Getting a traffic ticket can cause confusion, especially when the driver doesn’t fully understand their legal rights as a resident of Pennsylvania. Depending on the type of violation and whether the ticket is a result of repeated violations, you may face more severe legal consequences than you realize. At Chieppor & Egner, our Pennsylvania criminal defense attorneys have made it their goal to help their neighbors and community members fully understand their legal rights and pursue the right legal option for their unique situation.
Penalties of Traffic Tickets in Pennsylvania
When you receive a ticket in Pennsylvania, you typically have two options: plead guilty and pay the fine or plead not guilty and request a hearing. Paying the ticket is generally considered an admission of guilt and may result in points being added to your driving record through PennDOT’s point system. Accumulating too many points can lead to:
- Driver improvement courses
- Examinations
- Hearings
- Suspension of your driver’s license
If you choose to contest the ticket, you can appear at a hearing where the officer usually must testify, and you may present evidence to prove your innocence or that the ticket was issued through improper procedure.
Ignoring a traffic ticket in Pennsylvania is not recommended. Failure to respond or appear can result in additional penalties and possible suspension of your driver’s license by PennDOT. It is essential to respond to the citation by the deadline listed on the ticket, whether you intend to pay it or fight it in court.
Hiring a Pennsylvania Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Whether it is worth hiring a lawyer after being issued a traffic ticket depends largely on the seriousness of the citation and the potential consequences. Hiring an attorney is often worthwhile if the ticket could lead to:
- Significant points against you
- A license suspension
- Increased insurance premiums
- Problems with a commercial driver’s license
It is especially important for commercial driver’s license holders or drivers with prior violations because the penalties can affect employment and driving privileges. Attorneys can work to negotiate reduced charges, such as amending a speeding citation to a lower-level or no-point offense, which may help avoid insurance increases and PennDOT penalties.
Hiring a lawyer may not be necessary for very minor violations, especially no-point offenses or low-level speeding tickets where the fine is relatively small and there is little risk to your license or insurance rates. Drivers with clean records sometimes choose simply to pay these tickets rather than spend money on legal representation.
However, even in minor cases, some people still choose to contest tickets if they believe they were cited unfairly. No matter what, consulting with an experienced lawyer can help you understand the full depth of your specific situation and what course would be most favorable for you.
Speak to Our Reputable Criminal Defense Lawyer in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has complex laws surrounding traffic offenses. Taking on a traffic ticket case without professional legal guidance can quickly become overwhelming. Both attorney Jonathan Chieppor and attorney Alex Egner spent years working as prosecutors, giving them valuable insight into how the other side operates during legal proceedings. Call Chieppor & Egner at 717-393-1400 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with attorney Jonathan Chieppor and Alex Egner and learn how we can help you take on your case with confidence.
