Getting a traffic ticket often seems relatively unimportant. Many people just pay the fine and forget it rather than going through the trouble of contesting it in traffic court. However, admitting to the violation could be quite costly.
Some traffic violations are criminal offenses that should be taken seriously. If you are facing these types of charges, seek legal advice immediately. A Winter Garden traffic lawyer could help you achieve the best result possible under the circumstances. Contact an experienced defense attorney today to schedule a consultation to learn more.
When a driver gets a ticket, their insurance rates go up. If the driver has multiple infractions and accumulates a specific number of points against them, Florida Statute § 322.27 allows the state to suspend their driver’s license. In addition to paying more for insurance and risking the loss of their legal ability to drive, some traffic offenses carry criminal penalties. Drivers could face significant fines, orders to pay restitution or perform community service, and even jail time.
A Winter Garden attorney with experience in traffic court understands the collateral consequences of these infractions. They represent drivers who have received tickets or face criminal charges for:
Paying a ticket is the equivalent of pleading guilty and should not be taken lightly. A legal professional could help a driver evaluate different strategies that could minimize the impact a traffic charge has on their ability to hold a license and their criminal record. They could also help dispute evidence of infractions, such as radar gun readings.
Professional drivers with commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) must defend themselves aggressively against tickets, even if they were driving their personal vehicle when they got the ticket. In addition to higher insurance rates and penalties, any moving violation could impact a CDL and endanger the driver’s means of earning a living.
Criminal offenses like driving while impaired or leaving the scene of an accident almost always result in loss of a CDL in addition to heavy fines and possible jail time. In addition, a driver with this type of license could be convicted of drunk driving with a lower blood alcohol concentration than a driver with a standard license. Non-criminal violations like driving 15 mph over the speed limit or improper lane change could also result in the suspension of a CDL.
A driven Winter Garden traffic attorney is committed to protecting a driver’s CDL. They could present evidence challenging the charge or work to get it dismissed or reduced. However, prompt action is necessary. If a CDL holder gets a traffic citation, in most cases, they have only 30 days to dispute the ticket.
Although it may seem like just paying the fine is the simplest way to handle a traffic ticket, contesting it is often a better decision. Forcing the police and prosecutors to prove a traffic offense usually results in dismissal or a reduced charge.
Fighting a ticket could keep your insurance rates from increasing, avoid points on your license, and keep you on the roads. If you want to contest a ticket, call a Winter Garden traffic lawyer today.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
