How do I find a Traffic Violation Lawyer?
Traffic violation lawyers work with clients to help them avoid penalties for driving infractions. Traffic violations may include some of the following:
– Speeding, failure to stop, running red lights, or any other types of moving violations.
– Failure to show proof of a license, registration, or insurance documents when pulled over by a police officer.
– Driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, or even serious offenses involving vehicular manslaughter.
When facing a traffic violation of any type, it is probably in your best interest to seek the help of an experienced traffic violation lawyer, as they can help you avoid costly fines and points on your license which will lead to higher insurance rates or even worse, your insurance company dropping your coverage.
What to tell your attorney
Meet with your lawyer to discuss the event that occurred and the charges that you are facing. It will be important that you inform the lawyer of any scheduled court dates, and fines that are required, and any documents you have received from the driving violation. It will be helpful to give a good description of the event as it took place, including the time of day, type of vehicle being driven, and how the police officer pulled you over.
Where to look for an attorney
Traffic violation lawyers will often advertise their services in order to try to get new clients. You can also find listings of available traffic violation lawyers at your local court or by contacting the local bar associations in your area. It may be helpful to ask family and friends if they have used the services of a traffic violation lawyer and whether they would recommend them to you.
The internet can provide valuable information about traffic violation lawyers. This website has a search that can give to you a listing of qualified lawyers in your area. For more information, use the search function at the top of the page or browse the various informational pages.
Do I need a specialist?
Traffic violation lawyers obtain a specialty in working in specific traffic courts. They often have knowledge of local rules and customs, which can be very important when defending your traffic ticket. Knowing who to talk to, when to talk to them, and how to approach these individuals can be the difference in the result of the lawyer you choose. For your own benefit, ensure you have chosen a traffic violation lawyer with a good reputation that can get you the results you need.
Preparing for an appointment
When you meet with your traffic violation lawyer, be ready to discuss the violations you have been ticketed with or any criminal charges that you face. Bring all relevant documents, such as the summons, ticket, and anything else you have received. If you have facts such as the name of the officer that pulled you over, any applicable court dates, or anything else that you know, your lawyer needs to know. Make sure to meet with your lawyer in a timely manner and to follow all instructions, as these matters usually need to meet time requirements or else you may automatically lose any defense you may have had.
Come prepared to ask questions to your traffic violation lawyer, because it is important that you understand the process as it happens and you know what you need to do to protect yourself.
Evaluating Experience & Education
Any lawyer that can represent you must have graduated from an accredited law school, be in good ethical standing with the state board, and pass the bar exam in your state. Even more important is to find a lawyer that has experience in defending clients against traffic violations and charges, so make sure to find a lawyer that has had past success and is seasoned in traffic law. Although they may charge more, it may be worth it to avoid the consequences with your insurance company if you can hire a lawyer that will get you results.
You should not only use advertisements when hiring a lawyer but also use other sources of information to find the right one. A little bit of research may reveal important information about your choice in lawyer, so make sure to use any resources available to help you in your decision.
Personality & Values
Experienced traffic violation lawyers will use their knowledge of local traffic laws to help their clients avoid the costly penalties involved. While you should not expect your lawyer to hit a home run and get all tickets and charges dismissed, your lawyer should be able to lessen the consequence that you may face without his or her help.
Any traffic violation lawyer that you hire should make you feel comfortable in entrusting your case with. Get to know your lawyer and do not be afraid to ask questions and get answers with how your lawyer is handling your case. You should ever feel uncomfortable with your lawyer, do not be afraid to express yourself if you are dissatisfied and hire a new lawyer to represent you.
Rates, Fees & Retainers
Usually a traffic violation lawyer will charge a flat fee for their services. A flat fee is a one time payment for a specific type of legal service. If you are facing more serious traffic violations or charges, a lawyer may require a large retainer fee which will be used to pay for hourly fees incurred for the legal work applied to your case.
It is extremely important that you discuss all fees with your lawyer and what those fees will get you. Question any fees you do not understand or any expenses that you do not believe you should be responsible for. Remember, with traffic violations, the entire point of hiring a lawyer is to lessen the financial impact they may have and paying a lawyer more than you would save without one does not make financial sense.
Interviewing your attorney
Think about the following when seeking a traffic accident lawyer:
Know the fees that will be paid and compare them to the expected savings the lawyer can get with lessened fines and license points. If it does not make financial sense to hire a lawyer, than try to find a different one.
Stay in contact with your lawyer, so that you can inform him or her with important changes that occur and so that your lawyer can keep you up to date with the status of your case.
Always listen to your lawyer’s advice, but do not be afraid to tell the lawyer how you want to be represented and to make the important decisions. It is your case and you face the consequences so always be in control of your lawyer.
