Lenoir Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Lenoir Traffic and Speeding Ticket Attorney

Being issued a traffic citation or a North Carolina traffic ticket can be extremely frustrating, especially if you are unfamiliar with North Carolina traffic law. As a driver, it is important that you are aware of what the particular fines associated with your traffic violations will be, whether your license will be suspended or revoked, and whether you will be required to take a driving course.

Located in Lenoir County, North Carolina, our experienced traffic violation attorneys at Helton, Cody & Associates, PLLC, can help you navigate the complexities of traffic court. We can work to get your Lenoir County traffic case the best outcome possible.

Types of Traffic Ticket Cases in North Carolina

In North Carolina, there are a variety of different types of traffic ticket cases that an individual may be charged with. Some common types of traffic ticket cases in North Carolina include:

• Speeding: This refers to the offense of driving faster than the posted speed limit or faster than is reasonable and safe under the circumstances.
• Reckless Driving: This happens when someone drives in a manner that shows a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others.
• Careless and Reckless Driving: This occurs when a person drives in a careless or reckless manner that endangers the life or property of others.
• Racing on a Highway: This refers to the offense of participating in a drag race or other speed contest on a public road or highway.
• Failing to Yield the Right of Way: This happens when one fails to give the right of way to another vehicle or pedestrian as required by law.
• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: This refers to the offense of proceeding through an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. It is also the failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.
• Making an Illegal Turn: This occurs when a driver commits the offense of making a turn that is not allowed by law, such as a left turn on a red light or an improper turn at an intersection.
• Following Too Closely: This refers to the offense of following another vehicle too closely, also known as “tailgating.”
• Failure to Signal: This occurs when a driver fails to use a turn signal when required by law.
• Operating a Vehicle With a Suspended or Revoked License: This charge can be filed for operating a vehicle with a license that has been suspended or revoked.

These are just a few examples of the types of traffic ticket cases that can be filed in North Carolina. Hiring a trusted traffic ticket lawyer can help you understand your charge better and help you get your charges reduced or dropped.

What to Do After Receiving a North Carolina Speeding Ticket

If you receive a speeding ticket in North Carolina, there are a few steps you can take:

• Review the Ticket: Carefully review the ticket to make sure all the information is correct and complete. If there are any errors or discrepancies, you will want to address them as soon as possible.
• Decide How to Plead: You must decide how you will plead to the charges. You can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
• Pay the Fine: If you decide to plead guilty or no contest, you will need to pay the fine by the date specified on the ticket.
• Attend Traffic School: If you are eligible and choose to attend traffic school, you will need to complete the program by the date specified by the court.
• Hire an Attorney: If you decide to plead not guilty or if you are facing more serious charges, you may want to consider hiring an attorney to represent you. An attorney can help you defend against the charges and negotiate a more favorable plea deal, if possible.

It is important to keep in mind that failing to take action on a traffic citation can result in additional consequences, such as the suspension of your driver’s license or additional fines.

The Driver’s License Points System in North Carolina

In North Carolina, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigns points to drivers for certain traffic offenses as part of a point system. The number of points assigned for each offense depends on the severity of the violation. For example, a conviction for reckless driving may result in four points being added to your license, while a conviction for speeding may result in three points being added.

If you accumulate a certain number of points within a specific time period, you may be subject to additional consequences, such as a license suspension or revocation. The specific number of points that will trigger these consequences will depend on your age and the specific circumstances of your case.

For example, if you are under 18 years old and accumulate 12 or more points within a year, your license may be suspended for 60 days. If you are over 18 and accumulate 12 or more points within a year, your license may be suspended for 30 days. If you accumulate 18 or more points within a year, your license may be suspended for 45 days.

Understanding How a North Carolina Traffic Attorney Can Assist You

A North Carolina traffic ticket lawyer can help you in several ways if you have received a traffic ticket in the state:

• Represent You in Court: An attorney can represent you in court and defend you against the charges. They can challenge the evidence against you and present a defense on your behalf.
• Negotiate a Plea Deal: If you decide to plead guilty or no contest to the charges, an attorney may be able to negotiate a more favorable plea deal on your behalf. This could include a reduced fine or the dismissal of some or all of the charges.
• Attend Court on Your Behalf: If you are unable to attend court in person, an attorney may be able to appear on your behalf and handle the case for you.
• Advise You on the Best Course of Action: An attorney can review the facts of your case and advise you on the best course of action. This can mean fighting the charges in court, negotiating a plea deal, or taking some other action.

Keep in mind that hiring a traffic ticket lawyer is not a guarantee that you will win your case or avoid all consequences. However, an experienced attorney can provide valuable legal representation and guidance throughout the process. They may be able to help you achieve a more favorable outcome.

Traffic Citation Law FAQs

Q: How much does a traffic lawyer cost in North Carolina?

A: In North Carolina, the cost of hiring a traffic ticket attorney can vary based on a variety of criteria, including the severity of the case, the attorney’s background and reputation, and the firm’s location. In general, you can anticipate paying a traffic lawyer $100 to $500 or more per hour for their services.

Q: Should I hire a lawyer for a speeding ticket in North Carolina?

A: The long-term value of engaging a traffic ticket attorney will depend on your confidence that you are not responsible for the infraction. Most traffic ticket attorneys will defend you in traffic court for a small, one-time fee. In the meanwhile, you can wind up spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run due to the possible expense of a traffic ticket or a rise in your insurance premiums.

Q: How does a speeding ticket affect my driving record?

A: A speeding ticket can have a number of effects on your driving record, depending on the specific circumstances of the offense and the state where the ticket was issued. In general, a speeding ticket can result in the following consequences:

• Points on your license
• Increased insurance premiums
• License suspension or revocation
• Difficulty obtaining employment or other opportunities

The number of points you receive will depend on the severity of the offense and the speed at which you were traveling. A speeding ticket may also be visible to employers or other parties who perform background checks.

Q: Can you get a speeding ticket dismissed in North Carolina?

A: It is possible to get a speeding ticket dismissed in North Carolina, but it will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Some potential ways to get a speeding ticket dismissed in North Carolina include:

• Lack of probable cause
• Technical errors
• Defective equipment
• Constitutional violations

It is important to note that getting a speeding ticket dismissed is not easy. You will need the help of an experienced traffic lawyer to pursue any of these defenses. An attorney can review the facts of your case and advise you on the best course of action.

Contact a Lenoir County Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Traffic offenses can have a significant impact on your future. Therefore, it is crucial to get advice from a traffic violation attorney with expertise managing traffic cases. In Lenoir County, North Carolina, we handle a wide range of traffic ticket matters for clients. We understand the legal system and how to safeguard your rights. After a traffic stop, if you have any questions, contact the traffic lawyers at Helton, Cody & Associates, PLLC.