Common Traffic Tickets - Do I really need an attorney?
Those who have lived and driven in North Carolina for long probably know that traffic tickets, such as speeding, stop sign and red light violations, are viewed very seriously by our state. A conviction that would not even appear on your record in another state can cause your driver's license in North Carolina to be suspended and your automobile insurance premiums to increase dramatically for the next three years.
To better understand the insurance impact of convictions you may refer to our insurance table provided by the N.C. Dept. of Insurance. You will see that a conviction for speeding 76 M.P.H. in a 55 M.P.H. zone will increase your premiums 90% for each of the next three years. That's according to the table. If your annual premium is $800, then this conviction will cause you to pay $2,160 in additional insurance premiums. Furthermore, it has been our experience that the actual premium increase is greater than that reflected in the table. Insurance companies are greedy and do not hesitate to hit you with hidden surcharges and fees. They will quickly forget a lifetime of safe lawful driving when insurance points show up on an insured's driving record. In light of the potential long term financial impact of insurance points, a reasonable attorney fee up front makes sound economic sense.
Unfortunately, no table can explain simply all the possible driver's license implications of traffic convictions. North Carolina motor vehicle law is extremely complex. Variables such as driving record, driver age and the county in which the alleged violation occurred all affect the proper legal response to a given traffic charge. The correct action in one circumstance can be absolutely wrong in another. Our experience and expertise allow us to pursue the optimal disposition of your case whether this is negotiating a plea bargain, or if necessary, contesting the charge zealously at trial.
The Robbins Law Firm can help protect your driving privilege and your automobile insurance premiums. For a free consultation and quote go to the "Contact Us" page of this site or call us at (919) 968-1825.
Out of town traffic tickets - How do I find a good attorney?
It is not true that there is a police officer hiding behind every kudzu covered billboard in North Carolina, but it sometimes seems that way. Nothing dampens a vacation to the beach or mountains like a speeding ticket in an unfamiliar town. What do you do when you receive such a traffic ticket? The prudent thing is to retain an attorney who is competent in motor vehicle law. The problem can be finding one. What do you do?
If you respond to an unknown attorney who solicits your business by mail, you have no assurance that the attorney is experienced or competent dealing with traffic tickets. All you are likely to know is that the attorney is seeking business by writing to your home. This could be because he doesn’t have much business, or because he’s just starting out and has no clients. This is not to imply that mail solicitors are substandard attorneys, but wouldn’t it be better if there was a way to have some assurance your traffic ticket was being handled by an attorney competent in the field.
The Robbins Law Firm has developed a regional network of attorneys who have proven to us that they possess real competence in the area of motor vehicle law. We can assist you in retaining such an attorney. Often we can collaborate with the out-of-town attorney by collecting necessary information, documents and funds, and advising you in person of the legal ramifications and options in the matter. Other times our active involvement is not required.
Out-of-State Traffic Tickets - Can I just pay off a ticket in another state?
If you are a North Carolina licensed driver and have received a traffic ticket in another state, then it may or may not be a problem. Some out-of-state tickets will revoke your North Carolina driver's license and reap havoc on your insurance premiums, while others can be paid off and never appear on your North Carolina record. Which kind of ticket do you have?
The best thing to do is to call or e-mail us for a quick and free consultation before you pay off any citation. You wouldn't buy a used car and then take it to a mechanic to be inspected, so don't pay off a ticket and then ask an attorney if you did the right thing. If yours is a ticket that can be paid off without danger, then we'll tell you free of charge, and we'll give you some really useful tips about how to go about paying it off. If yours is a ticket that should not be paid off, then we can discuss various legal options.
If you have already made the mistake of paying off an out-of-state ticket that you shouldn't have, and if you have received a license revocation letter from the NC-DMV, then your problem can still be fixed. The solution will now be more costly and time consuming than if you had called first, but your driver's license can still probably be saved. However, if you have received a letter from the DMV, action must be taken promptly because the DMV imposes very tight deadlines for appeal.
The Robbins Law Firm frequently represents clients at DMV hearings. While there are many fine people who work at the DMV, many clients find that a trip to the DMV is as confusing as Alice's trip to Wonderland. We strongly suggest that you retain an attorney for any hearing that you may have with the DMV.
