Should You Get a Lawyer for a Speeding Ticket in Charlotte, North Carolina?

When you pay a speeding ticket or misdemeanor citation instead of hiring a lawyer, you could be setting yourself up for more severe consequences. If you automatically pay a speeding ticket, you may incur points on your license, higher insurance rates, and even risk a license suspension.

However, a traffic court defense lawyer may be able to help you avoid these unpleasant results. Our lawyers may recommend you contest the ticket or seek mitigation. Depending on your driving record, hiring an attorney to clear another citation may be less expensive than increased auto insurance.

When to Consider a Lawyer for Your Speeding Ticket

You can expect to pay $250 or more for a speeding ticket in a school or work zone. If you contest a ticket in traffic court and fail, you pay fines and court costs. Whether you need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in North Carolina depends on a few factors:

• Severity of the Speeding Ticket: A ticket for going a few miles over the limit might not be worth the expense of a lawyer. But, for a high-speed violation or one that could lead to license suspension, a lawyer can be helpful.
• Your Driving Record: If you have past tickets, a lawyer can help you navigate the court process and potentially avoid harsher penalties.
• Desired Outcome: Are you hoping to get the ticket dismissed entirely, or are you seeking a reduced fine or fewer points? A lawyer can increase your chances of a more favorable outcome.

Speeding Ticket Fines and Court Costs in Mecklenburg County

With most traffic tickets, you can choose to pay a predetermined fine, or you can go to court.

If you challenge the ticket in court and lose, you’ll end up paying fines, court costs, and other fees.

If you want to contest a ticket in traffic court, we recommend hiring an attorney. A traffic lawyer is more likely to get better results because we handle these matters often. We know what to expect in court and how to craft a convincing argument on your behalf.

How Much Do Insurance Rates Increase after a Speeding Ticket?

The actual cost of a speeding ticket comes from increased insurance premiums. Insurance companies use a separate point system called the Safe Driver Incentive Plan. The more points you have, the higher your insurance rates.

Even something as simple as one speeding ticket will increase your premiums, depending on how fast you were going and where you were speeding.

One point on your license can increase your insurance rates by 30%. Two points increase your rates by 45%, three points increase your rates by 60%, and four points increase your rates by 80%. That adds up to thousands of dollars over several years.

Hiring a Lawyer Can Save You Money in the Long Run

Hiring a traffic lawyer can save you significant financial burden down the road. While their fee may seem like an upfront cost, it pales in comparison to the potential financial burdens of a speeding ticket. Lawyers can fight to reduce fines or eliminate them altogether. More importantly, they can help you avoid points on your license which can dramatically increase your car insurance rates for years to come.

An attorney can even fight to prevent a license suspension which could force you to arrange expensive alternative transportation. When you consider the potential long-term costs, a lawyer’s knowledge and experience become a valuable investment in protecting your wallet.

How Can a Lawyer Fight Your Speeding Ticket in North Carolina?

When you hire a traffic lawyer to fight your speeding ticket, they’ll take a strategic approach to effectively challenge the citation, with steps such as:

Reviewing the Ticket and Evidence

Lawyers have a keen eye for detail and will meticulously examine the speeding ticket for any errors or inconsistencies. This might include mistakes in the date, time, location, or even the alleged speed itself. Any discrepancies could be grounds for dismissal.

Attorneys are also familiar with the speed detection equipment and procedures commonly used by police. They could challenge the calibration of the radar gun used by the officer or dispute the accuracy of a visual speed estimation.

Negotiating with the Prosecutor

Your attorney can leverage their years of experience and negotiation skills to attempt to reach a reduced charge with the prosecutor. If successful, this could involve pleading guilty to a lesser offense that carries a smaller fine and no points on your license. Your lawyer might also explore alternative sentencing, such as getting you admitted to a diversion program or attending traffic school.

Representing You in Court

If your case goes to court, your lawyer will develop a strong defense strategy to present before the judge. This might involve witness testimonies or gathering evidence to support your version of events.

At your hearing, your attorney will present the defense, contest the prosecution’s evidence, and fight for your ticket to be reduced or dismissed. If you don’t get a desirable outcome in court, your lawyer can advise you on appealing the judge’s decision or taking further legal action to pursue a more favorable outcome.

Call our Charlotte Defense Attorneys Before You Pay Your Ticket

Many people choose to pay a traffic ticket because they find traffic court intimidating or don’t realize the long-term effects. Hiring a lawyer can help reduce the stress and uncertainty associated with handling a speeding ticket on your own.  traffic lawyer can help you avoid getting points on your license, translating into higher insurance premiums.

Before you plead guilty by paying your ticket, talk to a traffic court lawyer with Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys. Call (980) 907-8610 or use our online form to schedule your free consultation.