So you are the recipient of a speeding ticket in Dallas. Oftentimes, this is an annoying, frustrating, and time-consuming experience. Many Texas drivers incorrectly assume that simply paying the ticket is the easiest and most economical way to close the case. Not so fast! Paying the fine is an admission of guilt in the state of Texas, and the guilty judgment will be entered as a conviction on your driving record. There are other options to consider, such as speaking to our Dallas speeding ticket attorneys at Anderson & Anderson, LLP. We have experience in fighting speeding tickets and will fight on your behalf to obtain a favorable resolution.
In Texas, the consequences for a speeding ticket conviction can vary. In Texas, the consequences for a speeding ticket conviction depend on how severe the charge is. If you ignore the traffic violation or neglect to timely handle the ticket, a warrant may be issued for your arrest. You can then be arrested.
In addition to the fine payments, traffic ticket convictions can cause points to accrue on your driving record. If you accrue too many points, you may be at risk of having the State of Texas suspend your driver’s license. You will be deemed a habitual violator, and the Texas Department of Public Safety will send you notice that they intend to suspend your license. If you receive this notice, please immediately contact our office and we can file a response to the letter and request a hearing to fight for your right to legally operate a motor vehicle on a public roadway. Our office has successfully handled hundreds of Driver’s License Suspension Hearings, and we will do our best to keep you on the road.
Forbes Magazine reports that an average speeding ticket for 10 MPH over the posted speed limit in Texas is approximately $223.
Please note that if you are a commercial truck driver or in an occupation that requires an excellent driving record, your job could be at risk if you get convicted of a speeding violation. Many employers require clean driving records for Commercial Driver License holders.
First, review the ticket and see how long you have to resolve the situation. The ticket will specify the appearance date – either a specific date or so many days after the date of the stop. If you do not respond within the required time period, the ticket will go into warrant status. You will be subject to arrest, and court fees will increase.
Do not pay your ticket outright. The best action to take is to consult with our speeding ticket attorneys at Anderson & Anderson, LLP who can review your ticket and best advise you on how to proceed. Do not attempt to comprehend traffic ticket law on your own and address your ticket pro se, i.e., represent yourself without a lawyer.
Instead of paying the fine outright, you could plead not guilty and contest the ticket in court. You could represent yourself in court, but the chances of success are uncertain, especially if you are unfamiliar with criminal defense, rules of evidence, or local court procedures.
The best option is to hire our speeding ticket attorneys at Anderson & Anderson, LLP to handle the matter. They have years of experience and know the best way to protect your rights.
If the Court grants your request for deferred disposition, formerly known as deferred adjudication, you plead guilty or no contest to the charge and pay the required fees. It is not that simple, however. There could be additional requirements to complete. But if you fail to fulfill the terms, a judgment of guilt will be entered on your driving record, resulting in points on your license and possibly additional fees.
Note that you cannot always obtain deferred disposition. Some examples where this is not an option are:
It is in your best interest to retain the experienced traffic lawyers at Anderson & Anderson, LLP who understand traffic law and can best advise you on deferred disposition. Do not attempt to represent yourself as you may not fully understand how to successfully request deferred disposition and how to complete the requirements of deferred disposition.
Another option when you get a Texas speeding ticket is to ask for a state-approved driving safety class; however, there is a very specific procedure for choosing this option. To be eligible for a driver safety class, you must meet these criteria:
The Court might have additional requirements in addition to completing a driving safety class, i.e., submitting your driving record. If you do not complete each requirement, a judgement of guilt will be entered on your driving record.
Avoid the confusion of adhering to every requirement for a driving safety class, and call Anderson & Anderson, LLP. We will save you the hassle of completing the many requirements of dismissal through a driving safety course.
If you have been issued a Dallas speeding ticket, do not simply pay the fine without a fight. Instead, speak to our Dallas speeding ticket lawyers today at (214) 370-8260. Our attorneys will review your case and determine the best way to fight the ticket and obtain the best possible disposition. Our ticket attorneys at Anderson & Anderson, LLP have represented thousands of Texans with speeding tickets in the last 20 years. Much of our current legal business is based on referrals from satisfied speeding ticket clients. Let us assist you with your case.
Our speeding ticket attorney Bradley Anderson has been named a Texas Rising Star four times; only 2.5% of Texas attorneys obtain this distinction. In addition to this accolade, he has been a D Magazine Best Lawyers in Dallas nine times. He has an excellent record of fighting misdemeanor charges on behalf of his clients, including speeding tickets.
