Bessemer Traffic Violation Lawyer

Bessemer Traffic Violation Attorney

Being able to drive is one of the most valuable privileges we enjoy as citizens. It gives us a sense of independence and allows us to have better control over our lives. However, with this privilege comes the responsibility to follow the rules of the road. There are a ton of safety rules set in place to make sure that we can get from point A to point B without any danger to our well-being. By understanding the role traffic rules have in Bessemer, NC, and how to handle them if you have been held responsible for a traffic violation, you can better protect your rights as a driver.

Most Common Traffic Violations in Bessemer, North Carolina

While there are many different traffic rules that can be broken when driving across North Carolina, these are some of the most commonly seen:

• Speeding: Every road has a posted speed limit. These numbers are carefully decided by traffic professionals who assess the maximum speed at which a vehicle can drive through a particular area without adding any harm to the environment or fellow drivers. If you ignore the speed limit and drive faster, or if you missed what the speed limit was but were still caught driving above it, you will be issued a speeding ticket.
• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: Both red lights and stop signs are intended to completely stop a vehicle from moving. Sometimes, this is because the area is a busy intersection, while other times, the road around the corner does not provide much visibility and requires a driver to stop and take a good look before continuing. A common reason for car accidents is when people run a red light or stop sign and smash into another vehicle. These incidents can sometimes be fatal. Because of how serious the repercussions could be for violating these signals, you will face a severe traffic violation punishment if caught.
• Failure to Use a Turn Signal: The reason we have turn signals on our vehicles is to alert other drivers of our intentions so we can help them make better-informed decisions while on the road. For example, if someone notices that the car in front of them has turned on its right turn signal, they can anticipate that they will need to slow down for a few seconds to avoid colliding with them when they make the turn. Turning without using your signals can be very dangerous.
• Reckless Driving: This is one of the most egregious traffic violations. If you have been awarded a driver’s license in the state of North Carolina, the privilege comes with the expectation that you will keep yourself and others safe on the road. If you are found passing a car without being in a marked passing lane, tailgating, or weaving in and out of the lane for no reason, it can be considered a form of reckless driving.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): No one is allowed to operate a vehicle after they have consumed any amount of drugs or sufficient quantities of alcohol to raise their BAC level to 0.08% or higher in North Carolina. If law enforcement has any suspicion that you have violated this rule, and are driving under the influence, they will pull you over to inspect the situation. One indication that you may be drunk driving is if you are weaving in and out of the white lines on the side of the road that indicate your lane.

While there are other ways to violate a traffic law in Bessemer, North Carolina, these are some of the top culprits. If you want to keep your independence, and be able to go wherever you need to throughout Bessemer and the rest of the country, you must take traffic rules seriously. It is not only the right thing to do, but it is imperative for your safety.

How Can Traffic Lawyers Help?

There are several different ways a traffic lawyer can step in and support you from a legal standpoint. If you were accused of a traffic violation, but do not believe it was warranted, they can defend you in court to challenge the punishment. Also, if you were involved in an accident, and are pressing charges against someone for the accident because they violated a traffic rule, an attorney can also help prove your case in court. The following are some of the most compelling reasons to hire a traffic attorney in Bessemer:

• Reviewing the Alleged Traffic Violation: The first step for a traffic ticket attorney is to thoroughly investigate the specific violation in question. They can read law enforcement’s report on what happened and compare it to your account of the situation. After a thorough review, they can be honest about what they think is possible to pursue in court.
• Presenting Your Argument in Traffic Court: If your North Carolina traffic violation attorney believes you have a case, they can proudly represent you in court. This involves you and your attorney collaborating on evidence collection that proves the point you are trying to make and strategically presenting that information to a judge and jury. They can also anticipate most objections that could come from the prosecution and be prepared to deliver a rebuttal.
• Negotiating for a Better Outcome: Depending on the nature of the traffic violation, an attorney can either fight for a reduced penalty or a dismissal of the offense completely. Attorneys are skilled negotiators, as it is one of the most important traits of the job. For example, if they believe there is some truth to what the original allegation was against your driving violation, they may try to negotiate a plea deal for a better consequence than what the prosecution was originally trying to pursue.
• Ensuring Clients Comply With Any Court-Ordered Requirements: Once a judge has made a final ruling on a traffic violation, it is crucial that any orders are complied with. For example, you may be required to attend a few sessions of some form of traffic education or perform a set number of community service hours. An attorney can help make sure that you act in good faith, and comply with the punishment, to ensure that you can move on from this traffic offense as quickly as possible.

FAQs About Bessemer, NC Traffic Violation Law

Is It Possible to Have a Speeding Ticket Reduced in North Carolina?

Yes, an issued speeding ticket is not final unless you agree to the allegation and accept the punishment as is. You are legally able to challenge the allegation of speeding if you wish. This will involve working with your attorney to discuss the charge with your local district attorney or a prosecutor. If you win, this could result in:

• A reduced fine
• A smaller charge on your record
• A complete dismissal of the accusation, as if it never happened

If this is your first time being accused of speeding in North Carolina, you will have a stronger chance of not hazing to face the most serious form of punishment compared to anyone who is a repeat offender.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Citation in North Carolina?

There is no requirement to have a lawyer for a traffic citation, but it is known to be highly beneficial. This is especially true in cases where someone has a repeated history of receiving traffic violations. A traffic attorney can help you understand:

• The entire legal process
• How it applies directly to your case
• The different types of scenarios that could be a possible outcome

If you are someone who does not have formal education in law, and has no experience representing oneself in court, which is most of the Bessemer community, then you can massively benefit from bringing on a lawyer to help with your North Carolina citation.

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay on Your Record in North Carolina?

It’s the severity of the offense that is going to largely determine how long a violation stays on your North Carolina driving record. Most minor traffic violations, like driving too fast, will stay on your record for a minimum of three years. If you are proven to have violated a more serious law, like driving under the influence, the offense can stay on your record for much longer. In some cases, it will remain there indefinitely. If you are concerned about your driving record, and what comes up when a police officer looks up your record, connect with an attorney and see what they can do about getting the offense removed or reduced.

How Do I Fight a Traffic Ticket?

The first thing to do if you want to fight a traffic violation is read the instructions that can be found directly on the ticket. It will lay out how you can fight the accusation. If you want to take the position that you are not guilty, hire an attorney and take the case to court. You will want to make sure that you have evidence that can help communicate how the alleged violation was misunderstood or unfairly accused. Your attorney can:

• Help craft an argument.
• Present any evidence.
• Review the laws that apply to your case for a possible defense strategy.

Contact The Law Firm of Brent D. Ratchford Today

If you want to challenge your traffic violation case, contact us today at The Law Firm of Brent D. Ratchford. We are extremely familiar with the rules of the road and are honest in our assessment of your case and how possible it is to fight the charge. We look forward to working with you.