While a good record helps, it doesn’t guarantee a dismissal. An experienced attorney can do more than just ask for leniency; we can challenge the evidence and explain to a judge why you were driving safely under the circumstances.
Traffic Violations
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Fort Wayne Traffic Violations Defense Attorney
The fines associated with traffic violations in Indiana vary depending on the violation and the location where you receive the ticket. For most traffic violations, you will receive both a fine and points on your license. This will also lead to higher insurance rates. You can sometimes offset these points and some of your raised insurance rates by attending a deferral program or Driver Safety Program, which can be an additional expense of time and money. Is it worth it to hire a lawyer, or should you just pay the fee? In many cases, having an experienced attorney on your side will help more than hurt.
If you contest the ticket in court with legal counsel, you can nullify all penalties if you are found not guilty. This can be important not only for reducing your present fees, but for maintaining an affordable driving insurance rate. According to the DMV, the length of time that a traffic ticket will stay on your driving record depends on your insurance company and the state you’re in, and the state you received the ticket in. Three years is a fairly typical length of time for which to observe a raised premium. You should always make an effort to contest serious violations because of the impact it can have on your life.
With a lawyer, even if you cannot receive a not-guilty sentence, you may be able to accept a plea bargain and admit to a less serious defense. Keep in mind that many tickets are given with the knowledge that a motorist with a good defense could easily fight them. However, on average, only 3% of drivers ever contest their citations. Many citations involve a quick judgment call on the part of the officer, and sometimes it’s possible to explain to a judge that you were, in fact, driving safely. Receiving a not-guilty verdict can also reduce your future likelihood for receiving a driving suspension. While signing a ticket is not an admission of guilt, paying for one is, and once you agree to guilt, you cannot go back and contest the ticket later. If you have any questions about traffic violations in Fort Wayne Indiana, contact our Fort Wayne traffic attorney at 260-428-2214, or contact The Bellinger Law Office online.
FAQs About Traffic Violations in Indiana
What does signing my ticket mean, legally?
Signing the ticket is simply your promise to either pay its fine or appear in court. It is not an admission of guilt. However, paying the associated fine is an admission of guilt, and once you pay, you lose your right to contest the citation.
What kind of defenses are there for a traffic violation?
Defenses vary depending on the situation. We may question the accuracy of the radar or speed-tracking device, for instance, or argue that your actions were safe and reasonable given the road conditions at the time. Many tickets are based on an officer’s subjective judgment, which can be effectively challenged in court.
What is a "plea bargain" in a traffic case?
A plea bargain is an agreement where you plead guilty to a less serious traffic violation with lesser consequences. This can be an effective way to mitigate the long-term consequences of a ticket.
What is a "deferral program"?
A deferral program is an agreement with the prosecutor for eligible drivers. When you apply for this program and pay certain fees, the ticket will be held for a period of time. If you do not receive any other tickets during that holding period, the original violation is dismissed. This can be a good option to avoid points on your license.
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