August 3, 2023
Generally speaking, most people don’t think about hiring an attorney after receiving a speeding ticket. People often pay the fines without question and, in more involved cases, end up suffering more than needed. People may think that something as simple as a speeding ticket doesn’t require a lawyer.
However, it is always a good idea to at least consult with an attorney after receiving a traffic ticket of any kind.
There are several reasons why hiring an attorney to deal with your speeding ticket is beneficial, which you may not know.
It is important to mention every state has different speeding laws, fines, and penalties. Because of this, we have kept the information in this article broad and generalized some things based on the country’s most common practices.
According to Insurify, 9.1% of Americans had a speeding ticket on record in 2022.
Nevada has a maximum fine of up to $1,000 for first-time offenders – the highest of any state in the US. Alaska came in second with $300 and Mississippi in third with a range between $150 – $300.
First, there are the more apparent situations that call for an attorney. “Super Speeder” tickets, as referred to by many states, are moving traffic violations involving dangerously high or excessive speeding.
These can potentially involve other charges, like reckless driving or endangerment, and therefore would clearly benefit from the presence of an educated attorney.
The costs of hiring a lawyer to represent you in cases of “super speeding” far outweigh the costs of seeking no legal help.
Second, we have out-of-state tickets. These kinds of tickets are a pain in everyone’s side. Getting pulled over and ticketed halfway to Disneyworld is never a fun experience (although it may make for a fun family story).
However, what people don’t often think of are the benefits of hiring a lawyer to represent you during the ticketing process.
The costs of driving back to the county which issued the ticket and the potential loss of income using personal days to travel are not worth it. Having a lawyer take care of your out-of-state ticket just makes more sense.
Many times, after you receive a ticket in another state, you will receive dozens of letters in the mail from attorneys located in the county where you violation took place. If you do not know an attorney in the area, it may be a good idea to contact one of those attorneys for a consultation.
A third reason to hire a lawyer after getting a speeding ticket is to protect your Driver’s License.
Almost all moving violations result in adding points to your license.
Points are bad, and the more points you receive, the closer you come to a full-on suspension. Additionally, when you get points you are likely going to see an increase in the auto insurance costs.
In cases where the number of points may vary, or where a suspension is a possibility, it is always smart to hire a lawyer. They may be able to negotiate with your judge and lessen the point count. It is advised to have a solid understanding of the auto insurance laws in Missouri (unless you are located elsewhere).
In addition to reducing the number of potential points added to your license, a lawyer can also help in reducing the ticket’s charges or even finding a way to get it dismissed altogether.
Lawyers can attempt to negotiate a reduction of more substantial charges to lesser moving violations.
Sometimes, lawyers can also get the judge to change the type of speeding ticket depending on its severity, saving you points on your license.
The lawyer can also get the ticket completely dismissed if the issuing officer doesn’t appear in court, you accept a plea deal for a less serious violation, or if you comply with a probationary period.
Finally, something many people don’t consider when getting a speeding ticket is the long-term ramifications.
Sure, you have to pay a fine. However, as stated before, points are almost always added to your license for moving violations.
These points affect several things, including your insurance rates. Speeding tickets and other moving violations, when not adequately dealt with, create even more charges and fines in the long run.
Hiring a lawyer after receiving a speeding ticket is the smart thing to do.
They could not only save you hundreds of dollars in travel fees and fines, but they can protect you from more long-term damage as well.
Traffic tickets can add points to your driving record, which can lead to increased insurance rates. Additionally, accumulating too many points can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license. An attorney can help you fight the ticket and, in some cases, get the charges reduced or dismissed. With the help of an attorney, you can protect your driving record and avoid the negative consequences that come with accumulating points.
Hiring an attorney may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can actually save you money in the long run. If you attempt to fight the ticket on your own and fail, you may end up paying fines and court fees. Additionally, you may have to take time off work to attend court hearings. An attorney can handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to save time and money.
Getting a traffic ticket can be a stressful experience, but hiring an attorney can help alleviate some of that stress. By protecting your driving record, saving you time and money, and helping you understand the legal process, an attorney can be a valuable asset to have on your side. Don’t hesitate to hire an attorney if you receive a traffic ticket.
The Missouri speeding ticket attorneys at Suddarth and Koor LLC can help dismiss any traffic offense with ease. Our attorneys will do everything needed to minimize your penalties and wipe your record clean. Schedule a free speeding ticket consultation today!
