Receiving a traffic ticket can be aggravating. Perhaps you were rushing, overlooked a sign, or hadn’t even noticed you did something wrong until the flashing police lights lit up behind you. It happens to a lot of drivers.
But suppose you fail to pay the ticket or just can’t pay immediately? The penalties will really add up fast, and before you know it, your small mistake can become a big problem. That’s where having the right attorney can really make a difference, because you never know how much jail time for unpaid traffic tickets you can get.
Unpaid Tickets Can Become Expensive Fast
When you don’t pay a ticket in time, extra fees start to accumulate. What was once a fairly small $50 penalty easily mounts to $200 or more once fees are added. In some places, even interest gets charged monthly. If you keep putting it off, your license can be taken away, or you can even get an arrest warrant.
Lawyers Know the Legal Shortcuts You Don’t
Traffic laws are not that straightforward. Each city or state is different. A lawyer that specializes in traffic law can find methods to resolve your problem wisely. For example, they can discover your ticket was not properly written or the officer made a small mistake on the form. Believe it or not, even small errors significantly impact your case in court.
A lawyer will also be able to:
- Speak to the prosecutor or judge on your behalf.
- Negotiate a better deal.
- Get your fine lowered.
- Have points removed from your license.
They Can Represent You in Court
It can be nerve-wrecking to appear in court, especially if it’s your first time. There is so much lawyer jargon, waiting around, and pressure from the prosecutors. But when you have an attorney, you don’t have to endure all that stress alone.
A lawyer can go to court for you—you don’t even have to go yourself. They can do the talking, do the paperwork, and make sure everything runs smoothly. They save you time, especially if you work or go to school and can’t take a day off.
The Right Lawyer Saves You Money in the Long Run
At first, a lawyer can be expensive. But if you consider the larger picture, a good attorney can ultimately save you money. How can that be?
- By getting rid of or reducing fines.
- Stopping further charges from being filed.
- Preventing your insurance premiums from going up.
Insurance companies will raise your premiums if you have outstanding tickets or points on your license. So, even if an attorney does charge a fee, the money you’ll save in the long run could be much more. It’s a small price to pay to avoid paying a lot in the future.
They Keep Your Driving Record Clean
Having outstanding tickets will make your driving record look bad. This can lead to higher insurance rates, suspension of your license, or even be a problem in obtaining some driving-related jobs.
A lawyer can defend your record and have the ticket reduced to a lesser offense or dismissed entirely by negotiating with the court. Having a spotless driving record keeps your insurance premiums low and your freedom to go anywhere without hassle.
Peace of Mind Matters Too
Let’s face it, having to contend with unpaid tickets is a true stress inducer. You’re worried about getting pulled over again or even losing your license. Having an attorney gives you peace of mind.
You know someone who knows what they’re doing is taking care of everything the right way. They’ll take you through it, keep you informed, and help you make sound decisions.
Conclusion
An ignored ticket can appear insignificant in the early stages, but it can become a massive headache if you ignore it. Choosing the ideal attorney can help with:
- They can lower your fines.
- Save your license.
- Keep you with a clean record.
- Rescuing you from unnecessary anxiety.
