Providing Valuable Legal Counsel to Those Accused of Traffic Violations in NC
Have you received a speeding ticket or other traffic citation? Speeding tickets may seem like minor charges in comparison to other offenses under criminal law, but a traffic violation charge can still come with harsh consequences for those accused of wrongdoing. Not only might you have to pay costly fines, but you could have your driver’s license revoked, your insurance rates might increase, and your driving record could see new points added to it. In rare and extreme cases, there is also the potential for serving time in jail for a traffic offense.
Before you accept the traffic violation and pay the fine, consider your alternatives as well as the myriad of consequences that come with paying the fines. If you pay the traffic ticket, you essentially plead guilty in a court of law. This guilty charge will follow you and remain on your driving record forever. There is a better way. You do have the opportunity to fight for your rights and reduce the penalties or dismiss them entirely. However, the legal process for doing so can be complicated, especially without the help of a traffic attorney.
Kreider Attorneys at Law has extensive experience representing clients in several different practice areas, including motor vehicle traffic violation cases. You need a North Carolina attorney to represent your interests if you’ve been accused of a traffic offense. Our law office prides itself on providing compassionate, communicative, and honest legal representation to our clients in need of our legal services. Whether you’re facing light charges for driving over the posted limit or something more consequential like a DWI, we would be proud to represent your legal rights and fight to have the consequences diminished or dismissed. To learn more about our legal services, please contact our Greensboro law offices to schedule your initial consultation today.
What Are the Different Types of Traffic Offenses in Greensboro, NC?
Traffic tickets in North Carolina are classified into three different categories.
An infraction is a traffic violation for which you may get a ticket. Infractions are for traffic violations such as speeding or driving through a stop sign. If found guilty, you may have to pay fines and court costs and also face the prospect of having points added to your driver’s license record.
Misdemeanors are minor crimes that could result in your arrest and may be punishable by up to two months in jail, court costs, and additional fines. Misdemeanor traffic violations may also result in points being added to your driver’s license or, in some cases, the immediate suspension of your driver’s license. Examples of misdemeanor traffic offenses include driving while intoxicated (DWI), leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless or distracted driving.
The final category is felonies. A felony is a serious crime, which is typically punishable with a prison sentence of more than a year, as well as extraordinary fines, court costs, and the potential need for attending classes and community service. Felony traffic violations include vehicular manslaughter, habitual DWIs, and hit-and-run accidents. If you’re facing a felony charge, you need to hire an experienced attorney to represent your defense.
What Types of Traffic Violation Cases Does Our Law Firm Represent?
Our law firm has years of experience helping clients fight back against unwarranted or overly zealous traffic tickets. We represent clients in a number of different types of traffic violation cases and would be proud to lend our legal assistance to you in your traffic ticket case.
Traffic violation cases we represent include the following:
- Aggressive driving.
- Driving at excessive speeds.
- Driving in an attempt to elude an arrest by law enforcement.
- Driving on the wrong side of the road.
- Driving through a safety zone.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI).
- Driving under the influence of marijuana, stimulants, and other drugs.
- Driving without a valid driver’s license or with a license that has expired for a year or more.
- Failure to properly restrain a child in a seat belt or child seat.
- Failure to report an accident.
- Failure to stop at the scene of an accident.
- Failure to stop for an emergency vehicle with its siren on.
- Failure to wear seat belts.
- Failure to yield to a pedestrian.
- Failure to yield right of way to a motorcycle, bicycle, or motor scooter.
- Following too closely or tailgating.
- Hit-and-run accidents.
- Illegal passing.
- Littering from the motor vehicle.
- No liability insurance.
- Passing a stopped school bus.
- Reckless driving.
- Running a red light.
- Running a stop sign.
- Speeding at over 15 mph more than the speed limit.
- Speeding in a school zone or work zone.
- Speeding in excess of 55 mph.
- Texting while driving.
- And any other moving violations.
Whatever your type of traffic offense, we have the legal experience and know how to help you through the whole process of seeking to have your charges reduced or dismissed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a Guilford County attorney at our firm to schedule your case review today.
