Thinking of Just Paying a Ticket Off?

Think it would just be easier to pay the traffic ticket and move on? Think again. While this may occasionally be the best solution, typically it is much better to contest it. If you pay a ticket off, you are pleading guilty and getting the full punishment for the offense. When this occurs, you may be facing points on your license, a conviction on your record, as well as an increase in insurance premiums. If, on the other hand, you take the time to contest the ticket, you may get a better outcome.

If you have a ticket, a traffic lawyer may be able to get you a better result. Your case may be dismissed, may be plead down, or your matter may be resolved by getting a PJC (prayer for judgment continued). A traffic attorney can try to minimize the consequences that you will face. If your case is pled down, you may receive a smaller fine, fewer points on your license or insurance, and a less serious offense on your record.

As shown, contesting your traffic ticket may be your best option. How does one do this if you try to do this on your own? You wait until your court date, and show up. Typically, the Assistant District Attorney will call the names of everyone whose case is on the docket. You must be present to answer the call. Assuming you do answer the call, you will have to wait until your case is called before you can handle your case. Depending on when your case is called, you could be waiting a while. When your case is called, you get a chance to talk with the Assistant District Attorney about your case.  Your case may be continued, meaning that you may have to show up to court again on a later date, requiring you to spend more of your time in court.

If you hire an attorney, the process can be quite different. For most traffic tickets, the client does not need to be present.  A traffic lawyer knows what kind of deal you should get depending on the facts in your individual case. Further, they know what penalties you face, and the effects that it will have on your license, record, and insurance.

For many people, the reason that they hire a traffic ticket attorney is for simple convenience. They don’t want to simply plead guilty, but at the same time they don’t want to or know how to negotiate with the Assistant District Attorney. When they hire the attorney, they typically don’t have to go to court (except for specific offenses). At the same time, they have the advantage of hiring a person who understands what can be done to reduce the charge, or even have it dismissed. If you have a ticket in Charlotte and are considering contesting it, please feel free to give us a call. We will be glad to help you save your valuable time, and will work to protect your driving record, keep your insurance premiums lower, and minimize any fines you may owe.