(561)988-8000 Traffic ticket fines, traffic school and court appearances can cost you significant amounts of time and money. Additionally, points against your Florida Driver’s License can cause your insurance company to raise your rates by hundreds of dollars, costing you even more. The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, as our Flordia traffic lawyers know, can also suspend your Driver’s License if you have incurred a significant number of points. Having a suspended license can mean:
a) not being able to get to work/school/etc., costing you money and opportunities and/or
b) having to pay out-of-pocket for public transportation.
Therefore, to avoid this inconvenience, it is important to consult with an experienced defense Attorney in Florida.
Types of Traffic Violations Our Attorneys Handle
Traffic violations in Florida range from simple moving violations to serious criminal traffic offenses that may carry the risk of jail time, license suspension, and substantial fines. Many drivers underestimate how quickly even minor tickets can affect insurance costs and driving privileges.
At Leifert & Leifert, our Attorneys represent clients facing a wide variety of traffic-related charges throughout Florida. Some of the most common violations handled include:
- Speeding tickets
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Careless driving
- Reckless driving
- Driving with a suspended license
- DUI offenses
- Criminal traffic violations
- School zone violations
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Failure to maintain proof of insurance
- Improper lane changes
- Failure to yield
Certain violations may appear minor initially but can quickly lead to serious consequences if points accumulate on a driver’s license. Multiple violations within a short period may result in license suspension, dramatically increased insurance premiums, mandatory traffic school, or employment issues for individuals who rely on driving for work.
Commercial drivers may face even greater risks because traffic convictions can affect commercial driving privileges and employment opportunities. Some criminal traffic charges may also create a permanent criminal record if not handled properly.
Because every traffic stop and citation involves different facts, having an Attorney review the circumstances of the violation may help identify opportunities to reduce or dismiss the charges.
Defense Process for Traffic Violations
Many people assume they have no realistic option other than simply paying a traffic ticket. However, paying a citation is generally treated as an admission of guilt and may result in points being added to a Florida Driver’s License.
The defense process usually begins with reviewing the citation, law enforcement reports, radar or speed detection records when applicable, and the facts surrounding the traffic stop. In some cases, Attorneys may identify procedural issues, equipment calibration problems, mistaken observations, or insufficient evidence supporting the citation.
For example, speeding allegations may involve questions regarding radar calibration or pacing methods. Careless driving cases may depend heavily on the officer’s subjective interpretation of the situation. In criminal traffic matters, constitutional issues involving traffic stops or police conduct may also become relevant.
Leifert & Leifert handles court appearances on behalf of many clients, which may help drivers avoid missing work or school. Our Florida Attorneys negotiate with prosecutors and courts to seek reduced penalties, eliminate points, avoid traffic school when possible, and minimize the long-term consequences of a traffic citation.
For more serious offenses such as driving with a suspended license or DUI charges, the defense process may involve formal hearings, evidence challenges, witness testimony, and motions filed with the court. Early legal representation can become especially important in these situations because convictions may affect both driving privileges and criminal records.
License Suspension
The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles’ ability to suspend a license based on the accrual of points is illustrated by the following example: incurring 12 points within 12 months will cause your license to be suspended for 30 days; incurring 18 points within 18 months will lead to license suspension for 3 months. In addition, traffic school takes up valuable time and money, and you will be forced to “use up” one of your lifetime elections.
If you were recently given a traffic ticket for speeding, running a red light or stop sign, driving carelessly, driving with a suspended license, DUI, or a criminal traffic violation, one of our Florida attorneys will represent you in traffic court. We can defend you so that you don’t have to go to court.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Offenses
What Happens If You Simply Pay a Florida Traffic Ticket?
Many drivers do not realize that paying a traffic ticket is generally treated as admitting the violation. Once the ticket is paid, points may be added to your driving record depending on the offense. That can later affect insurance costs and, in some situations, your driving privileges.
Can a Traffic Ticket Cause License Problems Later?
It can. Florida uses a point system, and multiple tickets within a relatively short period may eventually lead to a suspended license. Drivers who rely on commuting for work or school often do not realize how quickly points can add up.
Do You Personally Have to Appear in Court?
In many traffic cases, our Attorneys can appear on your behalf so you do not have to miss work, school, or other obligations. However, some criminal traffic offenses and DUI-related matters may still require personal court appearances.
Why Do Insurance Rates Sometimes Increase After a Ticket?
Insurance companies regularly review driving histories when calculating premiums. Even a single moving violation may result in higher rates for several years, depending on the type of offense and prior driving record.
Are There Situations Where a Ticket Can Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Some traffic citations may be challenged successfully depending on the facts of the stop, the evidence involved, and the driver’s prior record. In certain cases, Attorneys may negotiate outcomes that reduce penalties or help drivers avoid points.
When Does a Traffic Violation Become a Criminal Matter?
Certain offenses — including DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or driving with a suspended license — may result in criminal charges rather than simple infractions. These cases can carry much more serious consequences than ordinary traffic tickets.
Speaking With a Florida Traffic Lawyer
Our experienced Florida traffic Lawyers will attempt to get your traffic ticket dismissed, the assessed points eliminated, the fine reduced, and/or eliminate the need for you to attend traffic school. Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert are former prosecutors who thoroughly know the law and are dedicated to getting you the best results possible. We guarantee you’ll get no points on your driving record, or your money back!* In most cases, you won’t have to appear in court or go to traffic school, saving you valuable time and money.
To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced lawyers, please can contact the Law Offices of Leifert & Leifert today.
*To be eligible for this guarantee, you must have had no tickets issued or decided in the past 12 months. The guarantee applies only to non-criminal, non-school zone, and non-accident matters and does not apply to speeding tickets with allegations of speed in excess of thirty miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
