Traffic violations are the most common legal issue that most people face. One speeding ticket might not be a major issue, but tickets can add up to bad news over time. Here are some commonly asked questions about speeding citations and some information about when you might need a lawyer to fight them.

A Guide to Speeding Citations

What does it mean to get points on your license?

If you’re convicted for a traffic violation, this will result in an accumulation of points on your license, or, more specifically, towards your permanent driving record. The worse the violation, the more points that will be added.

In Ohio, once you reach six points, you’ll get a warning letter, and your license will be suspended when you reach 12. In addition, points on your license can increase your insurance premiums since they’re indicators that you are a potentially reckless driver, meaning you could cost the insurance company more money to cover.

How do police officers know that you were speeding?

Police use two types of tools to determine whether someone is speeding. The first is a radar, which sends out pulses of radio waves. When the waves hit a moving object, the radar’s frequency changes, telling the stationed officer how fast the vehicle is going.

Another way that police officers determine speed is laser detection. They use a laser to figure out the vehicle’s speed by reflecting the beam off of a target, usually the car’s license plate. The speed at which the distance increases between the target and laser device is then measured in MPH. What happens if you ignore a speeding ticket?

Never ignore a speeding ticket. The court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest, and your driver's license may be suspended. If you think you shouldn’t have to pay the fine for the traffic violation, you should seek other legal options and challenge the ticket in a traffic court.

When should you seek out a lawyer?

It’s usually best to just pay the fine for minor traffic violations. However, if you feel you can contest your citation and that it’s unjustified, you can work with a lawyer to assist you to get the charge amended or dropped. This can help prevent you from having your license suspended, getting more points on your record, or having your car insurance premiums go up by a large margin.

If you want to contest a traffic violation, Michael A. Newland Esquire can help you fight it. He’s been serving the people of Hamilton, OH for over 20 years and is a skilled, compassionate, and efficient lawyer. He’s here to be an advocate during the legal process and help with all types of traffic violations, from speeding tickets to DUIs. Visit his website for more information or call (513) 887-959 to schedule a free initial consultation.