Anytime someone is facing a traffic violation, the impact can reach beyond just receiving a simple fine. It can have many other consequences, such as increasing your insurance rate, leaving a permanent mark on your driving record, or even preventing you from being able to keep your license for a specific period of time. If you are currently facing this, a Lincolnton traffic violation lawyer can help provide the legal support you need.
At The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A., we understand how stressful the uncertainty of a traffic violation can be. That’s why our team is dedicated to offering compassionate, quality legal support that focuses on trying to protect your driving privileges and minimizing the impact a traffic violation will have on your life. With all of the experience we have handling these cases for other clients, we are positioned to help you advance through the legal process with confidence and peace of mind.
When working with an attorney to defend yourself against a traffic violation, it is important to have the most compelling set of evidence compiled to make a difference in how your case evolves. The more you can combat the prosecution’s evidence and cast doubt on their narrative, the better you are positioned to fight for a lesser charge or case dismissal.
More often these days, drivers have installed a dashcam in their vehicles to record their experiences while driving every single day. Dashcams provide a clear picture of what is happening at any given moment, which can prove to be useful when a traffic incident happens. For example, if you were provided a traffic violation ticket for running a red light, but you can present footage that shows the light was still yellow, this could make a significant difference.
When there was someone else in the vehicle with you or an unbiased third party who witnessed the incident from another vehicle or the street, having their testimony of what happened on file can be a huge help. These statements can help validate your defense narrative that you believe the ticket was unfairly issued. For example, if you were ticketed for driving erratically, but a passenger can explain how that is being misinterpreted, it can boost the strength of your defense.
Having different photographs of the scene can also capture critical details of the environment where the alleged violation happened. For instance, if you were ticketed for making an improper U-turn, you could present photos of the scene to the court that show how the traffic sign is either unclear or obstructed by traffic lights. The same applies if you show photos that there were no speed limit signs in a construction zone you were ticketed for speeding in.
In some instances, a traffic violation might be the fault of a faulty traffic light, a missing road sign, or a host of other issues that are out of the driver’s control. If you believe that you accidentally violated a traffic law because the traffic light was malfunctioning, your attorney can help obtain maintenance records from the local traffic authority. If the records show that the light was behind on repairs around the time of this incident, it could significantly aid in your defense.
If your traffic violation was the result of responding to an emergency, like transporting someone to the hospital who needed immediate medical care, this can also be a valid defense. To help prove this, you and your lawyer will need to present a combination of medical records, hospital admission forms, and a statement from the patient and their medical team. This can help support the claim that your driving behavior was necessary to get them the care they needed in Lincolnton, NC.
In North Carolina, to have a ticket dismissed, you will need to appear in court to either contest the allegation or negotiate for a lesser punishment with the district attorney’s office. In some instances, you might qualify for a dismissal by correcting the issue that led to the citation, like fixing a broken taillight. If an attorney can prove there was an error made in the ticketing process or there is a lack of sufficient evidence for the charge, this could be grounds for dismissal.
The total cost of a lawyer for a speeding ticket in North Carolina varies based on many different factors, like how long they have been in practice, how severe your violation is, and where they are geographically located. More straightforward cases where the fault is clear can be resolved quickly, which won’t rack up as many legal costs as a drawn-out court battle could. You can discuss costs during your initial consultation with your attorney.
If you accumulate more than 12 points within a three-year period of driving in North Carolina, this will lead to an immediate license suspension. Your first time being suspended could only last up to 60 days, while multiple violations could revoke your driving privileges for over a year. Once that punishment period is over and your license has been reinstated, all of these prior points will be canceled. This gives you a fresh slate to try again.
Yes, it would be helpful to have a lawyer after being charged with reckless driving in North Carolina. The possible punishments for being found guilty of recklessly driving are serious: adding points to your record, increasing your insurance premiums, or even possibly facing time in jail. To combat these allegations, an attorney can help build a strong defense to cast doubt on the merit of the charges.
If you are ready to get help with a defense against a traffic violation, contact us today. We will help assess your case and let you know what we think is the strongest path forward.