Almost every driver, at some point, makes a mistake behind the wheel. Whether it’s speeding, turning illegally on a one-way street, or forgetting to renew their car registration, most people who receive traffic tickets just pay the fine and move on. In many cases, this might make sense: a ticket is only a small price to pay for a little inconvenience. However, a good traffic defense lawyer may be able to save you money in the long run by keeping your offense off your driving record.
Hiring a traffic attorney will help you protect your driving privileges and prevent costly consequences, such as fines, license suspension, or even jail time. In addition, traffic violations can cause your insurance premiums to increase for several years after you get the ticket. For commercial drivers, this can be a real problem and affect their livelihoods. Fortunately, an experienced traffic violation attorney can help you fight these charges and minimize the impact of a conviction.
When choosing a traffic defense attorney, look for one with an impressive legal education and experience. It is also important to ask how many traffic violations they have defended and whether or not they have handled criminal traffic offenses in the past. In addition to these considerations, consider the attorney’s fee structure. Many attorneys will offer payment plans, and some have relationships with certain insurance companies or unions that can pay all or a portion of the fees.
A good traffic defense lawyer will work with the television board to have your ticket dismissed or at least reduced. They know what each judge is looking for and how to cast your case in a favorable light. They will also be able to take into account any flaws in the process or raise questions about technical matters that you might not have thought of.
In some cases, a lawyer can even have the charge against you dropped completely. This is especially true if the offense is a serious one such as a DUI or reckless driving. In these situations, a good traffic attorney can argue that you did not commit the offense at all or that you were not acting negligently when it occurred.
When you receive a traffic ticket, do not just sign it. Call a traffic defense lawyer as soon as possible and have them review the facts of your case. This will give you the best chance of avoiding negative consequences. For example, if you are driving without insurance in Maryland, or allowing someone else to drive your unregistered vehicle, a traffic lawyer will be able to advise you on your options for fighting the charge. This could potentially save you hundreds if not thousands in increased insurance premiums that would have otherwise been the result of a guilty plea or conviction. The cost of an attorney might be worth it in the long run if it saves you that much in lost income.