Nearly everyone with a driver’s license—and even many without—has been stopped on the road by law enforcement. Whether pulled over at a routine checkpoint or chased down for a serious violation, traffic stops are practically inevitable. Often, police issue just a warning or hand out a ticket for an infraction. Most people view these traffic violations as minor and fairly insignificant. However, traffic charges can have serious, long-lasting consequences for drivers and their families. For violations both large and small, it is important to protect both your rights and your driving privileges in North Carolina.
The experienced lawyers at Browning & Long, PLLC offer legal advice for North Carolina drivers to help them do just that. A traffic ticket lawyer can help you minimize the negative consequences of driving-related violations to make sure you can stay on the road. If you or someone you love has been charged with a traffic violation, call our Charlotte office today at (980) 207-3355 to learn more about how we may be able to help.
Types of Cases Our Charlotte Traffic Violation Lawyers Handle
There are many, wide-ranging traffic offenses that exist in North Carolina. From issues with your vehicle to government certification requirements to driving behavior, there are many ways to find yourself on the wrong side of state traffic law. The lawyers at Browning & Long, PLLC help individuals address many traffic issues, from simple infractions to more complicated misdemeanors, including:
- Speeding.
- Failure to yield.
- Reckless or aggressive driving.
- Speeding in a school zone.
- Stop light or sign violations.
- Driving without a license or on a suspended or revoked license.
- Hit and run.
- Racing.
- Eluding law enforcement.
While some of these charges may seem unimportant, state law can be unyielding. Speeding, for example, is a common infraction, but one with potentially severe consequences. In addition to adding points to a license, two excessive speeding violations in one year can trigger a license suspension.
When it comes to traffic violations, don’t assume they are minor. Reach out to the experienced traffic attorneys at Browning & Long, PLLC to learn more about your rights and how your traffic charge could impact you. Call our Charlotte office today at (980) 207-3355 to schedule a comprehensive case analysis.
Consequences for Traffic Infractions and Violations in North Carolina
When faced with a North Carolina traffic infraction, individuals have a few options. The state makes it fairly easy to resolve the matter quickly and without a court appearance for many violations. Some violations can even be paid online. The state refers to these charges as being “waived,” though that term can be misleading. It is important to know that when you take this option, you are in fact pleading guilty or admitting responsibility for the offense. When individuals waive their infraction or are found guilty of a traffic violation, there are a number of consequences they can face, including:
- Fines. Different violations require different fees, and if your license is suspended or revoked, there are additional fees to have it reinstated at the appropriate time.
- Points on the driver’s license. Each infraction causes points to accumulate in association with your driver’s license. If a person acquires 12 points in a three-year period, driving privileges will be lost.
- Loss of driving privileges. As mentioned, too many points on the license or a more serious offense can result in the loss of driving privileges. While it is possible to obtain limited driving rights (special permission to drive only to work or school, for example), there is sometimes a waiting period before the state will even allow individuals to apply for those waivers.
- Suspension – In North Carolina, a license suspension means that driving privileges are revoked for a specific period of time. An individual may not drive until all requirements of the suspension have been fulfilled, but he does not have to re-apply for licensure. The driver’s license will be reinstated at that time.
- Revocation – A revocation is a more serious issue. Driver’s license revocation terminates driving privileges in the state. There are certain situations in which driving privileges can be regained, but the process can involve a hearing, further fees, and re-application for a driver’s license.
- Insurance rate increases. While not a legal consequence, insurance rate increases are real and frustrating matters. Tickets, offenses, and points on a driver’s license can cause insurance companies to raise your rates. Insurance is mandatory for North Carolina drivers, so this can become a problem for some drivers.
While many people consider traffic charges minor, the consequences are real and can have unexpected effects. Loss of licensure can leave individuals without transportation, making it difficult or even impossible to get to school and work. This can mean loss of income at a time when you are already facing unexpected bills and fines. Additionally, loss of license and increased insurance costs can affect your family, friends, employer, and more.
Have you Received a Traffic Citation in Charlotte, NC?
If you received a traffic citation, you need to speak with an experienced traffic ticket attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Charlotte office directly at 980.207.3355 to schedule your free consultation.