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Virtually all motorists can expect to receive a traffic ticket at some point. When it happens to you, you’re going to have to decide whether to pay the fine or fight the infraction. Traffic ticket defense may seem like more hassle than it’s worth, especially if the fine isn’t too high; however, a minor fine is not the only consequence of accepting the offense. If you’re still unsure about fighting the ticket, ask yourself the following questions. 

What to Consider Before Fighting a Traffic Ticket

How many points have I already accumulated on my driving record?

Like most states, North Carolina has a points system for tracking motorists who commit multiple traffic offenses. Each infraction is assigned a value, and if you accumulate more than 12 points within a three-year period, you face a license suspension. As such, traffic ticket defense is essential if accepting the ticket would leave you with a suspended license or on the brink of suspension—after all, the next ticket might be harder to fight.

Was the traffic stop warranted?

In North Carolina, police can’t pull over just anyone. They must have probable cause that you’re actually violating the law before they can conduct a traffic stop. If you think the officer that ended up ticketing you didn’t have a legitimate reason for pulling you over in the first place, turn to a speeding ticket attorney for help proving this.  

Do I have time to go to court?

traffic ticket defenseSince fighting a traffic ticket almost always requires a court appearance, doing so can feel like a hassle. In other words, if your schedule is relatively inflexible, paying the fine may seem like the only option. Depending on the circumstances, though, your lawyer may actually be able to appear in court on your behalf. For this reason, it’s wise to talk to a traffic ticket defense attorney about your options instead of just assuming you can't challenge the ticket because you won’t be able to get time off work. 

What are the potential consequences of just paying the ticket?

When it comes to traffic tickets, fines and points aren’t the only potential consequences. Once your driving record is tarnished, for example, you can expect insurance premiums to rise. North Carolina has implemented the Safe Driver Incentive Plan, which also assigns “insurance points” for each infraction. These directly affect how much your insurance premiums will increase after a ticket. Unlike the initial penalties, this consequence could last for a lot more than three years. 

 

If you need strategic traffic ticket defense in North Carolina, get in touch with Bates Law Firm PLLC. Located in Wadesboro, this practice represents clients throughout Union, Stanly, Richmond, and Anson counties. Led by a seasoned litigator, they offer a broad range of services. To learn more about the firm’s expertise, visit their website. To request a consultation with a traffic ticket lawyer, call (704) 694-0195.

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