On its face, a speeding ticket may not seem like that big of a deal. Many people think that the responsible thing to do is just pay it. However, there are many consequences that accompany speeding tickets, including points assigned to your driver’s license, higher insurance rates, license suspension, and in some cases, even a misdemeanor conviction. These effects may not be immediately apparent, but they are important to consider. By paying a ticket instead of choosing to fight it, you are accepting the outcome and all accompanying consequences. While this may not seem like a big deal at the time, the points that it adds to your license will make you far more vulnerable to more serious penalties in the event that you are pulled over again.
How Can an Attorney Help?
Hiring an attorney as soon as you receive a speeding ticket maximizes your chances of a favorable outcome. An attorney can work to reduce your speeding offense to a lesser moving or improper equipment violation. This can avoid the creation of a permanent criminal record, which would occur if you were charged with a misdemeanor speeding offense. Hiring a lawyer to handle your speeding ticket is an investment in your future. Having a criminal record can limit your career prospects, particularly if driving is a component of the job. Additionally, most North Carolinians who receive speeding tickets report a 30% to 80% increase in the cost of their insurance premiums, and end up paying over $1,500 in additional insurance costs in the first three years following a ticket. In many cases, hiring an attorney allows you to keep an expensive speeding offense and the associated points off of your license, record, and insurance.
Reducing Your Offense
There are some criteria that increase the likelihood of an attorney being able to negotiate a lower offense. For instance, if you were driving under 80 miles per hour, with a valid driver’s license, and were within 19 miles per hour of the posted speed limit, your lawyer will likely be able to reduce your charge to a lesser offense. In other situations, your lawyer may still be able to negotiate a lower offense. In some cases, a prayer for continued judgment can be entered. In these cases, a guilty plea is entered, but the judicial process is extended indefinitely, so no conviction is made and your insurance points and license points are unaffected. A lawyer can help you determine the best course of action based on your unique circumstances.
Talk to a North Carolina Speeding Ticket Attorney
If you have received a speeding ticket in North Carolina, the time to contact an attorney is now. The experienced attorneys at Coastal South Law are prepared to evaluate the specific facts and circumstances of your case to determine the best possible path forward. We are ready to zealously advocate on your behalf and fight to get you the best outcome. Do not let a speeding ticket derail your life. Call Coastal South Law today to schedule a consultation.