Traffic Violations
I was given a ticket for a traffic violation.
Should I just pay the fine and get on with
my life?
The answer depends upon many factors. However,
in most cases by paying the fine you are
pleading guilty to a criminal offense. Sure,
most traffic violations are minor criminal
charges that won't land you in jail but there
may be serious consequences to pleading guilty
that most people aren't aware of at the time
they pay their tickets:
- Insurance rates may increase substantially, especially if the violation adds "points" to your driving record. Typically, points on your driving record are held against you by your insurance carrier for up to 3 years.
- Repeat offenses may result in the suspension of your driver's license. Driving while your license is suspended is a serious offense that might very well earn you a prison sentence.
- You might not be guilty of the offense
- There are very exact procedures that the police must follow when issuing a ticket. Sometimes, if they don't follow these procedures, you may be acquitted of the charge. This will not happen by itself but must be argued by you (or your attorney) before the court.
Can't you just make my ticket go away?
This is something that is more of an urban
legend than a truth of our legal system.
More often than not, if the circumstances
surrounding your ticket are coupled with
a good driving record, charges may be reduced
to the point where your insurance rates and
driving record will not be seriously affected.
No attorney can promise that your ticket
will "go away." Or rather, many
can make the promise but it is rarely one
that is kept.
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