Traffic & DWI Lawyer in Charlotte NC
Experienced Charlotte defense attorneys for DWI, speeding tickets, and license-related charges.
You are most likely here because you are in need of services from a traffic attorney. Here is some information you should find useful. While some traffic offenses, such as Driving While Impaired aka DWI, and Reckless Driving, are classified as misdemeanors, and some are classified as felonies, such as Hit and Run involving personal injury, most traffic offenses are classified as infractions. Unlike misdemeanors, which require you to appear in court and can result in fines and jail time if you are convicted, infractions involve only fines and do not require a court appearance. If you are issued a citation charging you with an infraction, the citation will include information as to the amount of the fine and court costs and instructions as to where you should mail your payment if you want to dispose of the charge without going to court. While that may seem like an easy way to take care of your traffic ticket, you should be aware that there are other costs involved that are not disclosed on the citation.
When a person disposes of a traffic ticket by mailing in the fine and court costs, he is admitting responsibility for the infraction and his payment of the fine and costs is treated as a conviction. A conviction for a traffic offense such as a speeding ticket will usually result in the assessment of both drivers license points and insurance points. The number of drivers license points assessed depends on the offense and range from 1, for minor moving violations, to 5, for passing a stopped school bus. When a person accumulates 12 drivers license pts, his license can be suspended for up to 60 days for the first suspension. A second suspension can be for up to 6 months and subsequent suspensions can be for up to one year each. Hiring a Traffic Attorney can help you reduce the penalty you will incur.
Looking For a Speeding Ticket Lawyer in NC?
The effect on your car insurance is another reason to consult with a Speeding Ticket Lawyer. The number of insurance points assessed also depends on the violation. The maximum number of points assessed for a violation is 12, which are assessed for serious offenses such as DWI. The minimum number is 1 point, which is assessed for minor moving violations. Insurance points result in an increase in insurance premiums. If you are assessed 1 insurance point, your insurance premiums will increase 25%. Being assessed 12 insurance points will result in a 400% increase in premiums. Once you are assessed insurance points, the premium increases remain in effect for three years.
In many instances, it is possible to minimize or avoid the assessment of insurance points and to do so without having to go to court. Before you just pay off a speeding ticket, contact an attorney to discuss your situation. If you are charged with an infraction, the attorney will be able to appear in court for you and may be able to get the charges reduced so as to minimize the adverse economic and other consequences.
If you or someone you know has received a traffic citation including a DWI, call PenistonDeason at 704-373-0203 or fill out the form. The initial consultation is free of charge.
If you or a loved one needs an attorney you can trust, call Peniston Deason now at 704-373-0203 or fill out our contact form. The initial consultation with a professional attorney is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means the attorney gets paid for their services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. There is no fee unless we win! Don't delay! You may have a valid case and be entitled to compensation, but you must contact a North Carolina attorney before the statute of limitations expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a traffic infraction, misdemeanor, and felony?
Traffic infractions are minor violations that usually result in fines without court appearances. Misdemeanors, like DWI or reckless driving, may require court and can carry fines or jail time. Felonies, such as hit and run causing injury, are more serious crimes with harsher penalties.
2. What happens if I just pay a traffic ticket without contesting it?
Paying the fine is treated as an admission of guilt, which results in points on your driver’s license and insurance. Points can lead to license suspension and increased insurance premiums.
3. How do points affect my driver’s license and insurance?
In North Carolina, accumulating 12 or more driver’s license points can lead to license suspension. Insurance points increase premiums—1 point can raise premiums by 25%, while 12 points can raise them by 400%, lasting up to three years.
4. Can a traffic attorney help reduce my penalties?
Yes. An attorney can often negotiate to reduce charges or penalties, possibly minimizing or avoiding points and fines, sometimes without requiring a court appearance.
5. Do I need a lawyer if I’m charged with a DWI or traffic offense?
It’s highly recommended. Experienced traffic and DWI attorneys can protect your rights, navigate court procedures, and work to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.