If you’ve been ticketed for a traffic violation in Pennsylvania, your first impulse may be to simply pay the ticket and put the matter behind you. Even if you’re convinced that you’re not guilty of the charge, it may seem easier to resolve the matter by paying it and moving on. It’s important to understand, however, that when you pay a traffic ticket, you admit guilt, which can lead to points against your license, potential license suspension, and increased insurance rates.
A better strategy is reaching out to our experienced Lancaster traffic violation attorneys at Chieppor & Egner early on.
Step One: Read the Ticket
The first step on the path forward is carefully reading the ticket you’ve been slapped with so that you understand the legal fines and penalties involved. Your citation will include specifics about the charge, and you generally have just 10 days to respond, which makes it important to act quickly.
Step Two: Consult with a Dedicated Traffic Violation Lawyer
Once you have a handle on the traffic violation you’ve been accused of committing, it’s time to discuss the matter with a well-informed traffic violation attorney. You can count on them to carefully analyze the case against you and to help you make the right choices for you, which may include fighting the ticket.
When you pay a ticket, you admit guilt right out of the gate, and consequences like points against your license are automatic. Generally, a hefty increase in insurance rates isn’t far behind. These can be reasons enough to plead not guilty and to fight the ticket.
You will look to your skilled ticket violation lawyer to ably handle all the following on your behalf:
- Gathering the evidence necessary to build a strong defense
- Guiding you smoothly through the legal process with your rights intact
- Skillfully representing you in traffic court
- Demonstrating the weaknesses in the charge against you in an attempt to have the police prosecutor dismiss the ticket
The goal is keeping your record clean, and a focused traffic violation attorney can help make that happen.
Step Three: Understanding the Points Involved
Points can rack up quickly in Pennsylvania and knowing how many are associated with the ticket you’ve been issued may be the push you need to plead not guilty. Consider the following:
- Speeding violations of 6 to 10 miles over the speed limit carry 2 points.
- Speeding violations of from 11 to 15 miles over the speed limit carry 3 points.
- Speeding violations of from 16 to 25 miles over the speed limit carry 4 points.
- Tickets for racing on highways, failing to stop for a school bus, and reckless driving carry 5 points.
Some violations come with automatic license suspension, which highlights the significance of driving violations and how important fighting a ticket can be.
Our Experienced PA Traffic Violation Lawyers Are Here to Help
Our determined Lancaster traffic violation attorneys at Chieppor & Egner have the experience, drive, and legal skill to help you resolve your traffic ticket favorably. We are on your side and encourage you to reach out for more information by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 717-393-1400 today.
FAQ’s
What should I do after receiving a traffic ticket in Pennsylvania?
After receiving a traffic ticket in Pennsylvania, the first step is to carefully read the citation to understand the violation and the penalties involved. You typically have a limited time to respond, so it’s important to review your options and consider consulting a traffic violation attorney before deciding whether to pay or fight the ticket.
What happens if I simply pay a traffic ticket?
Paying a traffic ticket is considered an admission of guilt. This can result in points being added to your driving record, increased insurance premiums, and in some cases, the risk of license suspension depending on the severity of the violation.
Should I fight a traffic ticket in Pennsylvania?
In many cases, fighting a traffic ticket can be beneficial. Challenging the citation may help reduce the penalties, prevent points from being added to your license, or potentially result in the ticket being dismissed.
How can a traffic violation attorney help with a ticket?
A traffic violation attorney can review the evidence against you, identify weaknesses in the case, gather supporting evidence, represent you in traffic court, and work to reduce or dismiss the charges.
How do traffic violation points work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania uses a point system to track driving violations. When you are convicted of certain traffic offenses, points are added to your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to additional penalties, including license suspension.
What traffic violations carry five points in Pennsylvania?
Serious traffic violations such as reckless driving, racing on highways, or failing to stop for a school bus typically carry five points on your driving record.
Can a traffic ticket lead to license suspension?
Yes. Some violations automatically result in license suspension, and accumulating too many points on your driving record can also lead to suspension.
Will a traffic ticket increase my insurance rates?
In many cases, yes. Insurance companies often raise premiums after traffic violations because they view drivers with citations as higher risk.
Can a traffic ticket be dismissed in court?
It is possible for a traffic ticket to be dismissed if there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s case or if sufficient evidence cannot be presented to support the violation.
Do I have to go to court for a traffic ticket?
Not always. However, if you plead not guilty and choose to contest the ticket, you will typically need to appear in traffic court unless your attorney appears on your behalf.
Can an attorney appear in traffic court for me?
In many cases, a traffic violation attorney may be able to represent you in court, which can save you time and help ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
How can I keep points off my driving record?
Working with an experienced traffic violation lawyer may help you challenge the ticket, negotiate reduced charges, or pursue other legal strategies aimed at keeping points off your record.
When should I contact a traffic violation lawyer?
It’s best to contact a traffic violation attorney as soon as possible after receiving a ticket. Early legal guidance can help you understand your options and improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