Should You Pay Your Speeding Ticket?
Oftentimes, those who have received a speeding ticket or other minor traffic citation believe that it is wise to simply pay the ticket without considering other legal options. However, paying your traffic ticket is the same thing as pleading guilty. Your traffic violation conviction will stay on your driver’s record for years and be a constant thorn in your side, potentially adding points to your driver’s record, hiking up your insurance rates, and making life more difficult.
You do not need to pay your traffic ticket right away. Take the time to consider legal representation that could help reduce or dismiss the traffic offense charges you are facing. Please contact our Guilford County, NC, law offices to learn more.
What if You Choose to Ignore Your Traffic Ticket?
Just about the worst thing that you could do is choose to ignore your traffic ticket and do nothing. Failing to address your traffic violation is likely to result in having your driver’s license revoked or suspended, additional court costs, and, in some cases, could result in a warrant for your arrest.
If, for some reason, you missed your court date, it is essential that you contact our law offices without further delay.
How Do Different Traffic Violations Affect Your Driving Record?
If found guilty of a traffic violation, you may face increased insurance rates and driver’s license points added to your record. Different types of traffic violations add a different number of points to your driver’s record.
For example:
- Five points for aggressive driving.
- Five points for passing a stopped school bus.
- Four points for driving too closely.
- Four points for hit-and-run accidents that only result in property damage.
- Four points for illegal passing.
- Four points for failure to yield to the right of way of pedestrians.
- Four points for driving on the wrong side of the road.
- Three points for driving without a driver’s license or driving with a license that has expired for more than one year.
- Three points for failing to stop for an emergency siren.
- Three points for no liability insurance.
- Three points for driving through a red light.
- Two points for other moving violations.
- One point for littering when driving a motor vehicle.
If a motorist accumulates more than 12 points in a three-year period, their driver’s license will be suspended for 60 days. If you face the prospect of getting your driver’s license suspended, you must seek professional legal counsel to defend your interests.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Driver’s License Back?
Once the suspension or revocation term has been completed, you must pay any necessary fines and other costs owed in order to have your driving privileges restored. Additionally, it may be necessary to pay a driver’s license restoration fee, a DWI reinstatement fee, and certain service fees. These fees are separate from the cost of getting a new driver’s license, which is currently $32 For a standard Class A, B, or C driver’s license.
Is it Possible to Face Criminal Consequences for a Traffic Violation Charge?
For traffic violations that are charged as misdemeanors or felonies, there exists the chance of facing incarceration if you are convicted. The prison time that you face for a misdemeanor offense depends on whether or not it is your first offense or a subsequent offense. Depending on your class of misdemeanor, first-time offenses may result in the defendant being jailed between one and 60 days.
For a felony charge, the defendant stands a chance of facing much more time in jail, but how long depends upon the crime and previous criminal record.
Will North Carolina Traffic Tickets Affect an Out-of-State Driver’s Insurance Points and Driver’s Licenses?
In many states, an out-of-state speeding ticket can affect your driver’s license and insurance premiums. However, it depends upon your state’s DMV and Department of Insurance guidelines.
Before you pay for your speeding ticket or other traffic ticket, speak with an attorney to find out how your driver’s license, driving record, and insurance rates may be affected.
Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation with a Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney Today
If you are facing a traffic violation, you need to hire Greensboro traffic ticket lawyers to represent your defense. With a strong legal defense, it is possible to see your charges dismissed and your penalties reduced. Guilford County attorneys of our law firm have extensive experience representing clients in complex traffic violation cases. Remember, if you pay the speeding ticket or other traffic ticket, this is the same as admitting guilt. Before you pay the fine, consider your legal options and the consequences of not taking appropriate legal action.
Led by Greensboro attorney Jonathan G. Kreider, himself a former District Court judge, our law firm brings a unique legal perspective to the proceedings of traffic violation court cases. To learn more about our results-oriented legal services and our courageous belief in standing up for the legal rights of our clients, please contact our North Carolina law firm to schedule your initial consultation today. You may get in touch with us at 336-770-2017.