Most people regularly drive, whether it is to commute to work or run errands. Driving almost always results in a traffic violation at one point or another, which, unfortunately, can have unanticipated negative consequences.
Traffic tickets are not only costly but if the traffic violations are sufficiently severe, they may become criminal charges. Traffic violations, whether criminal or not, can increase the risk of license suspension, increased insurance premiums, and other troubling consequences.
A Plantation traffic ticket defense Lawyer may be able to analyze your situation and determine the best strategy for handling your traffic ticket. Enlisting the help of one of our knowledgeable Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert may be essential to resolving your situation in a positive manner.
Types of Plantation Traffic Violations
Traffic violations under state law constitute either traffic infractions or criminal Misdemeanors or Felonies. The penalties for a traffic violation depend on the severity of the offense, as well as the previous driving record of the individuals in some cases. However, more severe traffic violations, could have harsh consequences, especially if drivers commit them repeatedly.
Traffic tickets for minor violations require payment of a fine and may require attendance at traffic school in some cases. Common traffic tickets may include:
- Speeding a few miles over the posted speed limit
- Disregarding a stop sign
- Failing to use a turn signal
Some traffic violations result in much more than a ticket. These violations are criminal charges that create a criminal record, with the possibility of incarceration in some cases. DWI and reckless driving are typical examples of Misdemeanor traffic violations that can result in a jail sentence, fines, and suspension of driving privileges.
Fighting Back Against Traffic Violations in Plantation
Many people fail to realize that paying a traffic ticket is admitting guilt to the offense for which they were ticketed. As a result, the ticket becomes a part of their driving records and results in points against their licenses. A traffic ticket defense Attorney in Plantation knows that too many points can lead to other unwanted consequences, including license suspensions.
Furthermore, added points to licenses inevitably will result in increased insurance premiums, which can be very costly. When added to the high costs of fines and the enhanced risk of license suspension in the future, admitting guilt to a ticket is not always advisable. Taking traffic tickets to court and actively fighting back against them may be the least costly solution to keeping driving records clean.
Some drivers may be eligible to pay for and enroll in driving school. Drivers can choose this option only once within 12 months and a total of five times within a decade. However, some traffic tickets are not eligible for dismissal by attending driving school.
Traffic Tickets and the DMV Point System
Every time drivers receive traffic tickets, the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assesses points against the driving records of individuals who commit traffic violations. Each violation is worth a certain number of points based on the severity of the violation. To avoid the assessment of points, drivers may need to consult a traffic ticket defense Lawyer in Plantation for advice.
Drivers may not accrue too many points within one year, 18 months, or 36 months, or they will risk license suspension. For example, individuals who accumulate 12 points within 12 months are subject to a 30-day license suspension. Likewise, 18 points within 18 months is a 90-day suspension, and 24 points within 36 months is a one-year license suspension.
These suspension periods are in addition to any suspensions that the DMV or court assesses for an underlying traffic violation. Following these suspensions, drivers must pay additional fees to reinstate their licenses, in addition to any other fines that the court has ordered them to pay. Therefore, the accrual of points may only compound an already challenging situation.
A Plantation Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney May Be Able to Help
Accumulating traffic tickets can be a stressful experience as you attempt to navigate your way through the complex system of state courts and traffic laws. By hiring a Plantation traffic ticket defense Lawyer at Leifert & Leifert, you may be able to learn about your rights and the full range of options for resolving your case.
Legal counsel can be instrumental in helping drivers keeping their driving records clear and avoiding an unexpected license suspension. Instead of trying to address matters on your own, you may benefit from the assistance that only an experienced legal advocate can offer you.
