3 Reasons to Hire a Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney

Whether it's from speeding, forgetting to use the turn signal, or running a red light, traffic violations are very common. In fact most drivers will find themselves getting at least one citation at some point in their lifetime. Speeding in particular is the most common citation received by drivers. Each year around 41 million drivers end up with speeding tickets with an average fine of $152. Of that 41 million only 5 percent of those citations are contested in court. Hiring a traffic ticket defense attorney can be a smart move. Here are three reasons why.

They Can Get the Ticket Dismissed

When it comes to traffic laws, there are plenty of things that the average driver is unaware of. A traffic attorney on the other hand knows these laws well and can use them to their client's advantage. Laws vary from state to state but there are a few things that can lead to a ticket being dismissed including the officer not showing up to court, the use of faulty equipment, or incorrect information written on the ticket. Traffic attorneys can also work to have penalties dismissed if their client attends traffic school.

They Can Reduce the Penalties

If the ticket cannot be dismissed, a traffic attorney can work to have the penalties reduced. Traffic violations often lead to points being added to the driver's license. The amount of time these points remain depends on the violation and state laws. Speeding tickets and similar violations on average remain on a driver's record for one to three years. For those who drive for a living, points on their license can also endanger their jobs. Traffic attorneys can work with the judge to keep these points of the driver's record. 

They Can Save Money

The cost of a traffic ticket defense attorney can vary depending on the driver's record and the ticket that was received. However, most drivers can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $400 for an attorney to make a court appearance. While that may seem steep, a single ticket can increase insurance premiums by up to 22 percent. Overall the cost of hiring an attorney can be lower that the increase in insurance premiums that can last for years. Traffic ticket defense attorneys can also have fines reduced or eliminated.

While a traffic ticket may not seem like a big deal, it can have a bigger impact than many drivers expect. Hiring a traffic ticket defense attorney can reduce or eliminate the impact a traffic ticket can have. To learn more about the process, contact law firms such as Tolbert & Tolbert, LLP.