North Carolina Traffic Fines
Traffic Fines: Determining if You Should Fight Your Ticket in North Carolina
When drivers in North Carolina receive a ticket, they often wonder if they should contest the charges made against them or simply pay the fine. This typically occurs in situations where the driver believes that he or she was unfairly charged with a traffic infraction. Before this decision is made, however, drivers should make sure that they understand the consequences of both of these actions.
The Consequences of Paying the Ticket
In some situations, paying the fine is the right course of action. However, this does not necessarily mean that this decision is not associated with consequences. For example, when a driver pays a ticket for a traffic violation, he or she may:
- Be required to pay for driving school and spend several hours completing the course
- Run the risk of the violation appearing on his or her driving record
- Have to pay higher insurance premiums for the next three to five years
- Lose his or her driving privileges, if there are other violations on his or her driving record
Comparatively, drivers who choose to not pay the traffic fine, although they may not have to deal with these consequences, will still have to properly prepare to fight the ticket.
Contesting Serious Violations
In most situations, it is best for drivers to contest serious driving violations. For example, if a driver is charged with drunk driving or reckless driving, it is generally best to start the process of fighting the charge before paying the fine. By doing this, drivers may be able to reduce the charge to a less-serious offense in addition to reducing the fine that they have to pay.
While determining whether or not the violation should be brought to court, many different factors should be taken into account. Drivers should start by asking themselves if the law enforcement official was unable to see what occurred due to a stationary object, like a fence or building, or another moving vehicle, getting in the way. Additionally, drivers should ask themselves if they were driving safely before they were pulled over and if the law enforcement official actually stopped the right car. If any of these conditions are present, drivers may want to continue with the litigation process.
An Attorney Can Help
Drivers who received a serious traffic ticket in North Carolina should consider reaching out to an attorney for legal guidance as they make the decision to pay the fine or fight the ticket. If you are in need of legal assistance, contact us at Nosal & Jeter, LLP to schedule your initial consultation.