when do you know you need a lawyer for speeding ticket

In some cases the answer is YES, you need a lawyer to fight speeding tickets especially if you were cited for a misdemeanor which is very rare. In California, almost all of the speeding tickets are infractions unless there was another circumstance in addition to the speeding charge.

Full Answer

Is a $50 speeding ticket really that bad?

When to Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer. Our course helps you learn quickly and easily, using state-specific questions and easy-to-understand answers. From a speeding violation to forgetting to use your turn signal, even the most routine traffic stop can add up quickly; thus, sometimes, hiring a traffic ticket lawyer can make a difference—especially regarding reduced fines, keeping …

What happens if you don’t pay a speeding ticket?

If you have been cited for speeding, or if your speeding ticket comes with additional violations – such as reckless driving or lane change violations – contact an attorney right away. Christian A. Schwaner, P.C. can help you with your traffic violations. Schedule a consultation today to explore your defense options by calling 719-577-9700, or contact me online with your legal questions.

What should I do if I get a speeding ticket?

Jul 20, 2017 · Speeding 35 mph or more over the speed limit is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $2,500.00 plus court costs and up to 364 days in jail. The court costs alone can be several hundred dollars. If you have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), speeding 15 mph over the speed limit is considered a “serious traffic violation” and ...

Is it worth it to hire a lawyer for a traffic ticket?

Dec 19, 2019 · A local attorney is always the best option for small cases such as speeding tickets. Those who specialize in traffic or other related fields of law or work regularly with cases such as yours are also the ones who should be considered first. Make sure you do all the necessary vetting and research before you hire a lawyer.

What Does an Attorney Do for a Speeding Ticket?

A traffic ticket attorney can help you if you are charged with a driving violation or infraction. While not every traffic charge needs an attorney, there are instances where you will want to have a legal professional help you with your infraction. Minor infractions, such as parking violations, don’t usually need an attorney.

Is Hiring an Attorney Worth the Cost?

Depending on how many points your license is already suffering, you may want to endure the costs of an attorney. Typically, traffic cases do not require many attorney billing hours or even much time in court; therefore, the cost will be negligible when you consider the long-term savings.

Were You Pulled Over for Speeding? Contact a Colorado Traffic Attorney Right Away

If you have been cited for speeding, or if your speeding ticket comes with additional violations – such as reckless driving or lane change violations – contact an attorney right away. Christian A. Schwaner, P.C. can help you with your traffic violations.

What if I just pay the ticket by mail?

Some minor speeding tickets do not require a court appearance. These may be paid by checking the “guilty” box and mailing in your payment.

Are Speeding Tickets really that serious?

In Illinois, speeding 26 mph to 34 mph over the speed limit is a Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $1,500.00 plus court costs and up to 6 months in jail. Speeding 35 mph or more over the speed limit is a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $2,500.00 plus court costs and up to 364 days in jail.

What will a Lawyer do for me?

A good traffic and criminal defense attorney will work to defend the charges, get the ticket dismissed, reduce the penalties, negotiate alternative or reduced charges and penalties, minimizing the “points” assigned by the Secretary of State, and the consequences to your driver’s license and driving privileges.

Where Can I Find a Good Traffic Defense Attorney?

Greg Martucci has over 30 years of practice experience and an in-depth knowledge of Illinois traffic laws to protect your legal rights, and preserve your driving privileges and personal liberty, whenever possible. Call Martucci Law today at 630-980-8333 to schedule your free initial office consultation.

Who should be considered first in a traffic case?

Those who specialize in traffic or other related fields of law or work regularly with cases such as yours are also the ones who should be considered first. Make sure you do all the necessary vetting and research before you hire a lawyer. They might also try to convince you to purchase a legal plan at a reduced rate.

How can a lawyer help you?

3. How a Lawyer Can Help You 1 Negotiate – Lawyers are master negotiators since it’s a big part of their job. For more serious cases, your lawyer could cut your jail time in half or even get you off on probation/community service. For traffic tickets, it’s more likely that they will try to get the case thrown out or a reduced fine. 2 Consultation – Some lawyers offer a consultation at a reduced or even free price (if you have benefits). They can give you an honest and unbiased opinion about your case, and analyze several different approaches and outcomes for you to make an informed final decision. 3 Representation – Lastly, they and you can decide to move forward with the case, in which they will represent you in a court of law.

