If you have been given your first speeding ticket in North Carolina, the consequences of your violation may be significant. You may face a fine, driver's license suspension, or even jail time. Depending on how fast you were driving, or depending on if you are also charged with a DUI, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. While these consequences are severe, there are a number of options available to you to address your ticket.
First, you may fight the ticket, for which you should consult an attorney. Or, second, you may choose to plead guilty. Third, you may go for a “no contest” to the charge; you will need to pay the fines and court costs associated with the ticket.
Contesting a Traffic Ticket
If you are pulled over for speeding, the police officer will likely ask to see your driver's license, proof of insurance, and registration. The officer may also ask why you were speeding and whether you have any prior violations. If you are ticketed, you will need to go to court to contest the ticket. A traffic lawyer can help you prepare for court and may be able to get the ticket dismissed or reduced.
If you consult a traffic lawyer, they can help you understand the charges against you and what to expect in court. Oftentimes, a lawyer can get a speeding charge reduced to a lesser offense or even dismissed.
Plea Bargaining
We earlier mentioned that you can plead guilty. While this is also an option, we suggest you go for plea bargaining. There is a lot of confusion around the topic of plea bargaining, so let's start with the basics.
Plea bargaining is an agreement between a prosecutor and defendant in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for the prosecutor dropping more serious charges. It is important to note that plea bargaining is not always available, and even where it is available, the specifics may vary. As such, for this, you also should speak with your attorney to understand how this works and whether it is right for you.
The “No Contest” Option
After a driver is pulled over for speeding, they may go with the option of taking a no contest plea. This means that they do not admit guilt, but they also do not dispute the charge. This can be helpful if the driver wants to avoid court adjournments, as a no contest plea is usually resolved the fastest. However, it is important to note that this option can also have consequences, such as increased insurance rates. It also often means getting infraction points added to your license.
Coastal South Law
In conclusion, if you are issued a speeding ticket in North Carolina, there are a few things you can do to minimize the consequences. You can plead guilty and pay the ticket, plead not guilty and go to court, or try to negotiate a lesser charge. However, whatever you choose to do, it is important to take action quickly, as there are deadlines for each option.
If, like many people, you do not want infraction points added to your license, you should get in touch with Coastal South Law as soon as possible. We will help you to take action and fight the ticket; you may be able to get it reduced or dismissed altogether.