Getting a traffic ticket is a surefire way to put a damper on your day; especially since it often happens when you’re in a hurry driving to or from work. So in addition to the regular stresses of life, now you have to pay a fine and possibly accumulate points on your driving record. Is it worth hiring a lawyer to fight these tickets?
4 Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Florida
If you were cited for a non-criminal traffic violation in Florida, you can fight your ticket. While you could do so on your own, there are several benefits to hiring a lawyer to help. Here are a few benefits of hiring a lawyer to fight a ticket in Florida:
1. You don’t know what you don’t know.
Unless you have experience working in criminal law, working at the DMV, or have fought this sort of ticket yourself in the past, you probably wouldn’t know if there was anything amiss with your ticket or with how your speed was measured by the officer’s radar.
2. You can challenge an officer’s subjective observations.
Some laws in Florida are specific (for example, driving with a blood alcohol level of .08% is enough to be arrested for driving under the influence). Others are open to interpretation (for example, reckless driving means driving with a disregard for the safety of people or property). If you believe the police officer’s conclusion is disputable, a lawyer can help you build a case.
3. You can provide evidence of a reasonable mistake.
If you ran a stop sign that was partly covered with bushes or came across a faded crosswalk, a judge will take these circumstances into consideration. While most people simply pay the ticket and move on, a traffic court lawyer will actually look for ways to reduce your liability and may be familiar with issues at a specific location.
4. Your lawyer may be able to get your ticket reduced.
Even if you were at fault, lawyers are well versed with legal arguments to reduce your liability. If there is nothing they can do for you, they’ll let you know during the initial consultation, but you’ll never know unless you ask.
Keep in mind that there is a limited timeframe to dispute a traffic ticket, and you must do so by the deadline to avoid additional penalties. This information is provided on the citation.
If you’re undecided about whether or not to hire a lawyer to fight your traffic ticket, schedule a consultation. You can make an informed decision after speaking with someone who deals with these types of cases on a daily basis.
Contact Tampa Bay Traffic Ticket Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you want to fight a traffic ticket or citation, call us at (855) 680-4911 or schedule a free consultation. At Clark Hartpence Law, we have experienced attorneys who regularly represent clients who have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, and we can help you determine the best next step.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney/client relationship.