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I was driving home from work one day when I saw the flashing lights of a police car in my rearview mirror. I pulled over and was promptly given a speeding ticket. I’m not a reckless driver, so I was surprised and frustrated. As I sat there fuming, I wondered if I should hire an attorney to fight the ticket.
While driving is a convenient way to travel, the violation of traffic regulations often results in the issuance of a “ticket.” Speeding tickets are some of the most common – with the “severity” of the violation depending on the miles per hour over the speed limit. If convicted, a driver usually has points assessed against their driving record and has to pay fines and additional fees associated with the ticket. Under certain circumstances, jail time is even possible – although unusual for a first offense.
Can an Attorney Help?
The decision to hire an attorney comes down to a few important questions.
First, how much will an attorney cost, including their retainer fee, hourly rate, court costs, and other administrative expenses? Remember, even if you “win,” you still may very well be out-of-pocket for these costs.
Second, and equally important – how much time do you have to go to court and/or deal with the issue yourself. Most jurisdictions provide a right to a trial at no additional cost to the violator. However, you do have the right to retain legal counsel and have your attorney act as your representative – giving you much more free time.
An attorney can help you if you want to:
An auto traffic attorney will have experience arguing such motions, can help ensure you complete and file your paperwork/motions on time, and represent you at driving-related hearings. Further, any plea bargain that is agreed upon must be approved by a judge – so it may still require an appearance before the court.
Latest Trends and Developments
Today there are even online and virtual traffic courts. This option remains popular because of its convenience since people can resolve their ticket from the comfort of their own home, although they are still potentially subject to the same fines and penalties. However, such services typically come at an extra cost.
Typically, it does not make sense for one to hire an attorney for a minor traffic ticket or violation. If a person has a clean record, for example, the cost to hire an attorney would surely outweigh any benefit of retaining one. Points, fines, and insurance rate increases are often minimal for basic speeding violations and thus are not worth the thousands of $ an attorney could cost.
Tips and Expert Advice
Even if you have no points on your record, retaining an attorney might make sense for more significant speeding violations – where the potential revocation of your license is a possible outcome.
In my former profession as a television reporter, this happened to me. I got a ticket for 92 mph (in a 65), was respectful to the officer when I was pulled over, and had no prior driving violations. The ticket was set for “Reckless Driving” – and the potential ramifications (revocation, loss of my job, possibility of even jail time) far outweighed the cost to obtain an attorney.
.Since my driving record carried no prior “strikes”, my traffic attorney was able to negotiate a lesser charge of “speeding” (although with increased fines/costs) which I accepted.
Explanation of Tips and Expert Advice
Main points for “should I hire an attorney” question:
- Cost vs. Value – Is the fee being charged worth the legal trouble/stress that is being alleviated?
- Time involved – Do I have enough free time to dedicate to filing motions and appearing in court?
- Loss of Privileges – Could the potential loss of my license (or excessive fines, increased insurance premiums) negatively impact my work/family life to a point waar an attorney’s fees would be worth incurring
When potential outcomes are severe, the small fee to engage an attorney may be worth the cost. Remember that most attorneys take traffic cases on a flat-fee basis thus limiting your financial risk.
FAQ about Hiring An Attorney for A Speeding Ticket
- Q – When should I hire an attorney for a speeding ticket?
- Q – How much will it cost to hire an attorney?
- Q – How can an attorney help me?
- Q – What are the benefits of hiring an attorney?
- Q – What are the risks of hiring an attorney?
A – If you have a clean record and the speeding violation is minor, it is generally not advisable.
A – Fees vary depending on the attorney’s experience and expertise in traffic cases and location.
A – An attorney can help negotiate a plea bargain, seek a dismissal get your case reduced/dismissed.
A – Attorneys can navigate complexities of the legal system in traffic court. This includes ensuring paperwork is submitted correctly, filing necessary motions, representing their client during hearings/trial advocating on the behalf of the client thereby reducing points charged, having fines and penalties reduced; and achieving positive disposition in the client’s case.
A – There is no guarantee an attorney can eliminate all negative consequences for a person with a speeding ticket, just as hiring an attorney does not guarantee a positive outcome in court. Further, the cost of hiring an attorney must be weighed against the potential benefits one can receive. While all cases are unique, most people with minor moving violations do not retain attorneys.
Conclusion on Traffic Attorneys for Speeding Tickets
Hiring an attorney for a speeding ticket is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong answer. If you are unsure of what to do, it is always best to consult with an attorney to discuss your options.
Thank you for reading. If you have questions about this article or speeding tickets, please leave a comment below.
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