Speeding Ticket Reductions in North Carolina (2024)

Driving a motor vehicle comes with a great amount of responsibility. The greatest responsibility is to operate motor vehicles safely to protect oneself and others on the road. Unfortunately, some drivers choose to drive above the posted speed limit, which becomes unsafe. If you are caught speeding, you may be wondering how speeding ticket reductions are possible in North Carolina.

With the help of a Gastonia traffic violation lawyer, you can prepare to fight back against a speeding ticket you may have received.

Speeding Laws, Regulations, and Misdemeanor Offenses in NC

Posted speed limits are there to provide drivers with the maximum speed for the roadway on which they are traveling. For any motor vehicle driving more than 15 mph above a speed limit greater than 55 mph, or for any vehicle moving at a speed more than 80 mph, the driver risks revocation of their driving privileges for at least 30 days. If the individual is convicted of their second speeding offense in a one-year period or if convicted of speeding in addition to reckless driving in the same event, their license could be revoked for 60 days.

An individual convicted of their second charge of speeding over 55 mph within a one-year period can face license suspension or revocation for up to six months. Losing your driving privileges can be incredibly inconvenient, particularly if you need to travel for work or to classes, bring your kids to school and extracurricular activities, or your family only has one car. For this reason, it’s crucial to speak with a traffic violation lawyer who could help reduce the penalties you face.

Getting Your Speeding Ticket Resolved, Reduced, or Dismissed

Once you’re given a traffic ticket for misdemeanor speeding, you could receive a mandatory court appearance. However, if your speeding charge was relatively minor, you may be able to settle it online without needing to attend the hearing. If your court date is not mandated and you choose not to fight the ticket, you can pay the appropriate fee online and accept the charges.

Another option is to submit an online request to the District Attorney’s office for your speeding ticket to be reduced or dismissed. If you’re unsure whether your ticket is eligible to be waived, if you can request a lesser charge online, whether you should fight your ticket, or what other options may be available to you, consult with a qualified traffic violation lawyer.

If you decide to or are required to appear in court, you may still be able to get your charge reduced or dismissed. In traffic court, you’ll likely ask the prosecution about the possibility of your speeding charge getting reduced or deferred; if you have a traffic violation lawyer representing you, they can do this on your behalf.

Each county has its own options for lessening traffic tickets, and you may be able to secure a reduction or dismissal by participating in driving school or completing community service. If your speeding violation doesn’t qualify for a reduction or your request is denied, your traffic violation lawyer can still make efforts to negotiate a lesser charge during the court hearing.

FAQs About Speeding Ticket Reductions in North Carolina

How Can My Speeding Ticket Be Reduced in NC?

Depending on the severity of your speeding offense and your driving record, options to request for your traffic ticket to be dismissed or reduced may be available online. This is more likely for minor speeding offenses. Some traffic tickets warrant you to appear at a mandatory court hearing during which you or your traffic violation lawyer can request or negotiate for a dismissal or reduction of the charges.

Can You Get a Speeding Ticket Dropped in North Carolina?

It may be possible for your speeding ticket to be dropped, such as when the violation was minor, falsely administered, or otherwise issued unlawfully. Your strongest chances of getting a charge dismissed are with the help of a skilled traffic violation lawyer. With the help of a lawyer in North Carolina, you can challenge the legitimacy of the prosecution’s evidence by presenting a defense based on the circumstances of your case.

Is It Worth Fighting a Speeding Ticket in NC?

Whether it may be worth fighting your specific speeding ticket depends on the details surrounding the charges and your driving record. Generally, it may be considered worth contesting a ticket if you want to avoid a traffic conviction becoming a part of your driving record, you already have prior speeding convictions, or the charge was unwarranted. It’s wise to consult with a traffic violation lawyer if you’re considering fighting your ticket.

What Speeding Tickets Are Waivable in North Carolina?

Waivable speeding tickets are typically only for minor speeding charges and can be resolved by simply paying the fine before the court date. Not all speeding tickets are waivable, such as misdemeanor-level offenses, meaning these traffic violations require the accused party to appear at a scheduled hearing and are ineligible for resolving the matter outside of court.

The ticket you’re given will usually indicate whether it’s waivable or not, and you should consult with a traffic violation lawyer prior to making any decisions.

What Happens If I’m Found Guilty of Speeding in NC?

You may be found guilty of speeding if you waive the charges or you’re convicted in court. If convicted of speeding, the offense is noted on your driving record. Having a traffic conviction on your permanent driving record can escalate any future charges and potential penalties. If the charge was misdemeanor-level, your license would likely be temporarily revoked depending on if you have prior convictions, how fast you were going, and whether you were also charged with driving recklessly.

Educated Defense Attorney with Practical Experience

By entrusting the legal team of The Law Firm of Brent D. Ratchford, you and your case can receive the attention, dedication, and thorough care it deserves. Our primary goal is to obtain you the most favorable outcome possible given your circumstances— whether that’s avoiding a traffic conviction on your record or getting the charges against you reduced. Reach out to our office today to schedule a meeting with an adept, compassionate defense lawyer.