Boone Traffic Offenses Lawyer

You can get a ticket for several traffic offenses in North Carolina. The following are some common traffic offenses in Boone:

• Speeding: Speeding violations include driving above the posted limit, above the lawful limit for an unmarked road, or faster than is reasonable for the given conditions. You can be ticketed for exceeding the speed limit by one mph. The fine for speeding violations varies depending on how fast you are going.
• Reckless driving: Driving without regard for the safety of other road users can earn you a ticket. Generally, a ticket for reckless driving is charged as a misdemeanor. Reckless driving can include tailgating and swerving between lanes, among other dangerous traffic maneuvers.
• Failure to yield: This is a common offense many drivers commit. Failure to yield, simply put, is failure to give right of way. You can expect a ticket if an officer witnesses you fail to give way when you should have.
• Stop sign/light violation: Running a stop sign or light can be quite dangerous to you and other motorists. You should obey all traffic signals and signs to ensure the safety of all involved; failure to which can earn you a ticket.
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license: Regardless of state, you should only be behind the wheel only if you have a valid license. Suppose you are caught driving with a suspended or revoked license, regardless of the reason for the suspension. In that case, you can be charged with a misdemeanor and have the duration of your suspension or revocation extended.
• Hit-and-run: The law requires you to stop after an accident. Depending on the circumstances, a hit and run can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Such a case is more severe and would require you to get legal representation.

Some traffic offenses are charged as misdemeanors or felonies. You may face jail time if you are convicted. The period of incarceration for a misdemeanor will depend on whether you are a first-time or repeat offender. For a felony, the court will consider your criminal history and the class of the felony charge to determine the minimum and maximum periods of incarceration. Contact a qualified traffic offense attorney to help you navigate.

The North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) Chapter 20 outlines almost every rule concerning your vehicle, from registration and licensing to moving violations. The state makes it quick and easy to resolve traffic infractions without appearing in court. One option available is to have the charges “waived.” However, this term can be misleading as it involves you paying for the ticket online, which means you are pleading guilty to the traffic offense. If you are found guilty of the violation, or you choose to “waive” the infraction, you may face the following consequences:

• Fines and fees: Generally, traffic infractions attract fines, not jail time. The fine will vary depending on the type of violation and other additional fees it may carry. Additional fees may include court fees or charges to reinstate suspended or revoked licenses.
• Points on the driver’s license: Each traffic violation will add points to your driving record. You will lose your driving privileges if you accumulate 12 points in 3 years. The following are the points you can acquire with each traffic violation:
  • 3 points: For speeding in a school zone, speeding over 55 mph, failing to yield to the right of way, running a stop sign, and running a red light.
  • 2 points: For other Speeding
  • 4 points: For hit and run, property damage, reckless driving, failure to yield to a pedestrian, bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle
• License suspension or revocation: The penalties for accumulating points on your driving record are as follows:
  • 12 points in three years will get your license suspended
  • 8 points in three years after your license has been reinstated will have your license suspended again.
  • A first-time suspension will be effective for 60 days, while a second suspension will be for 6 months. A third suspension will take a year.

A license suspension differs from a revocation in that a suspension withdraws driving privileges for a specific time, while a revocation terminates driving privileges in the state.

Some violations will have your license suspended immediately, such as simultaneous speeding and reckless driving or driving more than 15 mph above a speeding limit of 55 mph. You must note that you have limited time to appeal a suspension. As such, you should act quickly and contact a traffic offenses lawyer.

Besides legal penalties, traffic offenses can attract undesired and frustrating consequences, such as insurance companies increasing your rates. Because insurance is mandatory in Charlotte, NC, this can become a problem for some. Traffic charges may appear minor, but they have dire consequences for those relying heavily on their vehicles.