Practice Type | Average Hourly Rate |
---|---|
Personal Injury | $463 |
Real Estate | $243 |
Tax | $264 |
Traffic Offenses | $296 |
A traffic violation lawyer or traffic violation attorney is a lawyer who specializes in traffic-related cases. A traffic violation lawyer may be able to help an individual receive a lower fine, a lesser charge or have the ticket dismissed if possible.
There are many different types of traffic violations. The most common type of traffic violation encountered in everyday life is the traffic ticket, also known as a speeding and moving violation. These are considered infractions and not criminal offenses. An individual is permitted to represent themselves in court when contesting a traffic ticket.
A traffic violation lawyer can assist with getting lower fines, lesser penalties or have a ticket or charge dismissed. Should an individual not get the help of a traffic lawyer, they may have to pay large fines and court costs and/or attend traffic school. The ticket or charges may stay on an individual’s driving record for years.
If you are contesting a traffic ticket or facing more serious driving violation charges, having a traffic lawyer is in your best interest. Traffic tickets may be expensive, put points on your driver’s license and raise your insurance rates. More serious violations may affect you for years to come.
In particular, a traffic ticket attorney specializes in laws related to driving; such lawyers defend traffic court cases varying from routine moving violations (such as running a traffic light) to more serious situations (such as driving under the influence ). Regardless of the violation circumstances, a seasoned lawyer works to reduce your traffic ...
Because they're familiar with the traffic laws, many traffic ticket lawyers can get a ticket dismissed if: 1 The issuing officer doesn't appear in court. 2 You agree to plea to another less serious non-moving violation. 3 You comply with an unsupervised probationary period.
Did you recently get a speeding ticket or other traffic related violation? You have options and rights. Browse our database of traffic lawyers in your area and avoid costly fees and points added to your license. It’s free to search and contact a lawyer in your area.
Want to know what’s on your record? Get a copy of your driving record here.
Even if you are facing a less serious infraction, you may still want to talk to a lawyer, especially if you've had multiple tickets in the past 3 years. Here are examples of what a lawyer can do for you if you've received a traffic ticket:
There is no standard price to hire a lawyer for a traffic ticket. Some lawyers charge a flat rate to defend against certain violations, such as speeding. Others, especially those defending more complex cases, will charge an hourly rate.
Some large cities have law firms that work on nothing but traffic tickets. In some cases, this is a good place to start, since you know this is their area of expertise. If you don't know how to find a good traffic lawyer, you could ask for a referral from a friend, or check Avvo's directory for a lawyer near you.
Often, a lawyer handles traffic tickets as part of a general criminal or DUI practice. While you do not need to hire an attorney who handles only traffic tickets, you should hire an attorney who has spent enough time in traffic court to be comfortable there. Ideally, you should aim to hire a lawyer who has experience representing people who have received tickets similar to yours. For example, if you got a ticket for making an improper turn, you may want to hire a lawyer who knows how to investigate a scene for obstructions, poor sign placement, or other factors that might cause a driver to unknowingly break the rule. If you are a commercial driver, you should hire an attorney who is familiar with the tighter rules that apply to your profession. Some attorneys may have relevant board certifications or memberships in professional organizations. They may have received awards or other formal recognition of their legal prowess.
Client reviews can be helpful even if the details of your case are different from a previous client’s case. However, beware of very brief reviews that are harshly negative or effusively positive without providing details.
Constitution guarantees you the right to be represented by a lawyer in any case in which you could be incarcerated for six months or more. State constitutions may guarantee your right to a lawyer for lesser crimes.
These plans vary. Many cover most, if not all, of the cost of legal consultations, document preparation, and court representation in routine legal matters. Other programs cover only advice and consultation with a lawyer.
If you are accused of a crime, the U.S. Constitution guarantees you the right to be represented by a lawyer in any case in which you could be incarcerated for six months or more. State constitutions may guarantee your right to a lawyer for lesser crimes. If you cannot afford a lawyer, either the judge hearing the case will appoint a private lawyer to represent you free of charge or the government’s public defender will handle your case, also at no charge.