(561)988-8000 When facing an accusation regarding a speeding traffic infraction, you may be unaware of the legal routes you could take to mitigate the accusation made against you. With the expensive ticket fines associated with a speeding violation in mind, it may be worthwhile to retain the services of one of our professional traffic attorneys at Leifert & Leifert to help with obtaining a favorable outcome. A Ft. Lauderdale speeding ticket lawyer could analyze the details of your speeding ticket, work with you to build a suitable defense, and act as an advocate on your behalf during Court and any plea negotiations.
Actions Necessitating a Speeding Ticket
You may be handed a speeding ticket if you are driving at a speed higher than what is considered reasonable and sensible given the current driving conditions, as per Florida Statutes 316.183. When approaching winding curves, hill crests, intersections, or other roadways requiring a decrease in speed, you are to slow down in order to avoid any collisions with other cars, property, or accidents in which you risk driving off the side of the road. An attorney in Ft Lauderdale could review a speeding case to determine if a ticket was just.
Penalties for Speeding Tickets
If a Law Enforcement Officer issues a citation, you may face the following penalties:
- Fines
- Points on your license
- A guilty charge on your public record
- Driving school attendance
- Increased car insurance premiums
- Loss of license
The statute sets the fines for speeding in Florida Statute §318.18. For example, if a person is traveling less than five miles per hour over the speed limit, the officer may issue a warning. If a driver is going 15 miles over the speed limit, the police may give the driver a $150 fine.
Enhanced Penalties
If the government accuses you of exceeding the speed limit in a school or construction zone, the fine may be double. Also, whenever an enhanced penalty is available, the Court may order you to pay an additional $500. A speeding ticket lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale may be able to help you if you have been accused of traveling through an area with an enhanced penalty.
Examples of Different Types of Fort Lauderdale Speeding Offenses
Within the scope of Fort Lauderdale traffic offenses, speeding-related charges are probably the most common traffic infractions issued in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale law enforcement will give speeding tickets for driving in excess of the speed limit, driving slower than the slowest allowable speed, and driving too fast for special zoning conditions. Reckless driving such as racing typically involves some type of speeding as well. Racing is an offense in which an individual is alleged to be involved in a competition for speed, not necessarily violating the speed limit. Spectators can also be charged with violation of the racing statute in Fort Lauderdale.
Driving Five Miles Per Hour Over the Speed Limit
Technically, going five miles per hour over the speed limit is a violation of that limit, so drivers can always be pulled over for driving five miles per hour over it. However, most officers will not pull an individual over for a variety of factors. The main reason is that there is some reasonable error with respect to the detection of speed.
When it comes to speed detection, the devices used by law enforcement will always have a degree of error, even if they are technically calibrated. In order to give law enforcement more wiggle room to be outside those degrees of error, police typically do not pull anyone over for going five miles or less over the speed limit, but know that they still legally possess the ability to do so.
The Zoning of the Road
With certain zones such as school zones, parks, hospitals, commercial areas, construction zones, and high congestion areas containing many pedestrians, there is a higher potential for accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Because of this, the penalties for speeding in those particular areas are typically higher than average. Individuals need to strictly abide by all traffic laws, including paying particular attention to situations that may yield special circumstances.
Get Advice from a Ft. Lauderdale Speeding Ticket Attorney
Sometimes a traffic citation may not result in a hefty fine, but there are other associated costs that could seriously affect your life. Depending on the circumstances of the offense, you may be subject to points added to your license. This may increase your monthly insurance premium, potentially placing a strain on your finances.
If you wish to contest a speeding ticket, you may wish to do so with the help of one of our criminal attorneys at Leifert & Leifert. A Ft. Lauderdale speeding ticket lawyer could help you with the crafting of a convincing defense, as well as help you gather any significant evidence which could add value to your argument. To get started on your case, be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Waiting to the last minute could prove to be detrimental to your case. However, by being proactive in speaking with an attorney, you may be able to increase the likelihood of obtaining a favorable result. Contact our firm today.
