Traffic Violations in Gulf Shores

Traffic violations are common enough that most people do not think of them as serious offenses.

While drivers are often aware that they can be cited, fined, and their insurance rates may increase, they are not often aware that what may seem like basic traffic offenses, can result in a loss of driving privileges, costly mandatory driving education programs, and/or incarceration.

Regardless of whether you have been ticketed for speeding, reckless driving, or are a commercial driver facing driver’s license suspension in Gulf Shores, a skilled local traffic attorney in Gulf Shores can help to set your expectations and guide you through the legal process toward the best possible outcome.

In traffic court, there are multiple issues that may arise that drivers should be aware of. An experienced Gulf Shores traffic lawyer will help establish realistic expectations based on the citation and likely outcome.

To that end, a driver should address any questions with their traffic attorney in Gulf Shores and make them aware of any circumstances that may require the attorney to deviate from their planned defense.

Having a commercial driver’s license will alter an attorney’s legal argument because a driver’s license suspension or a restricted license will impact that driver’s livelihood. Having multiple traffic citations for the same offense will impact an attorney’s defense as a restricted license may be the best possible outcome.

Being forthright and honest with the lawyer is the only way that they can set realistic expectations that are unique to the driver’s situation.

Reading, writing, or sending text messages while driving is punishable by fines of $75 for each offense, beyond the third offense. Additionally, each offense accrues two points on the driver’s driving record with the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Alabama has statutory speed limits, unless otherwise posted. The speed limit in an urban area is 30 miles per hour and 35 miles per hour on an unpaved road. The speed limit in other areas is typically 55 miles per hour and may rise to 65 or 70 miles per hour on the interstate.

When a highway, of up to six lanes, is not divided with a median or guardrails, drivers must stop when a school or church bus is stopped with the stop sign extended on the arm. Failing to do so could result in a fine between $150 to $300 for the first offense.

The fine for the second offense may be as much as $500 and the driver could be sentenced to 100 hours of community service. Beyond the second offense, the fines increase and the driver may be subject to their driver’s license being suspended.

In Alabama, driving carelessly or with willful or wanton disregard for the rights and safety of others or their property constitutes reckless driving.

Since the definition is subjective, an officer could determine that speeding or driving in a manner that may be common in another state, could meet the requirements for a reckless driving charge. On the first offense, a reckless driving conviction could result in five to 90 days’ incarceration.

Whether an attorney is necessary when a driver is facing a traffic citation depends entirely on the circumstances of the offense. It is always better to work with an attorney before a scheduled court date to determine whether the case and the possible consequences warrant representation than to figure out during a hearing that an attorney would have been helpful.

Contact skilled Gulf Shores traffic lawyers today to begin building the strongest defense possible.