Did you know that 41,000,000 people receive speeding tickets every year? If you're one of them, paying your fine might be tempting. But, paying it is admitting that you committed the offense.
Did you know that your traffic offenses are kept on your record from 3 to 5 years? If your offense is more serious, it might be kept for up to 7 years. Maybe you don't want this ticket to stay on your record.
A traffic lawyer can help you negotiate your offense in court, and advice you about your options.
Want to know why you should hire a lawyer to fight a speeding ticket?
Before we get into the reasons why you should hire a lawyer to fight your ticket, we've to go over the consequences of a speeding ticket , and your options when dealing with it.
Yes, it might be easier to pay the fine. Yet, if the ticket translates into your insurance premiums skyrocketing, not mentioning how it stays on your record for years. You might be better off fighting your speeding ticket.
There are several ways to handle a traffic ticket. Now the thing is you've to choose the best option for you. Getting an initial consultation with a traffic attorney can point you in the right direction.
Many lawyers offer the first consult free of charge. Depending on the way you handle your traffic ticket will determine what type of service your lawyer will provide. Here are the four ways how you can handle your speeding ticket:
Not Going to Court
If you decide to pay your ticket is the fastest and easiest way to handle your traffic offense. But, if this isn't your ticket you might've to think about it twice before doing it.
You might be paying a lot more than you would if you had an attorney in your corner. Another thing is that by doing this you may be putting your driving privileges at risk.
Traffic School
Another way to handle your speeding ticket is by telling the judge that you will go to traffic school. This may be requested by your traffic attorney. This option might be a bit expensive because the courses aren't cheap, and you'll also have to pay court fees.
But, going this route may help you keep your insurance premiums from increasing, and prevent your driving point deductions.
Plead in Court: Guilty or No Contest
Many people decide to go this route with their traffic ticket. But, you should know that if you plead guilty to the offense it will go on your record. Also, they'll deduct the driving points.
You could do this in court, or through a traffic lawyer. They can give you a better idea of what are the consequences of pleading guilty, and the effect this offense will have on your record.
Trial Request
Requesting a trial would be the route you'll take if you decide to fight your speeding ticket. Here if the officer who gave you the ticket doesn't come to court, the judge will typically dismiss your case.
But, if the officer appears the trial will go forward. Here you should have an attorney in your corner because traffic trials can be complicated.
The key is fighting your ticket in a way that it gives you the best chance at getting rid of it. The best way to fight your ticket is by hiring a lawyer.
If you haven't committed a serious offense, or have been charged with several traffic offenses in the last 3 years, you should still consider hiring a traffic lawyer. Here are the main reasons why you should hire a traffic attorney to fight your speeding ticket:
Protecting Your Driving Privileges
If you've had several traffic tickets in the last few years, this last ticket might be the one that can take your driving privileges away. This will depend on where the offense was committed because every state has its own system. But, every time you are charged with a traffic offense, they deduct points from your record.
If you end up with enough negative driving points, your driving privileges might be in danger. An attorney may help you keep your privileges.
Representation at Your Hearings
If you got your ticket while on vacation, or can't take time off from your job a lawyer can represent you in court. This way you won't have to get in trouble at work or pay for an expensive out of state trip.
Another thing is that if you have a lawyer in your corner, they have the expertise on how to handle these hearings. Usually, most lawyers practice at those courts so they know the common practices in that county. This expertise can save you time and money during the process.
Negotiation
We know that traffic tickets are a great source of revenue for the government. Sometimes getting rid of the fine will be very difficult if a lawyer isn't representing you.
If you have an attorney, you'll have a better chance at negotiating the traffic ticket. If they don't get a dismissal, they'll probably get your fine lowered.
An Arrangement of a Plea Bargain
We know that paying the fine is an admission of guilt. The consequences of this admission can be bad for your record. Usually, the best way to handle these traffic offenses is to have a plea bargain arranged.
A lawyer can review your case, and see if there's a way to challenge it. If this isn't possible, they will arrange the best plea bargain option for you.
Avoiding Increase in Your Insurance Premiums
It's common for insurance companies to increase your premium based on your driving record. By hiring a traffic lawyer, they can negotiate your charge for a lesser offense, or get it dismissed. This will help with your record, therefore avoiding any increase in your insurance rates.
There are many ways you can fight your speeding ticket. Yet, the way to give yourself the best outcome, or even get it dismissed is by hiring a traffic lawyer.
The consequences of your speeding ticket out weight the costs of hiring a lawyer. So next time you receive a traffic ticket think about it twice before navigating this process alone.
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