Answers to Common Questions from a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Clayton MO
The best way to fight a traffic ticket is with a lawyer. A professional attorney in traffic law will work hard to help you get a great outcome.
What Happens When I Get a Traffic Ticket in Clayton, Missouri?
The majority of those who choose to fight their traffic citations do so on their own in traffic court. Is it worthwhile to engage a traffic violations lawyer? In general, it is determined by the circumstances.
Hiring an attorney for a traffic ticket is well worth the money for many people. However, in some cases, a driver might not necessarily need to hire a law firm. Here are some things to think about before making a decision when it comes to traffic violations.
First, it’s helpful to understand what you’re up against when talking about a traffic violation. The critical thing to keep an eye on in Missouri is the number of points applied to your license due to a violation. If you receive more than four points on your license in 12 months, you will receive a notification in the mail. If you accumulate more than eight points in the course of 18 months, your license will be suspended for at least 30 days.
Fortunately, according to the most recent Missouri Driver Guide, speeding is only a three-point offense. Incautious or imprudent driving, on the other hand, earns you four points, and you may be stuck with that infraction if you were above the speed limit.
Can I Pay My Ticket and Not Go To Court In Missouri?
Yes, however, there are consequences to not contesting the ticket. By not contesting the ticket, you plead guilty to the offense and have points added to your license, that is an option. Convictions for traffic violations remain on your driving record for three years.
The second and recommended alternative is to hire a traffic ticket attorney to fight your traffic ticket. This alternative may take more time and cost more money upfront than just paying the fine, but challenging your ticket may allow you to keep points off your license, erase your record, and avoid paying a higher insurance rate.
What Happens If I Do Not Contest or Pay the Traffic Ticket in Missouri?
If you do not pay your ticket by the due date (within 30 days) or do not appear in court to challenge it, a judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest.
How Do I Dispute a Traffic Ticket in Clayton?
If you want to dispute a traffic ticket for speeding, you will most likely have to appear in court at least twice. However, if you employ an attorney, you might not have to go to court at all. In other words, your St. Louis traffic ticket attorney can represent you in court even if you are not there.
One disadvantage of defending yourself is a lack of expertise and legal understanding. The ordinary individual does not know the appropriate course of action in every given situation. Experienced traffic attorneys better understand what methods and solutions are available for achieving favorable outcomes. And it’s not all about the law. Attorneys who spend a significant amount of time in traffic court are aware of the biases of the various judges and, in some instances, the law enforcement officials who write the tickets. This local knowledge might help you know how to fight such tickets.
What is the Statute of Limitations on a Traffic Ticket in Missouri?
The statute of limitations for traffic tickets and the statute of limitations for speeding tickets are the same.
When you are pulled over for a moving offense, the officer will ask you to sign the ticket after giving them your driver’s license and giving you the ticket.
You are formally and legally charged with the infraction when you sign the ticket. It also shows that you have accepted the price by signing it.
Because you have already been charged, the statute of limitations is no longer applicable until you sign it. A speeding ticket has a one-year statute of limitations from the moment it is issued by a police officer.
To better understand your driving privileges and what you can do in such instances, contact the Bradley S. Dede Law Firm at (314) 725-9700 for a free consultation on your case.
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