Consult a Lawyer Before Taking a Defensive Driving Course
While traffic school is an attractive option for many drivers, you shouldn’t rush into the decision without first consulting a skilled Charlotte traffic ticket lawyer. Here are the benefits of hiring knowledgeable attorneys like the professionals at Browning & Long.
Determine Defenses
Your lawyer identifies what defenses you have to fight the traffic ticket. You may have strong defenses even if you believe you committed the traffic violation.
Assess the Viability
Your legal team evaluates your specific case and determines whether attending traffic school is a viable option given the circumstances of your traffic ticket and your criminal record.
Negotiate With Prosecutors
To ensure traffic school isn’t a waste of time and money, your attorney talks with the case prosecutor about whether attendance helps you get the traffic ticket dismissed or reduced to a less serious traffic citation.
Handle Paperwork
Traffic tickets often involve completing substantial paperwork, but your legal team takes care of these documents, confirming they’re accurate and filed on time.
Provide Legal Advice
A knowledgeable traffic ticket attorney offers advice tailored to your situation, helping you make informed decisions about attending traffic school or pursuing other avenues in your criminal case.Court Representation
If you must attend a mandatory court hearing to resolve your traffic ticket, your lawyer can represent you. In some situations, they may be able to attend the hearing without your need to be present.
Explore Other Options
If you’re not eligible to take a defensive driving course or it wouldn’t be the best option for your case, your legal team at Browning & Long will suggest and pursue alternative strategies to minimize the consequences of the traffic ticket.
Procedures to Follow Before Taking Traffic School Classes
Before enrolling in traffic school, you may need to follow specific procedures to determine your eligibility and obtain court approval. In some cases, defendants must attend a court hearing where the judge assesses their case and decides whether traffic school is an appropriate option. If they grant your request to take a course, they may set a deadline for you to complete it.
Alternatively, you may request to attend a driver improvement course through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if you’ve accumulated too many points on your driving record and want to reduce any related to a recent violation. In this situation, the DMV sends a letter advising you of traffic school class qualification. You then apply for a hearing with a DMV administrative hearing officer to verify your eligibility and confirm that completing the course reduces your demerit points.
Taking an Insurance Defensive Driving Course for Insurance Discounts
In addition to attending traffic school to mitigate the impact of a traffic ticket, you might also have the option of taking an insurance defensive driving course to receive discounts on your auto insurance premiums. Insurers often offer lower costs to motorists who voluntarily complete these courses, as it demonstrates a commitment to safe driving practices. Here are some of the topics covered in an insurance defensive driving course:
- North Carolina traffic laws
- Defensive driving skills
- Driving in bad weather
- Effects of drug and alcohol on driving abilities
- Safe driving behaviors and skills
- Aggressive driving avoidance strategies
- Handling driving emergencies
