{"id":1436,"date":"2022-08-16T23:39:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-16T23:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=1436"},"modified":"2025-01-17T17:16:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T17:16:27","slug":"should-you-hire-an-attorney-to-fight-a-traffic-ticket","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/driving-safety\/should-you-hire-an-attorney-to-fight-a-traffic-ticket\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Hire an Attorney to Fight a Traffic Ticket?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Maybe. If you just got a traffic violation and it\u2019s a big one, it might be a good idea to seek legal advice. Not only is it going to cost you a bundle, but it\u2019s sure to raise your auto insurance<\/a> rates and you could lose your license. Depending on the infraction and the amount of the fine, you might benefit from hiring an attorney to fight a traffic ticket. But how can you know when the time is right to let an attorney fight your battle?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are times when it may be your best interest to have some legal help. There are other times when tackling it yourself is the best course. Let\u2019s look at some situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Your Traffic Ticket Serious Enough to Become a Client?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It depends on the offense. In most states, traffic citations<\/a> for speeding, running a stop sign, making an illegal left turn and other driving mishaps are considered minor offenses. The fines and fees you may pay for being guilty of such an act are typically considered negligible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it is your first offense and you believe you were guilty of the offense, or just don\u2019t care about it that much, then you can most likely enter a guilty plea and pay the fine online. Done and done. You most likely won\u2019t even need to go to traffic court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been ticketed for a more major offense, obviously the situation changes and legal advice makes more sense. If your offense gets into the criminal offense arena, then yes, it\u2019s something to consider. Some traffic tickets come with a much higher price \u2013 both in terms of immediate financial impacts, as well as repercussions down the line in the form of a car insurance rate hike and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Impact of a Traffic Violation on Your Finances<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a good idea to understand what the ramifications to your wallet can be if you get a traffic ticket and plead guilty. Of course, all traffic offenses can be made worse and more expensive if they involve an accident or other damage or injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minor Traffic Offenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most states consider running a red light a Class C misdemeanor. And you\u2019ll face a variety of fines for running a red light. In California, it\u2019s a whopping $500 offense. In the State of Texas, you are looking at a more reasonable $150 to $275. Over on the east coast in New York, those always-in-a-hurry drivers are facing a measly $50 fine if a traffic camera catches them running a red light. Down in sunny Florida, it\u2019s $158 for running a red light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, where you get the citation has an impact on how much of an immediate financial hit you are facing. It\u2019s perfectly understandable that a New Yorker may say \u201cmeh\u201d and pay the ticket so they can get on with their crazy life and avoid traffic court. Whereas someone in California may decide it\u2019s worth contesting the ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major Traffic Offenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A major traffic citation may include reckless driving. What exactly is reckless driving? It\u2019s operating your vehicle in such a manner as to put others in danger due to your behavior. For example, speeding, weaving in and out of traffic and improper passing. If your driving behavior is observed by law enforcement and you are given a ticket for reckless driving, you are facing some serious charges and penalties \u2013 and possibly face losing your driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s visit with the same states to get an idea of the price a reckless driving traffic ticket can cost. In California, reckless driving costs up to $1,000. Texans who get cited for being reckless while driving will pay up to $200, but they could go to jail for 30 days, as well. That New Yorker? He will be out $300 if he gets ticketed for reckless driving. And meanwhile, down in Florida, a reckless driver can be fined up to $500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speeding Ticket<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Getting a speeding ticket is almost a different category. In some cases, a speeding ticket can be considered a misdemeanor offense (1-10 miles over the limit) and in some cases, a speeding ticket can end up being considered a major offense (over 100 mph over the limit). All states have varying information about the fee structure around speeding, so it\u2019s best to get the right information about your state and go from there. Typically, speeding is not considered a felony unless someone is hurt or killed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A speeding ticket, just like the others, is a moving violation. If a police officer catches you speeding, resolving your issue may involve a visit to traffic court, depending on how fast you were going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Your Case Worth an Attorney to Fight Traffic Ticket?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Again, it depends. If you are facing a large fine and possible jail time, most people will answer yes. If the ticket is minor and doesn\u2019t cost much, maybe an attorney is too expensive. There are pros and cons to hiring a traffic ticket attorney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros to Hiring an Attorney to Fight Your Case<\/h3>\n\n\n\n