Top San Marcos, TX Traffic Violation Lawyers Near You

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Traffic Violations

Traffic violations range from parking tickets to speeding tickets and reckless driving. Failing to pay a traffic ticket can result in additional fines, a suspended license, and potential arrest for failing to show up to court. Drivers who have many violations are at risk of increased fines, higher insurance rates, and loss of their driving privileges.

Common Traffic Violations to Fight

Some traffic violations are civil violations which include points on your driving record and a fine. Traffic violations include moving violations (related to driving) and non-moving violations (related to the vehicle or where the vehicle is parked). Moving violations include speeding, running a red light, running a stop sign, or failing to signal a lane change. More serious traffic violations can be charged as a misdemeanor. Driving violations that can be criminal charges include drunk driving, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or driving without a license.

Do I Have to Go to Court for a Traffic Ticket?

When you get pulled over by the police and given a ticket, the ticket will usually indicate your court date and where in San Marcos the courthouse is located. Drivers generally have the option of pleading guilty and paying the fine without showing up the court. However, if drivers want to fight the ticket, they usually have to show up in person. If you can’t make your court date, you have to contact the court to reschedule the appearance before the date on your ticket. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, the judge can find you guilty and may even issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

How Do I Fight a Traffic Ticket?

Fighting a traffic ticket involves showing the judge that you did not violate the traffic laws based on state or local traffic codes. If you really want to fight a traffic ticket you have to do some work, including gathering any evidence in support of your case and research. If you show up with only your statement that you didn’t break the law, the judge may not be very moved.

How Long Does a Traffic Violation Stay on Your Record In Texas?

The time a traffic violation stays on your record is generally determined by the state. Texas has its own traffic laws and licensing requirements. Some less serious offenses may only stay on your record for a limited time, such as two to five years. However, more serious offenses or repeated traffic violations can be permanent marks on your Texas driving record or criminal record.

How Much Will a Traffic Ticket Cost?

The fines associated with a traffic ticket generally depend on the type of offense and the driver’s record. A minor non-moving violation like overstaying a parking meter may be less than $100. A more serious moving violation like drunk driving (DUI/DWI) can cost up to $1,000, and even include jail time. In some cases, the cost of the traffic violation will be shown on the traffic ticket. Some traffic tickets have greater charges (and penalties) depending on the degree of the violation. For example, driving 5 miles over the speed limit is generally a lesser ticket compared to driving 20 miles or more over the speed limit. For some drivers, the traffic court will offer traffic school and a fine as a way to keep the points off your record. In that situation, you’d have to pay the fine and pay for traffic school. Traffic school is a class you attend where there is a presentation on traffic safety, traffic accident dangers, and Texas traffic laws.

How Long Do You Have To Pay a Traffic Violation in Texas?

The amount of time you have to pay a traffic violation depends on a few factors. Generally, Texas law provides the time limit for paying a traffic ticket. Some citations indicate the due date on the ticket itself. You may also need to factor in how the payment is made. Online payments may be more immediate than sending a check in the mail or trying to pay the fine in person at the courthouse. If you need more time to pay a ticket, contact the court to see if you can get an extension so you don’t get hit with additional fines or end up with a warrant for your arrest.

Can a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Fight the Violation?

In most cases, a traffic ticket attorney can represent you in municipal court to fight the charges. Legal representation can be a lot of help because the defense lawyer understands local traffic codes and Texas traffic law. With legal advice from a defense attorney, you may be able to get the violation dismissed, keep points off your record, keep your driver’s license, and keep your insurance premiums down.

When to Hire a Lawyer

It is in your best interest to get legal help early on in addressing your situation. There are times when hiring a lawyer quickly is critical to your case, such as if you are charged with a crime. It may also be in your best interest to have a lawyer review the fine print before signing legal documents. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered a serious injury. For issues where money or property is at stake, having a lawyer guide you through the complexities of the legal system can save you time, hassle, and possibly a lot of grief in the long run.

Tips on Approaching an Initial Attorney Consultation

• Use the consultation as a means of gaining a better understanding of your legal situation.
• Ask the attorney how many cases similar to yours he/she has handled. An attorney’s experience and knowledge can speak to their expertise (or lack of) in addressing your situation.
• Your attorney should be able to articulate roughly how long a case like yours will take to resolve and what sort of procedures to expect.
• Determine how comfortable you are working with the lawyer and/or law firm.

Points to Consider Before Hiring a Lawyer

Experience. Regardless of the type of legal matter you need help with, an experienced attorney will usually be able to get you better results.

Competence. Determine an attorney’s expertise by asking about their track record for the issue you need help with resolving.

Fit. There are plenty of good attorneys out there; make sure you find one you are comfortable working with.

Common legal terms explained

Plaintiff – a person or party who brings a lawsuit against another person(s) or party/parties in a court of law. Private persons or parties can only file suit in civil court.

Judgment – A decision of the court. Also known as a decree or order. Judgments handed down by the court are usually binding on the parties before the court.