People generally react in some way after receiving a ticket. Some may curse, bang on the steering wheel, call a friend to get some sympathy, or just start crying. But once the initial reaction is over, we all have to decide how to deal with traffic citations. This article covers three ways to do just that.
#1. Ignore it.
One option you might consider is to ignore the traffic citation or throw it away. We strongly encourage you not to do this.
If you miss your court date, the following might happen:
- The court will mark your case “called and failed.”
- Twenty days later, they will issue a Failure to Appear against you.
- You might incur additional fees because of the Failure to Appear.
- Twenty days after issuance of your Failure to Appear, the court notifies the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- The DMV likely will suspend your driver’s license until you resolve your traffic citation.
- At some point, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest.
Driving with a revoked license is a Class 3 misdemeanor in North Carolina. So, ignoring your traffic citations can lead to additional charges, fees, court costs, jail time, and attorney’s fees. So, please consider one of the following ways to deal with traffic citations before making the rash decision to ignore your violation.
#2. Pay it.
You could simply pay the ticket. This may be the fastest way of dealing with traffic citations, but it’s ALMOST NEVER the best. It really depends on the type of traffic violation – and whether your driving record shows prior citations. This frequently causes your insurance rates to increase. Before paying your ticket, talk to an attorney to see if the following way to deal with traffic citations is a better move for you.
#3. Hire an attorney to represent you.
In most cases this means you do not have to go to court.
- You might be able to avoid getting points on your license.
- In some cases, you might keep your driving record clean.
- If the citation is dropped or reduced, you might avoid increased auto insurance premiums or receive a smaller increase.
- Depending on your record and your speed, you may avoid getting your license suspended.
Some citations could even affect your ability to get certain jobs. For example, multiple speeding tickets or other moving violations could prevent you from working at a job that requires you to drive. If you were charged with a serious violation, it’s in your best interests to have an attorney try to get the best deal possible for you.
Call and find out how we can help you with your ticket.
Attorney Leslie Craft has the experience you need to deal with traffic violations. Ms. Craft’s goal is always to help her clients get past their legal problems and get on with their lives.
To schedule a free personal consultation, call Craft Law Offices at (252) 752-0297 or email us at lesliecraftlaw@gmail.com. My offices are located in Greenville, Morehead City, and Rocky Mount for your convenience. I also represent clients in surrounding Eastern North Carolina communities, including Warrenton, Elizabeth City, Roanoke Rapids, Goldsboro, and Jacksonville.