A speeding ticket may seem minor, but the consequences can follow you for years. North Carolina treats speeding offenses seriously, especially when there are additional factors involved, such as excessive speed or speeding in a school zone. If you are found guilty, you could face steep fines and even jail time. Fortunately, our dedicated traffic defense attorneys are here to help.
Many drivers assume they should simply pay the ticket and move on. In reality, paying the citation often counts as an admission of guilt. This decision can trigger penalties that cost far more than the original fine. A Winston-Salem speeding ticket lawyer can review the citation, explain the risks, and look for ways to reduce or dismiss the charge. Contact McMinn, Fradin, Gray & Logan today.
North Carolina uses driver’s license points after a speeding conviction. Even a relatively small violation can affect a driver’s record and monthly insurance premiums. If you are convicted of speeding, you could face fines, court costs, and even the potential for jail time, and that says nothing of the potential for having your license suspended if you accumulate too many points.
The severity of the penalty often depends on how fast the driver was traveling and where the alleged violation occurred. Driving more than 15 miles per hour over the limit while traveling faster than 55 mph can lead to a license suspension. If you are caught driving in a way that puts someone else’s safety at risk, you could potentially be charged with reckless driving. Our Winston-Salem speeding ticket attorneys can help you fight these charges using a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
Many drivers pay a speeding ticket online without realizing what they are admitting. After all, just paying the money and avoiding the hassle of a court date is appealing—on the surface. The reality is that paying the fine in this way is an admission of guilt that will leave a mark on your driving record.
In this scenario, insurance increases often become the most expensive part of a speeding ticket. A single conviction can raise premiums for years. Paying the ticket may also place points on a driving record, and too many points will lead to the suspension of your license.
A speeding ticket defense attorney in Winston-Salem may be able to negotiate the charge against you down to something less serious or even have it dropped entirely. Some programs could help you keep the ticket off your record, and our team could help you explore these outcomes.
Some of the defense strategies our attorneys have used in the past include the following:
Police officers often rely on radar or lidar devices to measure speed. These tools require proper calibration and maintenance, and they can provide inaccurate results if this does not happen.
Heavy traffic can create confusion during a traffic stop. An officer may mistakenly identify the wrong vehicle, especially when several cars travel together at similar speeds.
Some drivers accelerate because of emergencies. A medical emergency, road hazard, or immediate safety concern may explain your actions. These situations do not automatically excuse speeding, but they may help reduce or challenge the charge under the right circumstances.
If you were stopped for speeding, you have more options than simply accepting responsibility and paying the fine. You may have a viable defense in your case without knowing it. Our team at McMinn, Fradin, Gray & Logan can review the facts and help you weigh your options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Winston-Salem speeding ticket lawyer.
