Before You Pay That Ticket, Talk To Our Harrisburg Traffic Lawyer
It might seem like receiving a traffic violation is an annoying nuisance that everyone faces from time to time. However, building up traffic violations can add points onto your license that will cost you in the long run. In addition, they often come with hefty fees that simultaneously increase your insurance rates dramatically. Worst of all, these traffic violations are often made by mistake, either on the part of the law enforcement official, or on account of a faulty traffic violation device or camera.
If charges build up, you might even be forced to serve a sentence in jail. When this occurs, you must not resign yourself to the frustration of paying an unfair penalty. Instead, get in touch with our traffic violation lawyers in Cumberland County and Harrisburg immediately. At the Law Offices of Patrick F. Lauer, we are zealous defenders against such unjust traffic charges.
Have you been charged with a traffic violation in Pennsylvania? Call the Law Offices of Patrick F. Lauer, Jr. LLC today at (717) 775-6110 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our Harrisburg traffic violation attorney.
Traffic Violations in Pennsylvania
In the state of Pennsylvania, there are multiple ways that drivers could get points on their record for breaking traffic laws. However, there are certain kinds of violations which law enforcement officials tend to scrutinize more severely, leading to harsher penalties as well.
Some violations which incur the steepest punishments include:
- Careless driving or reckless driving
- Speeding or racing another vehicle on highways and streets
- Failure to use turn signals
- Running a red light or failure to yield at intersections
- Driving without a valid or current license
- Purposely turning off one’s headlights or taking evasive actions to attempt to elude arrest or identification by law enforcement
- Fleeing the scene of an accident (hit-and-run) or other driving crime
- Causing a collision that results in serious injury or serious damage to any person, vehicle, or property
What Happens When You Fight a Traffic Ticket in Court?
If you decide to handle your ticket in court, you should check your citation for instructions on where and when to go. (Even if you decide not to fight your ticket, read your ticket and any other paperwork closely.) The first day in court is usually called an arraignment. At the arraignment, drivers typically have two options:
- Admit to the Traffic Violation: You admit guilt by pleading guilty or “no contest” to the offense. Though you aren’t required to explain why you broke the law, many judges will give you a short amount of time to do so.
- Plead “not guilty”: The judge will set another court date for your trial.
Many judges will reduce the fine for people who plead guilty at arraignment. For certain offenses, judges may not even be allowed to lower your fines.
How Many Points Does It Take To Lose Your License?
In Pennsylvania, accumulating 11 or more points will result in an automatic license suspension. A driver with 6 or more points may have their license suspended if they don’t pass a safety exam. Drivers can also lose their license for more serious driving violations or crimes, such as a DUI or reckless driving.
If you were given a traffic ticket for speeding or some other violation, you generally have the option of pleading guilty and paying a fine or requesting a hearing to fight the ticket. If you request a hearing, you need to show up to the hearing on time. Failure to respond to a speeding ticket or traffic ticket can lead to problems down the road, including a suspended license. Don’t hesitate to call us today so we can help you get your license back!
What Is The Pennsylvania Point System?
In the state of Pennsylvania, the traffic point system that records drivers’ violations is known as “PennDOT.” For every traffic offense, a driver will receive anywhere between 2 to 5 points. As these offenses accumulate, the system will penalize drivers with over 6 points by having them take mandatory tests on the rules of driving practices and safety standards. Those who do not pass will have their license suspended. Moreover, those with 11 points or more can be automatically stripped of their license for a full year.
Fighting Traffic Violations in Cumberland County
You might be worried about getting legal representation for a traffic violation because you think that the process might be lengthy or costly. In reality, however, having powerful advocates from the Law Offices of Patrick F. Lauer, Jr. LLC can save you a lot of time and money. It is important to remember that traffic violations are not only costly in the sense that you have to pay high fines, but your insurance rates can skyrocket dramatically after a single charge. Trust our knowledgeable traffic violation attorneys in Cumberland County to powerfully defend you against unfair driving charges.
Call our Camp Hill office today at 717-985-8595 or fill out our contact form to arrange a free initial consultation about fighting your traffic ticket.
