalties if you receive another ticket.
How to Contest a Speeding Ticket
If you wish to contest a speeding ticket, you should enter a plea of “not guilty.” Do not pay the ticket. When you request a hearing, the court will provide you with a date and time to go before the judge. You should prepare for your court hearing with information, data, evidence, and any other information that proves your case. Contact an attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will look at the ticket for accuracy, investigate the violation, and prepare for the hearing. Before the hearing, your attorney may work out a resolution with the prosecutor. It can be worthwhile to get help from a qualified lawyer.
Get the help you need from our legal team at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
The criminal defense attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC make it their mission to zealously defend their clients on a wide range of criminal matters at both the state and federal levels. These matters may include any charge from traffic offenses; DWI/DUI; drug charges (from simple possession to possession with intent to distribute and trafficking); gun permit denials; weapons offenses; and property crimes (larceny, breaking and entering, robbery, fraud, embezzlement, white collar offenses); to sexually related offenses (indecent exposure; sexual assault, crimes against nature, removal from sex offender registry); and violent crimes (domestic violence; assault; manslaughter; homicide, murder). Other legal issues that Arnold & Smith, PLLC criminal clients may be facing include restraining orders, restraining order and probation violations, expungements; appeals; and immigration issues related to criminal charges. Our criminal defense attorneys are passionate about ensuring that individuals empower themselves by being informed about their constitutional rights and stand at the ready to fight in the defense of those facing criminal charges.
Source:
https://www.ncleg.gov/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_20/gs_20-141.html
https://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/license-id/license-suspension/Pages/points.aspx
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https://www.freeimages.com/photo/speed-1187851
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