The fines, court dates, lost work, and inconvenience related to traffic tickets can all add up to be a costly and draining process. Law enforcement knows people just want the situation to go away. However, in addition to the short term inconvenience of a traffic violation, there may be severe repercussions and lasting consequences if you do not fight back.
A skilled Sunrise traffic lawyer can work with you to fight traffic violations of all shapes and sizes. By reviewing the facts of your case, collecting appropriate evidence, and utilizing legal techniques, one of our qualified traffic attorneys at Leifert & Leifert can seek to get your case dismissed, or the charges significantly decreased. They will be on your side, as a resource and advocate, fighting for your rights every step of the process.
What are the Primary Types of Traffic Cases in Sunrise?
Drivers are always tempted to bend the rules of the road in their favor. This is often displayed by speeding, driving aggressively and recklessly, feeling the scene of an accident, and driving under the influence. However, the law makes it clear to drivers that if they engage in these behaviors, consequences will follow. This is especially seen in cases where fatal injuries were suffered.
Speeding Violations and Careless Driving
Speeding in Florida can come with hefty fines and points, and those penalties increase significantly with the level of speed. Multiple violations can add up and can cause a person’s license to be suspended, in addition to other costs. Careless driving also can also include:
- Speeding
- Lane change violation
- Tailgating
- Failing to yield
- Improper passing of other vehicles
- Violating stop lights or signs
Aggressive Driving and Reckless Driving
Under Florida Statute §316.1923, aggressive careless driving includes committing two or more of the above moving violations around the same time. Reckless driving is defined as driving as the willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people and property, and the severity of the punishment increases with frequency and other factors. A first-time violation may include up to 90 days in prison and/or a $500 fine, and for multiple violations, the punishment increases to up to six months in prison and a $1,000 fine. The penalty goes up significantly if property damage or bodily injury is involved.
Hit and Run
Under §316.027, a person must remain at the scene of an accident, and violation carries serious consequences. If there is property damage, that is a second-degree misdemeanor charge. If there are bodily injuries, that is a second- or third-degree felony charge, which carries up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, and a license revocation for up to three years. If there are fatalities, this could result in a first-degree felony charge with up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 fine.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
DUIs happen all the time in Florida, and they come with hefty fines, community service, probation, and imprisonment. If a drinking and driving accident resulted in the death of a nearby driver or pedestrian, the driver may be charged with a felony offense with a significant jail sentence.
Vehicular Homicide and Manslaughter
Under 782.071 of the Florida statute, vehicular homicide is when a person is killed by a vehicle operated in a reckless manner likely to cause death or great bodily harm. The offense is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The charge goes to a first-degree felony and up to 30 years in prison if, at the time of the accident the driver should have known the accident occurred and they failed provide aid as required by law. Jail time increases if the person is a habitual felon.
What are the Penalties of a Traffic Violation?
A traffic violation can have significant penalties in the form of fines and even jail time. Points can also be added to a person’s license, which can cause insurance rates to spike and a license to be potentially suspended. If your license gets suspended, there are additional costs, including not being able to get to work, not being able to get your kids to school, and the cost of public transportation.
Consult with a Sunrise Traffic Attorney Today
You should consult with a Sunrise traffic attorney today if you received a traffic violation. Even smaller offenses can add up and become serious issues if you do not fight them, so it is crucial to have one of our attorneys at Leifert & Leifert on your side who can fight for your rights. Reach out today for a consultation.
