Why Should I Contact an Attorney if I Get a Traffic Ticket?

 Posted on May 07,2018 in Traffic Offenses

You may not think that a traffic ticket is a big deal,that they happen every day, and that you do not need an attorney if you receive one. This is simply not true. While there are “minor” traffic violations, like running a stop sign or improperly changing lanes, there are still consequences for even the smallest ticket. Hiring an attorney can help you avoid these consequences and keep your driving record clean.

Provide Experience

When you fight a ticket yourself, you are relying on your own experience. If this is your first traffic ticket, or the first time that you are fighting a traffic ticket, you may not know exactly what to do. Even if this is not your first ticket, you likely do not have the same experience that an attorney has in traffic court. An attorney knows the law well and knows how to challenge the validity of a traffic ticket.

Avoid Unforeseen Consequences

Depending on the violation for which you received the ticket, the penalties can greatly vary. A traffic ticket can result in anything from a minor fee to a license suspension. In Illinois, traffic convictions result in points added to an individual’s driving record. Each violation carries a number of points. In turn, there are consequences of having a significant number of points on your record.

For traffic tickets that involve speeding, disobeying stop lights, improper lane changes, and other minor violations, points will remain on your record for four to five years. If you receive a traffic ticket that causes your license to be suspended or revoked, points will remain on your record for a minimum of seven years.

Accumulating a massive amount of points can even lead to license suspension or revocation. Suddenly, those minor speeding tickets can lead to devastating consequences.

Save Money

Yes, hiring a lawyer costs money. In some instances, you might not think that it is worth the cost to hire an attorney to fight a ticket with a low fee and low point value. However, in the long run, an attorney can save you money. For tickets with higher fees or more severe consequences, an attorney can fight to get the ticket dismissed, which would thus result in no additional fees for you or points to your driving record. Paying for an attorney at the outset might seem like an additional expense, but the rewards and benefits you could ream from the attorney’s work will outweigh the cost of hiring.

Contact Us Today for Help

If you have received a traffic ticket and are wondering if you need an attorney, contact The Law Offices of Christopher M. Cosley. A talented Rolling Meadows traffic defense attorney at our office will answer your questions and help you decide the best option moving forward in your case.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/092/092010400000200R.html

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_dc19.pdf