There are a multitude of potential driving offenses associated with operating a motor vehicle, from speeding, to driving while under the influence of alcohol or following another car too closely. If you have been charged with an offense while driving, you may be unsure of how to proceed.
A traffic defense attorney can represent you, and in some cases, attend court on your behalf. Many individuals choose to work with a legal professional instead of representing themselves in order to achieve the most successful outcome for their situation.
Consider what benefits an attorney can bring to your case by virtue of their experience not only with traffic defense but also with the police officers and judges who will be involved in your specific case.
Relying On A Traffic Defense Attorney Vs. Representing Yourself In Court
When you receive a traffic ticket, you may or may not attend court depending upon your requirement to do so, or by choice if given the option. Traffic matters can often be prepaid, which means that you are not required to attend court because you are accepting a guilty verdict. Not all offenses are prepayable; be sure to carefully read the documentation as some offenses require your appearance in court. The documentation provided to you will indicate whether you are required to appear.
Even if you are not required to come to court, this does not mean this is the best option for your situation. If you prepay, you are accepting a guilty verdict in your case; if you choose not to attend court, you will be found guilty. You have the right to hire an attorney to represent you, or you can elect to represent yourself, even if you are not required to attend court.
Any misdemeanor charge requires that you must appear in court. If you are required to, but do not appear, you may either be found guilty in absentia, or you may be charged with a Failure to Appear. This could even culminate in a warrant for your arrest.
Whether or not your appearance in court is mandatory, it is still more beneficial to hire an experienced attorney to represent you rather than trying to present your own case. Attorneys offer not only more in-depth experience about your type of case specifically but also often know the people who will be present in court and have worked with them before.
Benefits Of Using An Attorney For Your Case
An attorney can bring many positive benefits to your case. From their previous experience with the individuals in the courtroom, such as the judge and officers, to their familiarity with common reasons why traffic cases in your area could be dismissible, their knowledge can provide you with an edge to possibly have your charges reduced or even dismissed. Attorneys are aware of the constantly changing laws as well as the general rulings of the court.
Types Of Cases Handled By A Traffic Defense Attorney
Traffic defense attorneys have the experience to handle a wide variety of cases. While the most common are variations of speeding tickets (first offense, second offense, etc.), DUI (driving under the influence), DWI (driving while intoxicated or impaired) and reckless driving are also common. Reckless driving is a charge most often assigned for excessive speeding.
Attorneys can also handle other cases, such as driving without a license or without the requisite insurance, violating rules regarding lane changes and signaling or even helping you understand your rights and responsibilities regarding a hit and run. Many hit and run events occur when people do not understand their responsibilities; you may still be guilty of a hit and run if you hit an animal, for example.
An attorney can help you to present your case to the court in the most favorable way possible to help you receive the best outcome available for your case. Although some charges may seem less serious, their impact on your insurance rates could prove to be financially serious.
Work With The Experienced Traffic Defense Attorneys For Best Results
If you have been charged with a traffic infraction or violation and need assistance, an experienced traffic attorney can assess the facts of your situation, including whether a police officer’s speed reading radar was calibrated correctly, to assist in reducing your charges or potentially even having your case dismissed.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Kermit A. Monge would be happy to help you explore your options and understand the potential outcomes of your case. Contact our offices to schedule a consultation to discuss your specific situation.