Should You Hire a Lawyer to Fight Your Traffic Ticket?
Getting a traffic ticket is never pleasant, but most people have received one or more in their lifetime. Although most people pay the fine and move on, it may be worthwhile to hire a traffic attorney to fight your ticket.
Many people get tickets when they don’t necessarily deserve them. Suppose there are mitigating circumstances surrounding your ticket. In that case, an attorney can help present your case in the best possible light and increase your chances of getting the ticket dismissed or reduced. For example, in a vehicle accident scenario, if an officer did not observe the operator driving the vehicle, and arrived after the accident and issued speeding tickets, or reckless driving, when they can’t prove the operator was driving, it is likely that an attorney can argue and get the ticket dismissed or reduced.
However, you may not know the best approach to combat your traffic citation, so it’s a good idea to hire a lawyer to represent you. Nine out of ten people will simply pay the ticket whether or not it was their fault, but that does not mean you have to be one of them. In this blog post, we will guide you in the ins and outs of going about handling your traffic ticket.
The Consequences of Getting a Traffic Ticket
If you’re caught speeding, running a red light or stop sign, driving recklessly, talking on your phone while driving, or any other traffic violation in New York, then there are consequences, and they can be steep. Getting a ticket may seem like no big deal to some people, but the truth is that even one ticket can have significant consequences for your life.
If you get a traffic ticket in New York, then it will likely come with:
- Increased insurance rates
- Points on your license (or even a suspended or revoked license)
- Fines and court fees that can top several hundred dollars
- A criminal record
In some cases, getting a traffic ticket can also lead to jail time. It’s important to remember that the consequences of a traffic ticket go beyond just the fine you may have to pay.
How Much Does a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Cost?
Traffic ticket lawyers can charge a variety of fees, depending on the services provided. Some attorneys may charge a flat fee for representation in court, while others may charge an hourly rate. Be sure to ask your lawyer about their rates and any additional expenses you may be responsible for, such as court costs or filing fees.
It is important to remember that hiring a lawyer does not guarantee a favorable outcome in your case. However, if you feel confident that you have a strong defense and want the best possible chance of winning, then hiring a traffic ticket lawyer may be the right decision for you.
If you decide to hire a lawyer, be sure to do your research and ask around for recommendations. There are many qualified attorneys out there, so take the time to find one that is a good fit for you and your case.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me with My Traffic Ticket?
Hiring a lawyer to fight your traffic ticket is a good idea for several reasons.
Saves you Money
Hiring a lawyer to fight your traffic ticket may save you money in the long run. A lawyer can often get a traffic ticket reduced or dismissed, leading to lower fines and fewer points on your license. In some cases, hiring a lawyer may even be less expensive than paying the penalty for the ticket.
The typical cost for a traffic ticket is around $150, but the fines can go up to $500 or more. If you get points on your license, you may also have to pay a higher insurance premium. By hiring a lawyer, you may be able to avoid these costs altogether.
If you are charged with a traffic violation, your lawyer may be able to negotiate an agreement to reduce the charges. For example, if you are ticketed for speeding and your lawyer can convince the prosecutor that you were actually driving under the speed limit, they will usually agree to dismiss your case in exchange for a lower fine.
A Lawyer Can Represent You In A Traffic Court, Saving You Time
By hiring an attorney to fight your traffic ticket, you can avoid taking time out of your busy workday to go to court.
Sometimes, hiring a lawyer can allow you to appear in court without leaving the comfort of your home or workplace. This is because some traffic courts permit attorneys representing defendants in traffic matters to appear on their clients’ behalf.
In many jurisdictions, this means you can avoid missing work, taking time off from school, or traveling long distances to appear in court. The lawyers at John Caffrey Law will handle it all for you.
Traffic Lawyers Can Get Your Ticket Reduced
Let’s say that there are no mistakes on your traffic ticket, and you are guilty of the offense. Even in this case, a traffic lawyer may still be able to help you. Most tickets have a range of penalties associated with them, and your lawyer may be able to negotiate a lesser punishment for you than what is written on your ticket. This could include reducing the points on your driving record or the amount of money you have to pay in fines.
Your lawyer may also be able to get the charge against you reduced to a lesser offense. This can be especially helpful if the charge is something more serious, like reckless driving. If your lawyer successfully gets the charge changed to a lesser offense, it will likely show up on your driving record as a lesser offense. This can have a positive impact on your insurance premiums in the future. This is something you likely won’t be able to do on your own, but an experienced traffic ticket attorney, such as the ones at John Caffrey Law, NY, will navigate the court system for you.
Traffic Attorneys Fight for Your Rights
You most likely don’t know what rights you have as a driver in New York. However, your lawyer is an expert when it comes to traffic rules.
They know how to advocate for you and fight for your rights. It’s comforting to know that you have someone on your side who is well-versed in the law. This will improve your chances of having your ticket canceled or reduced significantly.
Do I Need a Lawyer for my Traffic Ticket?
Working with a traffic lawyer can help you fight your ticket in court and get the best possible outcome for your case. This is especially true if you have a good defense, which could be anything from mistaken identity to a misunderstanding of what constitutes speeding in that particular area. If you’ve been pulled over recently or know someone who has, we’d love to hear from you!
Our team will work hard behind the scenes to ensure that justice prevails on behalf of our clients when they need it most. Give us a call today so we can discuss how we might be able to help.