Gastonia Traffic Violation Lawyer

Gastonia Traffic Violation Attorney

Traffic laws are important to keep everyone safe on the roads, but when you get a ticket, it can be a huge inconvenience. Depending on the severity, some traffic violations can result in fines, your driver’s license being revoked, or even incarceration in the most serious cases. If you or someone you know has received a traffic violation, you should consider engaging a Gastonia traffic violation lawyer for help.

You can represent yourself in traffic court for a lot of violations in North Carolina. However, you are still expected to follow the same procedures and rules as an attorney. The court officials cannot give you legal advice, explain your rights and obligations, counsel you on proper procedures, or help you gather evidence for your defense.

At The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A., our attorneys have more than 60 years of combined experience in litigation, so we know that even minor charges can have a huge impact on your finances and your life. Also, we are a family practice, so we always make it a priority to treat every client with personal care.

Common Traffic Violations in North Carolina

Most traffic violations in North Carolina are classified as infractions, which are the least severe offenses and are usually punishable by fines. Many people who receive citations want to avoid court and will pay the fine on the state’s online automated system before their scheduled court date.

However, paying the fine means admitting guilt, and for some infractions, it can lead to points on your driver’s license, higher insurance rates, or even a suspended or revoked driver’s license.

Some violations are misdemeanor offenses, such as reckless driving, speeding, or aggressive driving. However, some of the most severe violations can be felonies. These include death by vehicle, failure to stop in the event of a crash, or three or more impaired driving offenses within 10 years. Some of these may even lead to incarceration.

Understanding Points on Your Driving Record

There are two kinds of points for a traffic violation conviction in North Carolina: driver’s license points and insurance points. However, each kind of point is handled separately by different entities, and they each come with their own consequences. When a driver is convicted of a traffic violation, they often receive both kinds of points and the associated penalties.

Driver’s License Points

The North Carolina Department of Transportation assigns driver’s license points. These range from 1 to 8, depending on the severity of the violation. For example, a speeding ticket over 55 mph will result in 3 points on your license. There’s a complete list of violations and the driver’s license points assigned to each in the North Carolina Driver’s Handbook.

There are additional penalties if you reach a certain amount of points within a 3-year period. At 7 points, the driver may be required to complete a driver improvement clinic. The driver’s license points may be canceled when the license is reinstated, but accumulating 8 additional points within 3 years after your license is reinstated can lead to a second suspension.

Insurance Points

The North Carolina Department of Insurance handles insurance points and uses the Safe Driver Insurance Plan to give drivers a financial incentive to drive safely. Insurance points are assigned for at-fault accidents and traffic violations. Insurance points will not result in your driver’s license being suspended, but for every point, the driver’s car insurance rate could rise at a pre-designated percentage, anywhere from 30% to 340%.

How a Gastonia Traffic Violation Lawyer Can Help

An experienced traffic violation attorney can review your case and the charges against you and explain the likely consequences that would follow a conviction, including driver’s license points, fines, court costs, and any other potential penalties. From there, they can discuss your legal options and determine your next steps.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

A: The cost of hiring a traffic ticket lawyer in North Carolina depends on several factors, such as the nature of the charge, how complex the case is, and the reputation and experience of the lawyer. There may also be other costs, like court fees or fines. Be sure to discuss potential costs during the initial consultation.

Q: How Do You Get a Traffic Ticket Dismissed in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, getting a traffic ticket dismissed requires negotiating with the prosecutor and possibly going to trial. You have the right to hire an attorney to represent you in the process. If you have an attorney for a traffic ticket, it often means they can appear in court on your behalf, which means you don’t have to be present.

Q: How Can You Fight a Traffic Ticket in North Carolina?

A: If you wish to fight a traffic ticket in North Carolina, you must go to court in the jurisdiction where you received the ticket. Successful outcomes depend on the knowledge of North Carolina traffic laws, explaining the circumstances without unknowingly admitting guilt, and showing that the prosecutor failed to prove the case against you beyond a reasonable doubt. In North Carolina, you may represent yourself in court or hire an attorney to represent you.

Q: How Long Will a Traffic Violation Remain on Your Record in North Carolina?

A: Convictions for traffic violations stay on the driver’s record for three years in North Carolina for both driver’s license points and insurance points. However, the number of points may be reduced if you can successfully defend your case in court, as only traffic tickets that are successfully defended in court do not result in conviction and do not add points.

Your Gastonia Traffic Ticket Attorney

At The Schweppe Law Firm, P.A., we have a proven record of negotiating on behalf of drivers, so you don’t have to deal with unintended consequences for years. When you get a ticket for a traffic violation, it can be tempting to pay the fine just to get it over with. However, you have other options, and our experienced legal team knows that challenging a ticket often means getting charges reduced or even dismissed.

We have helped individuals all across Gaston County, and we are ready to support you, too. Contact our office today to set up a consultation.