The kids forgot their school lunches, the dog ran away, and you’re late to a board meeting. To top it off, you got a speeding ticket in a construction zone! Sometimes life doesn’t give you a break. Don’t handle it alone. Let the attorneys at Brydon, Swearengen & England take on the fight for you.
Most drivers likely receive at least one traffic ticket in their lifetime. Traffic tickets are more than just a hassle. They can raise your insurance rates, affect your driving record, and cost you a lot of money. Hiring a qualified traffic lawyer means you have somebody on your side that understands the law. A lawyer increases your chance of having your ticket reduced or dismissed altogether.
If you’re still wondering if hiring a traffic lawyer is a good investment before paying your traffic ticket, here are two good reasons to consider:
1. A Traffic Lawyer Understands Missouri’s System
Drivers receive traffic tickets for a variety of reasons. It can be as simple as a rolling stop or as severe as leaving the scene of an accident. Like most states, Missouri uses a point system for different violations. Too many points and you could have your license suspended or revoked.
Except for Minnesota, Mississippi, Kansas, and Hawaii, every state has a point system for traffic violations. Don’t think you’ll get off easily if you head to a Mizzou vs. KU game and get a speeding ticket. The Driver’s License Compact allows states to apply points to licenses from other participating states, even if those states don’t use point systems. The DMV has an uncanny way of following you.
If you don’t know the law about points, fines, license suspension, and more, how can you fight for yourself? According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, if you accumulate a total of 4 points in 12 months, the Department will send you a point accumulation letter. If you accumulate 8 points or more in 18 months, they’ll suspend your driving privilege.
2. A Traffic Lawyer Saves You Money In The Long Run
In serious circumstances, hiring a traffic lawyer can significantly reduce your costs. You can receive a fine for everything from speeding, speeding in a construction zone, driving without a license, defective windshield wipers, and more.
Obviously, the greater the offense, the higher the fine. However, that won’t be your final cost. Usually, your insurance rates increase, you may have court costs, and of course, points are added to your record.
There are two categories of traffic violations: minor and major. A minor traffic violation may or may not require a traffic lawyer. If you received a minor offense but were under the influence of alcohol or endangered others, you need legal help. A major violation has the potential to send you to jail, so do not go it alone!
A traffic lawyer will have you plead “not guilty,” which means your ticket may be dismissed entirely. You also have the option of plea bargaining, which is a process of negotiation.
Hiring a traffic lawyer can provide the following benefits:
- An attorney will go to traffic court for you
- You’ll have experienced professionals fighting for you
- Traffic lawyers know how to negotiate
- A traffic lawyer saves you time and money
Contact Our Office
If you’re unsure if hiring a lawyer to help with your traffic violation is the right thing to do, give us a call. We’ll review your situation and make the best recommendation. Our traffic lawyers know how to fight for you.
Contact us today, before you pay!