reddit how to choose a traffic lawyer

Do I need a lawyer for a traffic ticket?

If you get CHP or a specific traffic cop, they will show up as long as they're still alive. Also, in California there are 4 basic speed laws; Maximum, minimum, basic and Prima Facie. Most of the tickets in California are written as "basic speed law", which means you can argue (within reason) that your speed wasn't "unsafe" for the area and ...

Which is the best way to get a lawyer?

Criminal Defense Lawyers: Where to find one. A good and efficient lawyer can be found by searching in the following places: • Peruse the local newspaper for ads of lawyers who can be contacted in the event of an emergency. Most criminal defense attorneys have advertisements in the classifieds section of the newspaper, from which you can ...

How do I choose the best criminal defense lawyer?

Sep 09, 2019 · Newspaper, telephone directory, radio, television, and Internet ads, along with direct mail, can make you familiar with the names of lawyers who may be appropriate for your legal needs. Some ads also will help you determine a lawyer’s area of expertise. Other ads will quote a fee or price range for handling a specific type of “simple” case.

How can a lawyer help you get a better deal?

Benefits of Traffic Ticket Lawyers. In most states traffic ticket lawyers can: Represent you in traffic court. Work with judges and prosecutors to get your charges dropped or reduced. Help you avoid high fines and other penalties associated with your ticket. Keep you from losing your driver's license or CDL (if applicable).

How long can you be in jail for a crime?

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.

What does legal insurance cover?

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.

Can you be incarcerated for six months?

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.

Traffic Ticket Attorneys and Car Insurance

Your driving record is perhaps the biggest factor car insurance companies use to determine the price of your car insurance premium. Blemishes in your driving record, including crashes and traffic violation convictions, can negatively affect your rates.

Selecting a Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Traffic ticket lawyers are available throughout the county to defend clients against all types of traffic violation charges, ranging anywhere from stop sign violations to DUI/DWI.

How to fight a traffic ticket?

A driver planning to fight a traffic ticket should know: 1 A local attorney is the best option. Local lawyers who routinely work in the court where the case is handled is a better option because they know the other people involved in your case, such as the judge and the police officers. 2 Beware of legal plans with reduced fees. Prepaid legal services give members legal fees at a reduced rate. However, the lawyer involved may know little about traffic court. Also, the reduced fee may only be to consult, not represent the driver. 3 Never rush to hire a lawyer. Rushing may hinder a driver in finding the best lawyer.

What to do if you are charged with a misdemeanor?

If you are charge with a misdemeanor, felony or DUI, then you should seek legal representation. Also if you are facing jail time because of a serious charge, you should seek legal representation. Find the Right Criminal Lawyer. Hire the right lawyer near your location.

What is legal position?

A lawyer will listen to the facts of the situation before analyzing your legal position. The term “legal position” how the ticket can resolve in your favor. Receiving advice will help determine how to proceed with contesting the traffic ticket.

Can a traffic ticket raise your insurance?

Traffic tickets can be expensive and they may even raise your insurance rates or affect points on your license. An experienced lawyer will be able to explain your rights, help build your case, and represent your best interests in court. Post Your Case - Get Answers from Multiple Criminal Defense Lawyers.

What is prepaid legal services?

Prepaid legal services give members legal fees at a reduced rate. However, the lawyer involved may know little about traffic court. Also, the reduced fee may only be to consult, not represent the driver. Never rush to hire a lawyer. Rushing may hinder a driver in finding the best lawyer.

Do I need a lawyer for a traffic ticket?

You do not need a lawyer for a traffic ticket, but a traffic ticket lawyer will be able to argue and get a lower fine, which can make a huge difference in how much you pay for the ticket. A lawyer can also help get the case dismissed and the ticket thrown out which will help your insurance rates stay put and you wouldn’t need to attend traffic ...

What happens if you plead not guilty to a traffic ticket?

When you plead not guilty and win your case, the judge will dismiss the ticket. Once the judge dismisses the ticket, all the fines, fees, surcharges, and other penalties will go away.

What is the most common plea option?

The most common plea option around the country is the plea of guilty. The only reason you should ever enter a plea of guilty is if you do not want to fight the ticket. Entering a plea of guilty immediately waives your right to a hearing. In other words, you plead, you leave. Guilty pleas might be your best option if all ...

What are the problems with plea bargaining?

That is great and all, but there are two major problems with plea bargaining: 1 It takes a lot of legal skill to get a better deal without making things worse. 2 Not every jurisdiction allows plea bargaining.

What is a no contest plea?

No Contest ( Nolo Contendere) The plea of no contest sits in the gray area between not guilty and guilty. Unfortunately, it still has most of the same negative consequences as a plea of guilty. Entering a no contest plea is like telling the court, “I will pay these fines, but I still think you’re wrong.”.

