Traffic Violations in Pelham

Maintaining a clean driving record is more important that you realize, especially if you depend on driving to earn a living and you want to avoid vastly increased insurance rates. When you are facing any sort of traffic violation, getting advice from a Pelham traffic lawyer may be important.

Traffic offenses include not only traffic tickets but also driving-related criminal offenses that could result in criminal convictions. The repercussions of both a criminal conviction on a traffic offense and multiple traffic tickets can be harsh. Avoiding or minimizing these consequences may be possible if you utilize the services of a dedicated defense lawyer who is skilled in handling traffic offense cases.

When individuals receive a Pelham or Shelby County traffic ticket, the procedures that they must follow for handling the matter depend upon the type of ticket received and their driving record.

According to the Shelby County Traffic Court Clerk’s Office, drivers can pay some types of tickets prior to the court date and resolve the matter without appearing in court, so long as they have not been convicted of two or more prior traffic offenses within the last 12 months. If drivers want to fight the ticket, then they must appear in court and request a trial date.

However, individuals who fail to either pay the ticket prior to the court date or appear in court as scheduled can face serious repercussions. The court may issue a warrant for their arrest, increase any fines, and forfeit any posted bonds. The Alabama Department of Public Safety (DPS) also can suspend the license of those who fail to pay tickets and fail to appear in court.

Traffic tickets also have unpleasant financial consequences. The addition of traffic tickets to a driving record is likely to increase insurance rates for several years. Paying for the traffic ticket also is not an inexpensive endeavor.

• Speeding (less than 25 mph over speed limit) – $196
• Speeding (more than 25 mph over speed limit) – $216
• Driving without a license – $251
• Failure to use a child restraint – $201

The costs of paying traffic tickets are established by each county, so the price of a traffic ticket may vary from one county to another, even for the same traffic offense. Due to the high costs and other consequences that may arise from traffic tickets, getting advice from a Pelham traffic lawyer may be beneficial to individuals facing traffic tickets.

When individuals receive traffic tickets, the DPS assesses points to their licenses. As a general rule, more serious traffic offenses will result in a greater number of points added to licenses. Here are some common examples of the number of points that a traffic ticket will add to licenses:

• A ticket for speeding will result in two points for driving one to 25 mph over the speed limit or five points for driving 25 or greater mph over the speed limit
• A ticket for passing a stopped school bus will result in five points
• A ticket for driving on the wrong side of the road will result in four points
• A ticket for reckless driving will result in six points

Accumulating too many points within a certain time period can result in the suspension of driving privileges. All points remain on licenses for two years from the date of the traffic offense conviction.

For example, individuals who accrue 12 to 14 points within a two-year period are subject to a 60-day license suspension. The greater the number of points accrued within a two-year period, the longer the license suspension will be. The maximum term of suspension, which is based on the accrual of 24 or more points within two years, is a 365-day license suspension. Points can add up quickly if one is not careful, which is why it is essential for individuals who have received a traffic ticket to reach out to a dedicated lawyer right away.

Keeping your driving record clean and free from traffic offenses can be crucial to your job and your financial situation. You may be able to minimize or avoid some of the potentially negative consequences of a traffic ticket by consulting a Pelham traffic lawyer for advice.

Getting legal counsel when you need it can be the first step to fighting the traffic offenses that you are facing. Take the first step and seek experienced legal assistance today. Call today.