What Can You Do After You Get a Traffic Ticket?

Most drivers have received at least one traffic citation in their years behind the wheel. No matter how you choose to deal with the ticket, you’ll likely invest some time and money into the process. And in some situations, a ticket can have stiffer consequences, like increased insurance rates or even limits on your ability to drive.

Typically, your options when facing a traffic ticket include:

• Accepting the citation and paying the fine,
• Seeking a compromise such as traffic school,
• Contesting the ticket, with or without an attorney.

While the first option is often the least costly in terms of time, it can be expensive depending on the fine and the ticket’s effect on your driving record and insurance rates. Learning what the consequences of the ticket will be on your driving record can help you decide whether or not to take this route.

In some states, drivers who receive certain types of tickets can take a driving class in order to keep the ticket from appearing on their record. Even if this option exists, however, you may still be required to pay the fine, and you may have to pay the cost of the traffic class as well.

Finally, you may decide to contest the ticket. If you succeed, the ticket stays off your record and you don’t have to pay the fine. Contesting the ticket will require you to go to court at least once in most states, but if the consequences of another ticket are too steep, the investment of time and effort may be worth the chance of avoiding fines, higher insurance costs, or driving penalties.

If you want to contest a ticket, consider hiring an experienced attorney. Not only can your lawyer help you make informed choices and stronger arguments in your favor, he or she may even be able to go to traffic court in your place, saving you the trip.

An experienced attorney can help you understand the potential consequences of your traffic citation and choose the best options for you. To learn more, contact the experienced attorneys at Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza today. Call us locally at 732.264.4400, toll-free at 866.567.0135, or fill out our convenient online contact form to get started today.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.