For many people, driving is a part of everyday life. As a result, traffic is often inescapable, as are tickets and citations for alleged traffic violations. Fines from tickets can become costly, especially if you feel you were given the citation unfairly. Fortunately, a Palm Beach Gardens traffic lawyer could help you examine their situation and weigh different legal options.
If you have traffic-related legal issues, our dedicated criminal defense attorneys could analyze your case and potentially provide insight on the situation. Traffic citations and tickets can be both confusing and expensive, so contact Leifert & Leifert today for an assessment regarding yours.
How Palm Beach Gardens Treats Non-Criminal Traffic Violations
There are a variety of potential traffic-related issues that could result in non-criminal citations in the state of Florida. Some of these include the following:
- Exceeding the designated speed limit
- Driving through a red light or stop signal
- Making an improper turn, such as an illegal U-turn
- Causing an accident
Florida Statute §316.183 mandates general maximum speed limits for vehicles, unless otherwise posted. Typically, the maximum speed is 30 miles per hour in business or residential districts and 55 miles per hour in all other districts. Accordingly, someone who drives a motor vehicle at an excess or unsafe speed in Palm Beach Gardens may be charged with a non-criminal traffic infraction.
Furthermore, a vehicle in Florida that encounters a red light must stop completely before entering the intersection. Running a red light is generally treated as a non-criminal traffic infraction.
Finally, U-turns are typically regarded as illegal on any street unless such a turn “can be made in safety and without interfering with other traffic” and is not prohibited by any traffic signs. Making an illegal U-turn may also be punishable as a non-criminal traffic infraction.
Legal Consequences
Generally, in Palm Beach Gardens, individuals cited for a non-criminal traffic infraction, such as those mentioned above, may resolve the infraction by paying a civil penalty within 30 days of receiving the citation. You may also elect to appear before an official to challenge the citation. The official usually conducts a hearing to determine whether an infraction occurred.
If you have questions about the hearing process and whether they should challenge any specific citation, getting in touch with a Palm Beach Gardens traffic attorney such as Leifert & Leifert for further assistance is often your best option.
Criminal Traffic Violations in Palm Beach Gardens
Some traffic violations may be treated as criminal infractions, including reckless driving and failure to stop at the scene of an accident. Under Florida Statute §316.192, reckless driving is defined as the “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
A person who is convicted of an initial offense for reckless driving may be punished by imprisonment for 90 days or less and potentially a fine of between $25 and $500. Subsequent offenses may result in imprisonment for up to six months, and possibly a fine of between $50 and $1,000.
Additionally, Florida law generally requires drivers to stop at the scene of an accident. For example, drivers who are involved in accidents typically must stop their vehicles at the scene of the crash. Individuals who willfully cause such accidents could receive a Felony charge and have their driver’s license revoked for three years.
Similarly, someone involved in an accident that generates property damage must stop their vehicles at the scene, according to Florida Statute §316.061. Drivers who violate this statute may be charged with a Second-Degree Misdemeanor.
Regardless of its individual severity, a criminal traffic infraction should always be taken seriously. As such, consulting with a traffic lawyers Leifert & Leifert in Palm Beach Gardens is almost always the optimum choice if you find yourself facing such a charge.
Contacting a Palm Beach Gardens Traffic Attorney for More Information
Traffic-related legal issues are common in the courtrooms of the Palm Beach Gardens but understanding the rules and regulations of the roadway may significantly reduce your risk of suffering excessive consequences for a traffic citation. A Palm Beach Gardens traffic lawyer could examine the alleged violation and potentially help you formulate a valid legal defense.
Traffic citations can be costly and may negatively impact your standing as a driver in Palm Beach Gardens. Consulting an attorney from Leifert & Leifert may help you set the record straight. Call today to get started on your case.
