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You just got a speeding ticket. You're frustrated, angry, and looking for a way to get it straightened out as quickly as possible. You may be thinking that you'll just pay the fine on the ticket and get on with your life. In this blog post, we'll explain why that may be the worst thing you can do for yourself and the problems it can create in the future.
What if I just mail in the ticket and pay the fine?
If you just pay a traffic ticket, it's considered the exact same thing as pleading guilty to the offense you were charged with. That means, the consequences of mailing in the ticket with payment are no different than if you went to court on your court date and pled guilty when your name was called. Doing so can have unnecessary and dangerous consequences such as points on your license and insurance, suspension or revocation of your driving privileges, insurance premium increases, and, in some cases, a criminal record. Most people don't realize that certain traffic offenses are actually misdemeanors.
Yeah but an attorney is too expensive and they can't guarantee that I won't get points on my license
It is true that an attorney can sometimes be expensive to hire, but the consequences of not at least consulting an attorney about your ticket can be catastrophic. An attorney can help limit, and sometimes eliminate, the damage to your license, insurance, and driving/criminal record. They will shoulder the burden of appearing in court and negotiating with the district attorney on your behalf. A good attorney will be able to explain to you all of the options and consequences associated with those options.
Most importantly, a traffic attorney will actually save you money in the long run, no matter what they charge you. Don't believe us? Go check out our Insurance Calculator to see what just pleading guilty would cost you over the next 3 years in insurance premium increases (insurance points stay on your record for 3 years in North Carolina). The cost of not negotiating a reduction to your charges can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. You owe it to yourself to get the best deal possible.
If you've received a traffic ticket in Mecklenburg, Iredell, or Gaston counties, contact us to discuss your options.