What to do if someone doesn't have your best interest at heart?

In such cases, do your best to research the offense and then apply tips in avoiding speeding tickets when you’re back on the road.

Why do people hire lawyers?

Most people hire lawyers for more serious accusations rather than just a speeding ticket . However, those who are wrongfully accused may hire a lawyer to either get the case thrown out, lower the penalties, or even seek compensation. 2.

What is a consultation lawyer?

Consultation – Some lawyers offer a consultation at a reduced or even free price (if you have benefits). They can give you an honest and unbiased opinion about your case, and analyze several different approaches and outcomes for you to make an informed final decision.

How to make sure you make the best decision?

Follow these extra tips to make sure you make the best decision. Take your time – Always take your time. Not many good decisions in life are made in a hurry. It takes a while to process your case, so take the time to do some research.

Can a lawyer cut jail time?

For more serious cases, your lawyer could cut your jail time in half or even get you off on probation/community service. For traffic tickets, it’s more likely that they will try to get the case thrown out or a reduced fine.

What Do Traffic Attorneys Do?

You probably already know that most lawyers specialize in one or a few areas of law. Traffic lawyers specialize in the rules and regulations binding motorists on the public roads.

Are Traffic Lawyers Worth the Money?

Lawyers handle billing differently for traffic tickets. Their rates vary based on the complexity of your case and the location in which you were ticketed. Many firms charge an hourly rate to represent you in court to fight your ticket. Others apply a flat fee.

Tips for Finding a Lawyer

Finding a good lawyer can feel like a wild goose chase - but it shouldn’t have to.

Handle Your Ticket Off The Record!

At Off The Record, we’ve found an innovative way to handle speeding tickets outside of the traditional court process. To do this, we’ve developed an app (for iOS or Android, or old-fashioned web) that connects you with an experienced traffic lawyer in your area.

What to do if you fight a speeding ticket?

If you plan to fight the ticket, you’ll have to go to court, where a prosecutor will have to prove you were speeding. Even if you think the ticket is unjustified, speeding violations are hard to beat. If the officer doesn’t show up at the hearing, you could be off the hook, but don’t rely on that. If you ask for a hearing, plan to make your case ...

How much does a 40 year old driver pay for a speeding ticket?

On average, a 40-year-old driver with good credit and minimum coverage will pay $148 more per year with one speeding ticket on their record. If you do end up accepting the speeding ticket, it’s crucial to compare car insurance ...

How much does a traffic lawyer cost?

A traffic lawyer costs between $250 and $350 on average nationally, according to Thumbtack, an online marketplace for service professionals. A speeding ticket costs anywhere from $50 up to $2,500 in some states in the severest cases.

What is mitigation in court?

“Mitigation” is making a deal with the prosecutor and court; it saves the jurisdiction money by avoiding a hearing while lowering your penalty for the ticket. You may be able to request a negotiation before or at your hearing, but it’s the court’s decision, so check on the court’s website or call to be sure. In some areas, you must request mitigation in writing.

What to do if a police officer doesn't show up?

If the officer doesn’t show up at the hearing, you could be off the hook, but don’t rely on that. If you ask for a hearing, plan to make your case and be questioned before a judge. Check the ticket to find out whether a state, county or local officer issued it and search online for traffic procedures in that jurisdiction.

What to do if police officer can't remember you?

Be polite, don’t argue, and try to be unremarkable. If the officer can’t remember you, he or she might fail to recall details in front of a judge.

Does paying a speeding ticket affect your record?

You pay all or some of the ticket, but it doesn’t affect your driving record. You take a driving course instead of paying the speeding ticket. The ticket is reduced to a lesser fine. You’re given extra time to pay the fine.

Why do police officers write notes on tickets?

The officer may have written notes on the ticket submitted to the Court (different than your copy) such as you were argumentative or were driving aggressively that backfire on you . This is another reason to hire a lawyer- to see those officer notes!

Can the DA give legal advice?

The DA represents the State which is prosecuting you and hence they are not allowed to give you legal advice of any kind. All of the following questions constitute legal advice and cannot be answered by the DA:

Can the ADA dismiss a speeding ticket?

​ It is rare to see an ADA outright dismiss a speeding ticket, although they do routinely dismiss other tickets such as seat-belt violations or tickets that result from an accident with an insurance letter.