Is plea bargaining a plea option?

Plea Bargaining. Plea bargaining is not technically a traffic ticket plea option. Instead, it’s a strategy. Traffic ticket lawyers use the phrase “plea bargaining” to talk about the negotiations process. That process involves your lawyer talking to the prosecutor and getting you a better deal. For example, a traffic ticket lawyer might be able ...

What would have happened if John entered a plea of no contest?

Had John entered a plea of no contest, he still would have accepted all the legal penalties associated with the traffic violation. But, the civil suit will have to start from scratch.

Can you plead guilty to a traffic ticket in New York?

Traffic courts from New York City to Los Angeles allow you to plead guilty or not guilty, but only a few places have a third option: no contest. Wherever you are, it’s important to know what your traffic ticket plea options are and how each one can affect your driving record.

What is plea bargaining?

The idea behind any type of plea bargaining is almost always to compromise on a better deal than you would get if you were found guilty at trial.

What is the end result of plea bargaining?

In most cases, the end result of plea bargaining is you pleading guilty to some traffic offense. But it's important to keep in mind that you might have other good options for resolving a ticket. For example, in a case where you have good defenses, fighting the ticket might be the way to go. And, for eligible drivers, traffic school is often the best choice.

Do you have to go to a jury trial for a traffic ticket?

First, in most states, drivers with traffic tickets don't have a right to a jury trial; traffic trials are instead decided by a judge. When a defendant doesn't have the right to a jury trial, the state has less motivation to settle the case through plea bargaining. Second, in many jurisdictions, there are no prosecuting attorneys in traffic court.

Do prosecutors have plea bargains?

So, prosecutors and judges have lots of incentive to dispose of cases quickly through plea bargaining. With traffic ticket trials, some of the factors that motivate and facilitate the government to negotiate plea bargains in criminal cases might not be present. First, in most states, drivers with traffic tickets don't have a right to a jury trial;

What is evidence in a traffic case?

In most traffic cases, the government's evidence consists of only the testimony of the officer who gave the ticket. In some states, prosecuting attorneys represent the state in traffic court trials. But in many states, there aren't prosecutors in traffic court. So, depending on whether there is a prosecutor, the officer will either answer questions posed by the prosecutor or just tell the story and answer any questions the judge might have. When the officer is finished, the driver or driver's attorney has an opportunity to cross-examine the officer and ask questions of their own.

What are the criminal courts?

Criminal courts are typically reserved for more serious misdemeanor and felony offenses that can lead to jail time. Only the most serious driving-related offenses like driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and vehicular homicide go to criminal court. Drivers who receive tickets for violating less serious traffic laws will go ...

What happens when the government presents evidence?

Once the government has presented all of its evidence, the driver has a chance to present evidence. The driver might want to testify or present physical evidence like photos and the like.

Is the internet secure?

The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties. In most states, you don't have the right to a jury trial for minor traffic offenses like speeding, running a red light, and distracted driving.

What happens if you don't sign a traffic ticket?

If you fail to sign the ticket, you could face an additional penalty. Your signature is not an admission of guilt; it simply indicates your willingness to appear in court or otherwise pay the required fine. A police officer has the discretion to arrest you for a traffic offense even if it is petty, but arrests usually only occur in cases of more serious offenses such as DUI.

What are the most common traffic violations?

Among the most common traffic violations are speeding, running a red light, and failure to provide proof of insurance.

How long is a CDL suspension?

Specifically, a driver's CDL will be disqualified for a year if a statutory summary suspension remains in effect or if there is a disposition of guilt to the DUI charge.

Can you get your license back after a DUI?

A driver convicted of a DUI will have his or her driving privileges revoked indefinitely. A person whose privileges have been revoked may be eligible to reapply for a driver's license after a certain period of time, provided that he or she pays a reinstatement fee, undergoes an alcohol and drug evaluation, completes an alcohol/drug remedial education program, and demonstrates to a Secretary of State officer that public safety will not be endangered if the privileges are restored.

What are the three classes of misdemeanors?

Misdemeanors are divided into three (3) classes, referred to as Class A, B, and C . Class A is the most serious and includes violations such as a DUI, driving 35 mph or more over the posted speed limit, driving on a suspended or revoked license, and reckless driving.

What rights do you have in court?

You have a right of confrontation . As a defendant in court, you have the right to confront and cross-examine the arresting officer and the prosecution's other witnesses. You also have the right to bring witnesses to testify on your behalf during the proceedings.

Can a police officer arrest you for a DUI?

A police officer has the discretion to arrest you for a traffic offense even if it is petty, but arrests usually only occur in cases of more serious offenses such as DUI.