2.When Does it Make Sense to Consult a Traffic Lawyer?
When it comes to traffic-related offences, there are times when consulting a traffic lawyer can make sense. Even if you are almost certain that there will be a fine, a lawyer can often help reduce the charge, saving you money and providing a more satisfactory resolution. However, there are other scenarios when consulting a traffic law attorney is beneficial as well, and it is important to understand these situations.
Firstly, consulting a traffic lawyer can be beneficial if you have been issued a ticket that is likely to carry serious consequences. Examples of this would include driving on a suspended license or being charged with reckless operation of a vehicle. In cases like these, engaging a lawyer can mean the difference between getting your license indefinitely suspended and paying a modest fine.
Secondly, hiring a lawyer in certain circumstances can help you avoid having penalty points added to your DMV record. Depending on the severity of the offense, points assessed by the DMV can automatically result in having your license suspended. Consulting a traffic lawyer in these cases can protect your record and potentially result in a lesser consequence.
Thirdly, you may need to consider hiring a lawyer if the incident in question carries the potential for a felony charge. Even in minor traffic offences that could potentially be classified as a felony, a lawyer can assist in convincing the court to downgrade the charge to a minor misdemeanor. This could then provide a light load of burden and prevent facing extended jail time or even a potential prison sentence.
Fourthly, if you opted to go it alone (represented by yourself rather than a lawyer) and are now looking to challenge the ruling, you may also benefit from hiring a traffic lawyer. Though challenging a ruling can be a tricky business, engaging a lawyer to help you navigate the complexities of the procedure can be highly beneficial.
Finally, hiring a traffic lawyer can also be beneficial for those who are looking for more creative solutions to their traffic misdemeanors. A lawyer may be able to provide an alternative resolution by negotiating with the court to enter a plea bargain or via a deferred prosecution agreement. These alternatives are oftentimes less costly and time consuming than heading to court or going to trial.
Overall, while traffic offences are generally not considered as serious as felonies, they can still have grave consequences depending on the severity of the offence, the number of related convictions, and the current state of your driving record. Therefore, it is important to understand when it makes sense to consult a traffic lawyer to ensure the best outcome is attained.
When Finances Are Tight
With traffic offences come fines, and in some cases, hefty ones. There may be circumstances where the traffic fines are so exorbitant that it may be difficult to pay them out. In such cases, consulting a traffic lawyer can help negotiate the fines in order to make them more affordable. They will first assess the current state of your finances and attempt to convince the court to lower the charges or even eliminate them completely due to financial hardship.
Alternatives to Going to Court
As discussed previously, consulting a traffic lawyer can provide alternative solutions that may save you both time and money. Lawyers may be able to negotiate a settlement without having to step foot in court or offer an alternative to going to court such as a deferred prosecution agreement or the completion of an approved defensive driving course. These work much like plea bargains, but rather than pleading guilty, individuals are offered the opportunity to show up in court to prove that they no longer pose a risk to the public by completing a series of pre-approved steps or activities.
Rights and Responsibilities
Before you consider contacting a traffic lawyer, it is also important to understand your rights and responsibilities. This will help ensure you and your lawyer are not taken advantage of during the consultation or the trial. Make sure you understand the full scope of the offence you are charged with and familiarise yourself with any laws that could potentially mitigate it. Additionally, make sure to provide all requested information that your lawyer may need for your case the more information you are able to provide, the better your lawyer will be equipped to protect your rights.
Challenging the Ruling
Sometimes, you may not agree with the courts ruling. If this is the case, then hiring a traffic lawyer may be beneficial. They may be able to challenge the ruling by making an official Court Appearances and filing an appeal. This is typically a complex process and can involve prepared arguments to convince the court to change the ruling and often requires knowledge of the local traffic and criminal laws in order to help make your case.
Value for Money
Finally, you may be wondering if hiring a traffic lawyer is worth the money. In most cases, it is. A traffic lawyer is able to quickly identify the nuances of your case and present a well-formed case to the court. While this may not always guarantee a complete overturning of the charges, your chances of a better outcome will significantly increase. They may also be able to give advice on other measures you may need to take to ensure your rights and interests are protected.