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If you're driving through North Carolina or here on vacation, the last thing you want is to see flashing lights in your rearview mirror and have a police officer issue you a traffic ticket. What should you do to resolve your citation?
Out-of-state traffic tickets can get complicated because you live and are licensed in another state. Fortunately, our experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorneys can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
What Happens if You Ignore an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket in North Carolina?
You may be tempted to ignore the traffic citation since you live in another state. However, this would be a big mistake that could haunt you for years to come. Here’s what could happen if you take this approach.
Penalties Can Follow You Home
An out-of-state traffic ticket might seem easy to brush off, especially if you won't be returning to North Carolina anytime soon. However, ignoring the citation can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Additional fines and fees. Late penalties, court costs, and other surcharges can substantially increase the amount you owe.
- Additional charges. Depending on the traffic violation, you could face additional, more serious charges.
- Warrants for your arrest. In some cases, failure to pay a traffic ticket can result in a bench warrant being issued, which means you could be arrested if stopped again in North Carolina.
Long-Term Implications of Ignoring an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket
An unresolved out-of-state ticket can still impact your driving record in your home state. Many states share information through the Driver License Compact, so violations in one state can affect your record in another.
The North Carolina DMV could report your traffic ticket to your state’s DMV. This could lead to many expensive hidden costs for years, even if you later resolve your ticket, such as:
- Dramatically higher insurance rates
- Demerit points on your driving record
- Suspension of your driver’s license
How Should You Handle an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket in North Carolina?
It can be confusing to know what to do if you are issued a traffic citation in our state and don’t live here. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys recommend you take the following steps.
Understand Your Options
When you receive an out-of-state traffic ticket in North Carolina, you typically have three options:
- Pay the ticket and admit guilt
- Request a hearing to contest the ticket
- Hire a criminal defense attorney to represent you
If you choose to pay the ticket, you can usually do so online or by mail. However, this means pleading guilty and accepting the consequences, which could include points being added to your license and increased insurance premiums. In addition, you may have to attend a mandatory court hearing in North Carolina to resolve some traffic violations, such as speeding, passing a school bus, and aggressive driving, and before paying the fines and costs.
Fight the Ticket
Contesting the ticket by requesting a hearing and hiring a lawyer allows you to fight the charges and potentially avoid some or all of the penalties. You could have strong defenses even if you believe you committed a traffic offense.
Our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys can review your case, identify any weaknesses in the evidence against you, and raise your defenses. You have a much better chance of having the traffic ticket dismissed or reduced to a less serious infraction through a plea bargain if our lawyers represent you.
Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights
Regardless of how you choose to proceed, it's essential to act quickly when dealing with an out-of-state traffic ticket. Ignoring the problem will only make it worse, so take steps to address the situation as soon as possible. Contact our criminal defense attorneys immediately to discuss your options and start working towards a resolution.
The Benefits of Hiring a Local Attorney for Your Out-of-State Ticket
It’s best to retain a local attorney rather than one in your home state to handle your out-of-state traffic ticket. Here are some of the benefits of hiring our legal team at Browning & Long, PLLC.
Familiarity with North Carolina Laws
When you receive a traffic ticket outside your home state, a lawyer where you live might not be familiar with the specific laws, penalties, and court procedures involved. Our criminal defense attorneys are former prosecutors in Mecklenburg County and have handled traffic ticket cases for decades. We possess in-depth knowledge of the state's legal system and will utilize it to your advantage.
Convenience and Peace of Mind
Hiring a local attorney means you likely won't have to return to North Carolina for court appearances or other proceedings related to your ticket. Our lawyers can handle most aspects of your case without you needing to be present, saving you time, money, and stress.
Personalized Strategies for Your Unique Situation
Every traffic ticket case is different, which is why it's essential to work with our attorneys who take the time to understand your unique circumstances. We will listen to your concerns, explain your options, and develop a tailored defense strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
