Many people in the Arlington region tend to drive too fast to reach their destinations. They may reach their destination sooner, but they risk receiving a traffic citation for speeding. Learn how traffic ticket convictions can impact your life. Talk to our Arlington traffic ticket attorneys at Anderson & Anderson, LLP, for assistance.
What Are The Effects Of A Traffic Ticket Conviction?
Violating traffic laws, such as driving over the speed limit, is dangerous and can be very expensive. If you are cited, contact immediately our experienced traffic ticket attorneys at Anderson & Anderson, LLP. because if you are convicted of a traffic violation, expect the following consequences:
Fines
You face considerable fines in Texas if the court finds you guilty of the offense. For example, Forbes states that the average speeding ticket in Texas for going 10 MPH over the limit is about $223 plus court costs, and going 15 MPH over the limit will cost approximately $255 plus court costs.
Points on your license and the Texas driver’s license point system
Not addressing a traffic ticket properly can result in points being put on your Texas driving record. Texas uses a point system that penalizes drivers with traffic convictions. And too many points in a limited period on your driving record can result in the suspension of your driver’s license. Four points or more within 12 months or seven points within 24 months will result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
Two points are added for the conviction of a moving violation, such as speeding. Three points are added if speeding results in a crash. Points will remain on your driving record for three years.
Higher insurance rates
Your insurance premiums could increase if you are convicted of too many traffic violations in Arlington. You may not see a higher rate immediately, but you can expect your premium to increase when your policy is renewed. In Texas, the average annual increase for auto insurance after a conviction for a speeding violation is $555.
Difficulty getting or keeping a job
Some jobs can be affected by too many Arlington traffic tickets. For instance, too many tickets and convictions can affect your ability to obtain a security clearance. Also, many employers require a clean driving record to be employed, such as Uber or Doordash drivers.
What To Do After Receiving An Arlington Traffic Ticket
After you get an Arlington traffic ticket, you can try to handle this case on your own. You can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you plead guilty or no contest, you admit that you violated the law. In this case, you can pay the fine by mail, online, or in person. Or you can contact the Court and request a Texas-approved driving safety course to have the violation dismissed.
If you plead not guilty, you must appear in court to fight the ticket. You can make your case to the Arlington traffic court judges yourself – pro se. If you do this, you are expected to have the same knowledge as an attorney.
Do not try to handle the ticket on your own. You may initially save some money, but if not handled properly you will end up owing a lot of money in the long run.
While some defendants may successfully argue their case pro se, it is best to simply contact our experienced Arlington tickets at Anderson & Anderson, LLP who know the law and the rules of the court. We will guide you through the process and help you to try and keep your driving record clear of this offense.
When Can A Traffic Ticket Be Dismissed?
Most people think that simply paying the fine will result in the dismissal of the ticket. The case will be closed. The ticket will be dismissed. But that is not the end. Before you plead not guilty to your ticket, you should know several things that affect whether it can be dismissed. First, what is the violation? Is it only speeding, or did you commit other infractions, too? Some of the common violations that often accompany a speeding ticket are:
- Driving with an expired registration, insurance, or driver’s license
- Driving without a front license plate or altered license plate
Furthermore, your ticket cannot be dismissed in Texas if you were going 25 MPH or above the speed limit. It also cannot be dismissed if you received a ticket in a school or construction zone. However, if your driving record is fairly clean and you were speeding at less than 25 MPH, you can try for possible dismissal. Contact our traffic ticket attorneys at ANDERSON & ANDERSON, LLP who have the knowledge and experience
to try for the best possible disposition.
Going To Defensive Driving School
There are many factors to consider before opting to take a driving safety course for a dismissal. First, there are several violations that cannot be dismissed by taking a driving safety court. These include:
- Driving at or over 25 miles per hour above the posted speed limit
- Not having car insurance at the time of a violation or vehicle crash
- An infraction for passing a school bus
- Leaving the scene of a crash or a hit and run
- Violations that occurred in a construction zone
Second, you can only take one driving safety course every twelve months to have one ticket dismissed.
Third, must contact the court and make a request. Only if and when the Judge grants your request can you take a class To qualify for a defensive driving class, the procedure is generally as follows:
- Plead guilty or no contest to your traffic violation.
- Waive a trial by jury.
- Submit a defensive driving class request form
- Have a valid Texas driver’s license.
- Provide proof of valid auto insurance.
- Pay court costs for the defensive driving course
Avoid this hassle and possible confusion and contact our experienced and knowledgeable traffic ticket attorneys at ANDERSON & ANDERSON, LLP who can best advise you on the advantages and disadvantages of taking a driving safety court.
Contact Our Arlington Traffic Ticket Lawyer Now
If you receive a traffic ticket conviction in Arlington, you must know that this ticket could have numerous negative effects on your life. Instead of simply paying for the ticket, consider fighting it with our assistance. Contact our Arlington traffic ticket lawyers at (214) 370-8260 if you want to fight your traffic ticket.
