Just about everyone has been pulled over for speeding, running a stop sign, or some other minor traffic offense at one point or another. Most people just pay the fine assigned to them and move on. However, if you were ticketed incorrectly or have a history of traffic convictions already on your record, you may want to consider contesting your ticket in court for the sake of both your personal finances and long-term interests.
If this is the case, a skilled defense attorney’s support could be crucial to efficiently navigating the legal system and pursuing your appeal. No matter what type of ticket you need to fight or what your previous record looks like, a Key Largo traffic lawyer could help you maximize your chances of getting a favorable case result.
Of course, formally contesting a traffic ticket in court can be a complicated and potentially risky decision. While every person has the right to fight a ticket, actually doing so is not always the best idea. That said, contesting tickets can be important for repeat traffic offenders because of how the state of Florida tracks traffic offenses.
Like many other states, Florida assigns “points” to each traffic offense for which someone could receive a ticket. They range from three points for minor offenses like failing to yield to a pedestrian on a crosswalk, to six points for more severe violations like unlawfully leaving the scene of an accident resulting in significant property damage. Anyone who accrues more than 12 points on their license within a continuous 12-month period will have their license suspended for 30 days. Getting more points within similar periods may lead to longer suspensions and other sanctions as well.
A Key Largo traffic attorney could help determine what long-term effects a particular ticket might have on your life. Your lawyer could offer guidance about how to handle your case during an initial consultation and help you apply for a hardship license, if necessary. This allows someone with a suspended license to drive for important reasons like commuting to work.
Individuals who want to fight a traffic ticket in Florida have 30 days from when they first received the ticket to formally notify the traffic court of their intentions. The ticket itself should include instructions for how to do this, but if needed, a traffic lawyer in Key Largo could help get the process started and prepare you for a hearing.
Getting pulled over can do a lot more than put a damper on your day. If you have multiple traffic convictions on your record or have been accused of a serious offense like drinking and driving, you may face much more serious consequences than just a one-time fine, potentially including a license suspension or jail time.
Working with a Key Largo traffic lawyer could ensure your case goes as smoothly as possible and give you the tools you need to effectively fight for your rights. Call Keys Criminal Defense today to set up a meeting.
