No one gets into their car each day hoping to get a speeding ticket, but sometimes traffic violations are unavoidable. Getting a traffic ticket can be frustrating and cause unnecessary stress in your life. If you are unfamiliar with the court procedures in the country where your ticket was issued, then it is easy to feel overwhelmed when you must attend traffic court. An experienced attorney in Dallas, NC, can make the process easier. The Law Firm of Brent D. Ratchford is familiar with the local court procedures and can fight for the best outcome for you.
Speeding tickets are the most familiar form of traffic violation for most people, but there is a broad range of driving and traffic laws that must be obeyed in North Carolina. Some of the driving laws that may warrant a traffic ticket when they are broken are:
These, as well as other driving laws, determine how drivers in Dallas, NC should function on the roads. If these laws are broken, they can carry significant penalties in the form of traffic tickets and limited driving privileges.
The most common penalties for traffic violations are fines and points added to your license. Depending on the type and severity of the violation, a fine could be anywhere from $50 to $1,000. For more serious violations, like repeated speed limit violations, you could serve time in jail or have your license suspended or revoked. A Dallas, NC, traffic attorney can help you navigate the legal system to avoid severe penalties.
Working with an attorney who is familiar with the local procedures can be an enormous benefit for anyone facing a speeding ticket or other traffic violation. Since they often work in a specific county or counties, they are familiar with the local court procedures and know how to approach each case for the best outcome. They can also closely examine all the details of a traffic stop to determine whether the law enforcement officer violated the driver’s rights in any way. If they discover that the traffic stop was handled incorrectly, they may be able to have the ticket dismissed entirely.
Prices for a traffic violation attorney will vary. Several key factors will determine what your costs are. The type of law the attorney practices most frequently is important. If you choose to work with an attorney that rarely handles traffic violations, they may charge more compared to others. The cost of the ticket, as well as any fines and court fees, will also determine your attorney fees because many attorneys factor that into the overall cost. Generally, you can expect to pay between $100 and $300.
You are not required to have an attorney if you get a speeding ticket in North Carolina. You may represent yourself if you choose, but that can be difficult. If you are unfamiliar with the court system and the local procedures for traffic violations, then you will likely be underprepared. Working with a Dallas, NC, traffic lawyer ensures that you have someone fighting for you who knows how to work within the system to get the best results.
A traffic ticket can only be dismissed by an assistant district attorney in North Carolina. They are responsible for determining how to proceed with your case once they have reviewed all of the necessary information. It is rare for a traffic ticket to be dismissed entirely, but the assistant district attorney may choose to reduce your ticket. In many cases, if you have a clean driving record, can provide the necessary insurance documentation, and agree to attend driving school, the ADA will offer a reduced fine or sentence.
If you receive a fine from a traffic ticket, you are required to pay it. If you fail to appear in court or pay the fine that is required by the courts, then you risk having your license revoked. Once the courts decide on the fine for your ticket, you will have 40 days to pay the fine. If it is not paid in that timeframe, then the NC DMV may revoke your license until it is paid or properly addressed. There may be a possibility of reducing your fine if the assistant district attorney thinks that a reduction is appropriate.
Most counties have specific procedures that they follow when dealing with traffic violations in court. This makes dealing with traffic violations stressful, particularly if you are not familiar with the legal system in your area. Working with a Dallas, NC, traffic attorney can ensure that you have representation that is familiar with local procedures and can fight on your behalf. Contact the team at The Law Firm of Brent D. Ratchford to schedule a consultation.