Clinton Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Clinton Traffic Ticket Attorney

Getting a traffic ticket can be inconvenient and costly. While minor infractions may only require you to pay a small fine, more serious violations may mean accruing points on your license. Luckily, a Clinton traffic ticket lawyer can help you avoid this and other traffic ticket penalties.

Our powerful team of attorneys and legal professionals at Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC, is equipped to help you avoid costly traffic ticket-related repercussions. As former prosecutors, we deeply understand North Carolina’s legal system, whether for litigating violent crimes, family law, or traffic violations. We are dedicated to treating our clients in Clinton, NC, with professional, high-quality legal assistance.

Traffic Ticket Laws in North Carolina

Although you may not serve jail time for most traffic tickets, it is still considered a part of criminal law, so violating traffic ticket laws has consequences just as other crimes do. For minor violations, this may simply mean waiving your offense and paying fees to the Sampson County Courthouse, located at 101 E. Main, Clinton, NC.

However, for more serious offenses, you may need to appear in court, and in North Carolina, you have a right to a lawyer if you are facing a traffic ticket case. If you fail to appear for your court date, you may be assessed additional fines. Typically, you will receive a Failure to Appear document after 20 days of missing your court date. Excessive failures to appear may result in a license suspension or revocation.

Reasons for Getting a Traffic Ticket

Clinton is a relatively small town with a general speed limit of 35 mph. However, in high-traffic areas, such as on College Street, the limit is reduced to offset potential incidents. Traffic ticket cases can range from minor infractions to serious offenses, such as a DUI. Whether your case is large or small, a Clinton traffic ticket attorney may be able to help you. Below are some of the most common reasons for getting a traffic ticket:

• Speeding
• Distraction
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Illegal turns
• Traffic accidents
• Failure to yield
• Hit-and-run accidents
• DUI

Other types of traffic ticket cases may not be moving violations, such as driving with a suspended license, driving without insurance or registration, parking violations, not wearing a seatbelt, or driving with faulty brakes or a broken headlight.

Consequences for Receiving a Traffic Ticket

The most common consequence of receiving a traffic ticket is having to pay a fine. While some people are able to pay the ticket and move on, the ticket payment may be too costly in other cases, requiring the help of a lawyer. However, paying fines is not the only penalty for violating traffic laws. Other consequences include:

• Getting points on your license. With certain violations, you may receive a point against you, which impacts your driving record and reputation. In North Carolina, if you accrue 12 points in a three-year period, you may get your license suspended.
• Increases in insurance. In North Carolina, all drivers are required by law to carry liability insurance. Insurance can be expensive and even more so if you rack up too many points on your license.
• License suspension. Getting your license suspended can be terribly inconvenient, especially if you require a vehicle to travel. The length of time your license may be suspended depends on the specific violation.
• Criminal charges. For certain traffic violations, such as a DUI, driving with a suspended license, or a hit-and-run, you can face criminal charges.

When to Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer

You may want to hire a traffic ticket lawyer if you have the potential of facing jail time or if you have to pay over $500 in fines. In this case, hiring a lawyer may be less costly and can save you from experiencing further penalties. Hiring a lawyer instead of attempting to represent yourself may also improve your chances of reducing your sentence or getting your case dismissed.

Your lawyer may be able to fulfill the following obligations:

• Negotiating your charges
• Representing you in court
• Reducing your fines or penalties
• Getting your case dismissed

FAQs About Clinton Traffic Ticket Laws

Q: How Much Does a Traffic Lawyer Cost in NC?

A: The cost of a traffic ticket lawyer in NC varies depending on your case. The specific costs depend on factors such as case complexity, the lawyer’s skill, and the firm’s location. However, in most cases, the cost of a lawyer may pale in comparison to racking up points on your license, paying hefty fines, increased insurance, or serving jail time in the worst cases.

Q: Is It Worth It to Get a Lawyer for a Speeding Ticket in NC?

A: Yes, it may be worth it to get a lawyer for a speeding ticket in NC. For example, if it is a subsequent speeding violation or you are facing serious fines, you may want to contact a lawyer. Getting excessive tickets and accumulating too many points on your driver’s record can increase fees as well as your chances of serving time in jail.

Q: Is It Worth Hiring an Attorney for a Traffic Ticket?

A: Whether or not it is worth it to hire a traffic ticket attorney depends on your case and the ability of the lawyer to create positive outcomes. If your traffic ticket is minor and you only have to pay a small fee to have your case waived, you may not need a lawyer. However, if you are facing large fines or points on your license, you should consider hiring one.

Q: How Do You Get a Traffic Ticket Dismissed in NC?

A: The optimal way to get a traffic ticket dismissed in North Carolina is to hire a lawyer to represent you. While it is possible to plead your case before a judge in hopes of getting your ticket dismissed, there is a high risk. Getting a ticket dismissed requires an understanding of the legal system, quality evidence, and other significant factors.

An Experienced Lawyer You Can Trust

Don’t risk the consequences of a traffic ticket when you can hire an experienced lawyer instead. Serving Sampson and Onslow Counties, the team at Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC, puts our clients first and is dedicated to advocating for them, whether their cases are large or small. Contact us today if you are struggling with a traffic ticket and need legal assistance.