Criminal Defense Lawyer

It may not seem like a speeding ticket can endanger your license. But under some circumstances you may find that a simple traffic stop can turn into big trouble.

The Points Matter

Many states have a points system. One simple speeding ticket won’t endanger your license, but four or five in a two year period might. It’s also surprising how many points one stop may accumulate if you are driving recklessly, driving more than 25 miles over the speed limit, or are charged with other things. Aggressive driving or leaving the scene of an accident add many points to an incident and may leave you vulnerable to losing your license with one more traffic stop within a year or two.

For this reason, it can be important to try to negotiate for reduced points on your license associated with a traffic stop. Even if you’re found to be at fault for the primary violation, such as speeding, you may be able to avoid reckless driving charges. Sometimes you can take traffic school to avoid the points on your license, even if you must pay the fine. Police officers sometimes avoid charging the motorist with everything that can be possibly be charged, in the hopes that the motorist won’t fight the speeding charge in court. This may indeed be a good incentive, but it’s still worth taking a look as to whether the “roadside deal” is fair.

Unresolved Tickets and Complaints

Failure to pay tickets, even non-traffic complaints like parking tickets, can eventually lead to suspension of your license. The courts use this as a tool to achieve compliance with regulations. This problem is often overlooked by drivers who feel that paying parking tickets isn’t important. Of course, failure to pay traffic complaints is often an even more serious matter. If you end up in this situation, you will need the services of a qualified defense lawyer.

You May Be Able to Receive a Limited License

If you are dependent on your license to drive to work, and in danger of losing your job as a result, the courts will sometimes grant a limited “hardship” license. This type of license is restricted to times and routes necessary for you to maintain your employment. You need representation by an experienced defense lawyer, because careful negotiation with the court will be necessary for you to get this kind of concession.

A pattern of receiving points from violations can endanger your license. You need to minimize the impact of your traffic stops on your driving record, so consult a traffic ticket lawyer if you are charged with a traffic violation.

Thank you to the experts at the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for their input on traffic ticket law.