To Pay or Not to Pay, that is the question!
If you received a traffic ticket in eastern North Carolina, you may be wondering if it is better to pay off or if you should fight it. Many people may think it is easier to pay it off, or that it is the right thing to do, however depending on the type of ticket, and your driving record, it could make more sense for you to dispute the ticket and take it to court.
At Craft Law Firm we advise drivers who have been issued a traffic ticket to consult with an attorney who handles traffic law. When you pay off your ticket, you are admitting guilt to the traffic violation. An attorney who manages traffic law cases may be able to help you avoid points on your license, fines, license suspension, and other consequences that may come with an admission of guilt to the violation.
Reasons to Fight Your Traffic Ticket
The number one reason anyone should fight a traffic violation ticket is to avoid the penalties and possible negative outcomes associated with the ticket.
Once you pay your traffic ticket, you will get points added to your driving record. The addition of these points could increase your insurance cost and depending on your previous violations, may lead to suspension of your license, additional fines, and the possibility of jail time.
Most drivers are not sure what they should do. Before you consider defending yourself, contact and hire an experienced traffic law attorney. Having someone represent your best interests in traffic court could save you points on your license and increased insurance premiums in the future.
Should You Hire a Traffic Law Attorney in Eastern North Carolina?
At the Craft Law Firm, Leslie Craft helps clients with the following types of traffic tickets throughout Eastern North Carolina, including Greenville, Kinston, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Washington, Williamston, and Winterville:
- Speeding, including speeding in a school zone
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Red light tickets
- Aggressive and Reckless Driving
- Driving without insurance
- Illegal Passing and Tailgating
- Failing to yield the right of way
Your North Carolina traffic ticket will have information on how you can contest the ticket. If you want to plead not guilty or dispute your traffic citation, you will have to appear in court or will have had to hire an attorney to represent you and defend your rights at the hearing.
What Happens After Your Hearing?
If you are found guilty of your traffic violation, you will be ordered to pay all traffic fines and court fees associated with the traffic citation. You will also have points added to your driving record, and more than likely your auto insurance rates will be increased by your agent.
In the State of North Carolina, your license will be suspended if you have accumulated twelve points within a three-year period.
If you have fought your ticket and found not guilty, you will not face any of the penalties mentioned above. However, we do recommend that if you are found not guilty, that you check your driving record to ensure the violation does not appear on your record and that no points were added – mistakes do happen!
If you have been issued a traffic citation and are not sure what to do, contact Craft Law Office. Leslie Craft may be able to reduce your charge, the fine, or modify your ticket, plus you may not have to appear in court. Trust our experience to protect your driving record. We offer free consultations in person or virtually, call us at 252-752-0297 or email us today.