When it’s all said and done, a traffic ticket can be a considerable expense, depending on how it’s handled. Sometimes, people prefer to pay for the ticket themselves, but we recommend hiring an attorney to handle the process. We’ve broken down the true cost of a North Carolina traffic ticket, including expenses that may surprise you!
Fines and Fees
The cost of a traffic ticket can vary depending on many elements. For instance, if you plan on handling the ticket yourself, you could face fines up to $250, plus court costs if you plead guilty. You will also have to pay for the ticket, which can vary in price. Additionally, depending on the severity of your traffic ticket, you can face more penalties that will cause the fees to increase.
Time Off
When you choose to handle a ticket on your own, you will likely have to attend a mandatory court hearing, which means you will have to make yourself available. You will also have to spend time researching your rights, preparing your documents and evidence, and navigating the correct procedures for court. This will require plenty of time and effort, and your job, day-to-day life, and responsibilities will need to take a backseat for the time being.
Insurance Points
A simple traffic ticket will cost you in the long run, potentially for years. If you are convicted of a traffic violation, you will accumulate points on your insurance that will increase your premium. This could last for years. For example, an offense that warrants one point on your insurance can increase your premium by 30%, and three points on your license could result in a 60% premium increase. If you accrue a certain number of points in a certain amount of time, you could face even more consequences.
License Points
Accumulating too many insurance points can have many consequences and requirements, including attending a driver improvement class or having your license suspended for anywhere between 60 days and a full year. You could also face these penalties if convicted of certain traffic offenses, and the points depend on the violation.
How We Can Help
Handling a traffic ticket alone can cost you thousands of dollars if you factor in how your insurance rates could increase. Instead, we recommend seeking legal counsel to assist you on your case. Craft Law Offices offer consultations so you can ask questions and determine your next steps. When you hire us to handle your traffic offense, you can be sure that a professional and knowledgeable attorney is handling your case. Hiring an attorney has many benefits. In most cases, you won’t have to take time off work to attend court hearings. A traffic lawyer can assess your case, defend you in court, and likely save you tons of time and money. Contact Craft Law Offices today at 252-752-0297 to speak with an attorney.