Although they may appear minor, traffic violations can lead to heavy fines, lost driving privileges, increased insurance rates, and even jail time. These consequences may be worse if you hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Traffic violations are one of the most common types of offence committed by people all over the nation. Many people commit violations without even realizing that they are doing it; however the law does not accept ignorance as an excuse when it comes to violations. Many people get stopped, fined and even arrested each day through traffic violations, and the punishment for traffic violations can be very harsh. The more serious the violation, the harsher the punishment is likely to be.
Traffic violations generally come in two main groups, these being minor and major violations. Minor violations can include acts such as Speeding, Illegal Parking, Failure to Stop, Running a Red Light, and Overloading a Vehicle. Major violations include Reckless Driving, Racing, Passing a School Bus, DUI, and Vehicular Homicide (these last two being some of the most serious of major traffic violations). Both types of violations hold serious consequences for the driver.
A ticket is normally issued in the case of minor offenses. The ticket gives you two options: you can either pay the stipulated fine (which, in effect, means that you are admitting your guilt); or you can contest the ticket by pleading not guilty. The same applies to major traffic violations, although these are more involved than simply being issued a ticket; for the serious, major traffic violations you can be arrested and even imprisoned if you are found to be guilty. If you are the holder of a commercial driver's license (CDL), or you hold a Chauffeur License, Minor Restricted License, Recreational, or Farmer & H-Hazardous Materials, these consequences can be much, much worse.
Whether it is a minor or a major traffic violation that you have been accused of, it is important to seek advice from an attorney before pleading guilty. Pleading guilty to a violation can lead to an accumulation of points that often result in a license suspension and/or costly insurances consequences; other traffic violations result in an immediate license suspension regardless of the amount of points on your license. Even worse, some motor vehicle violations, as indicated above, can lead to jail time.
By going to an experienced traffic lawyer, you can maximize your chances of a successful appeal, and therefore avoid unnecessary points, fines, and punishment. All too often people simply pay the ticket, as they think that this is the easiest or only option. However, bearing in mind the stated consequences, it is important you not do this without seeking the advice of a skilled attorney. And because there are time limitations on how long you have to contest traffic violations, it is important you seek out this advice as soon as possible.
The traffic violation attorneys at Kope & Associates will analyze your violation(s) and advise you on the best course of action to protect your license. When contesting your traffic citation(s), they will use all legal means necessary to dismiss your violation, or, short of that, decrease or even eliminate the points associated with your violation. By working to reduce or dismiss your citation(s), the attorneys at Kope and Associates will help you in avoiding potentially serious penalties.
If you have been stopped and charged with a traffic violation in Harrisburg, York, or surrounding areas of Pennsylvania, please contact an attorney at Kope and Associates as soon as possible for a free consultation. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.