The consequences for a minor traffic offense or a misdemeanor driving charge could be more serious than you might initially suspect. Drivers who fail to pay their tickets by the stated deadline may end up with a license suspension, while those who do not pay a ticket or appear in Court may be subject to a bench warrant. In either situation, a Pompano Beach traffic lawyer could assist you. At Leifert & Leifert, we understand that traffic violations should not disrupt your entire life. Our experienced defense lawyers could provide guidance to help you avoid these serious repercussions.
Classifying Traffic Violations
Traffic tickets fall into two different classes: civil traffic infractions and criminal traffic charges. Civil traffic infractions do not involve the possibility of jail time, but usually, require the payment of a fine or attendance at driving school. Common civil traffic infractions include speeding and failing to obey a stop sign.
Criminal traffic charges are more serious misdemeanor violations for which drivers must appear in Court. The potential penalties could include jail time, expensive fines, and potential license suspension. Typical examples of criminal traffic offenses charged in Pompano Beach include reckless driving and DUI.
The Point System in Pompano Beach
Florida maintains a points assessment system for individuals who get traffic tickets. Each driving-related offense is assigned a certain number of points. When a driver receives a ticket for an offense, the applicable points are added to their license.
The severity of a civil or criminal traffic offense determines the number of points assessed against drivers. For example, speeding less than 15 mph over the speed limit will result in three points, but speeding that results in an accident will result in six points.
Accruing 12 points within a single year will result in a 30-day license suspension while receiving 18 points in 18 months will lead to a 90-day suspension. Finally, obtaining 24 points within 36 months mandates a suspension of one year.
Once a license is suspended, drivers must pay fees before they can reinstate their licenses. When combined with ticket fines and increased insurance rates, the consequences of multiple traffic citations can be severe. If facing criminal traffic violations, it may beneficial to speak with a Pompano Beach traffic lawyer about the potential consequences before choosing how to proceed.
Options for Handling Traffic Tickets
Some drivers choose to simply admit that they committed traffic violations, pay their fines, and have the points added to their licenses. However, the traffic fines may be several hundred dollars and the accumulation of multiple points may lead to license suspensions. This could seriously impact your ability to attend work or school and increase your motor vehicle insurance premiums.
Another option is to attend driving school. Under State law, drivers may be able to attend driving school no more than five times within ten years. Drivers also may not attend driving school if they have attended within the last 12 months, if they were ticketed for driving more than 30 mph over the speed limit, or if they hold a CDL license.
Drivers could fight against the traffic tickets and points they inevitably carry. Our Pompano Beach traffic attorneys could help explain how to defend the charges and consequences of your unique situation.
Seek Advice from a Traffic Lawyer in Pompano Beach
A minor traffic infraction could cause a large problem when drivers accrue too many in a short period of time. Any type of traffic violations, whether a civil infraction or Misdemeanor criminal offense, could threaten your ability to drive as well as your financial security. A Pompano Beach traffic lawyer could help you mitigate the potential consequences of a minor driving violation
Minor traffic violations could drastically impact your life, but they do not need to. Getting legal representation may enable you to minimize some of these costs. Reach out to the experienced legal staff at Leifert & Leifert and schedule a free consultation today.
