When you receive a traffic ticket, you may be tempted to accept responsibility, pay the ticket, and avoid the hassle of appearing in Court. While this can be a reasonable solution in some cases, other circumstances may make challenging your ticket in Court a better strategy.
Whatever your situation may be, consulting one of our professional Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert is likely to be your most effective means of resolving your traffic violation as favorably as possible. Schedule a consultation with a Deerfield Beach traffic Lawyer to get started on your case.
What are the Most Common Traffic Violations in Deerfield Beach?
Some traffic tickets are minor civil infractions that usually require the payment of a fine and do not result in jail time. However, these violations still cause the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to assess points to the driving records of individuals. Common examples of traffic infractions include:
- Disregarding stop signs or traffic lights
- Speeding
- Failing to use turn signals
- Illegal passing
Other traffic-related offenses are more severe and constitute Misdemeanor or Felony charges. Reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, causing hit and run accidents, and committing DWI all can lead to arrests and criminal charges. A criminal conviction for one of these offenses can carry the potential for both jail time and fines, as well as license suspension.
Additionally, criminal traffic offenses generally result in a higher number of points accruing on the driving records of these individuals, as well as license suspension in many instances. For individuals who depend on their driver’s licenses as a condition of employment or need them to get to and from work, losing driving privileges can be devastating. A traffic Lawyer in Deerfield Beach may be able to help motorists avoid or minimize the risk of these unwanted consequences.
What are the Collateral Consequences of Traffic Violations?
People often are unaware of the actual costs of pleading guilty to traffic violations. They realize that they must pay a fine, but they might not understand how a ticket is likely to increase their motor vehicle insurance rates drastically. Increased or high-risk insurance rates can remain in place for three years or more, depending on the situation, which can constitute an enormous financial burden for drivers and their families.
They may also not realize how the accrual of points for more than one ticket ultimately can impact their ability to drive. If individuals accumulate too many points within specific timeframes, they would also face a license suspension. For example, drivers who accumulate 12 points or more in one year will face a 30-day license suspension, which easily can lead to job loss, in addition to inconvenience.
Fighting Back Against Traffic Violations in Deerfield Beach
One typical response to traffic violations may be to attend driving school. Although drivers must pay a fee to attend driving school, they can avoid a ticket on their records, as well as the points and insurance rate increases that go along with it. Not everyone is eligible for driving school, but many drivers can utilize this option as often as five times within one year if they receive tickets at least 12 months apart.
In other cases, sufficient evidence may exist to contest the accusations that drivers have violated traffic laws. Although litigating the matter may not be the best option in every case, some cases may merit taking the case to trial. A Deerfield Beach traffic Lawyer may be able to help individuals make the decisions that are most likely to be successful based on their situations.
Talk to a Deerfield Beach Traffic Attorney for Assistance Today
Whether you need your license to keep your job or you are concerned about significantly increased insurance rates, your best bet may be to get the legal advice that you need. A Deerfield Beach traffic Lawyer at Leifert & Leifert can present your available options, explore the potential benefits of each option, and work toward a sufficient resolution in your case.
A traffic ticket does not have to cause the financial fallout that you might fear, nor do criminal charges always relegate you to having a permanent criminal record. Formulate a defense to the allegations against you by enlisting the help of legal counsel today.