Moving Violations Can Affect Your Driving Record Significantly

Moving Violations Can Affect Your Driving Record Significantly

The list of potential moving violations is extensive. If you are found responsible for even a single one, the effects of the violation may be long-lasting. Some traffic violations qualify as criminal offenses, further raising the stakes if you are found responsible for the violation(s).

Authorities in each state keep track of moving violations. If you are found responsible for a certain number of violations in a specific period of time, you can lose your driving privileges. This may cause severe financial, professional, and personal consequences that follow you indefinitely. Consult a proficient Houston criminal defense lawyer to reduce these risks and safeguard your future.

What Is a Moving Violation?

The law defines a moving violation as an action that ”constitutes a hazard to traffic and is prohibited by state law or city ordinance.” Specifically, moving violations happen when a vehicle is in motion (as opposed to a non-moving violation).

Authorities can accuse you of many moving violation, including:

  • Assault with a motor vehicleConsuming alcohol while driving
  • Consuming alcohol while driving
  • Changing lanes when unsafe to do so
  • Speeding
  • Driving too slow
  • Running a red light or stop sign
  • Failing to yield
  • Driving with a suspended or revoked license

This is a very brief list of the many moving violations set out by state traffic laws. Some violations, like unsafe start from a stopped position, are not generally known by the public as violations. Others, like speeding, are more well-known.

Whatever the nature of the allegations against you, always take an alleged moving violation seriously. You may have much to lose if you fail to effectively fight the violation.

Moving Violations Vary in Severity, But All Are Worth Fighting

Traffic violations (including moving violations) are more severe than traffic infractions. Some of these violations even qualify as criminal offenses.

No matter the specific nature and severity of the moving violation you have been accused of, it usually benefits you to fight and present a defense. Your defense attorney may even secure the dismissal or significant reduction of the charge against you, in which case you may avoid several severe consequences.

What Are the Consequences of a Moving Violation?

The potential consequences of a moving violation include:

  • Felony convictions: If you are accused of a felony-level moving violation, you have much to lose. A felony conviction may come with significant fines, jail time, imprisonment, and countless other related problems. Being convicted of a felony may cause permanent harm to your reputation that you cannot overcome easily.
  • Fines: Even if you are not charged with a felony, you may be facing one or more significant fines for a moving violation. These fines can be all the more difficult if you are already facing financial hardship.
  • Loss of driving privileges: The effects of being convicted of a moving violation may include the loss of your driving privileges. The suspension or revocation of your driving privileges may negatively affect you personally, professionally, and financially.
  • Personal and professional consequences: Legal and financial penalties related to a moving violation may prevent you from using personal transportation, make it more difficult for you to do your job, cause recurring expenses (like Uber rides), and make your life more difficult. Traffic violations can start a long-ranging domino effect that you’d be wise to avoid.
  • Less leeway if future violations occur: Authorities keep track of how many traffic violations drivers incur in specific periods of time. With each violation you are found responsible for, you are closer to serious consequences like the suspension of your license.

No matter what your financial status or personal circumstances are, these consequences will diminish your quality of life. Therefore, everyone has a duty to themselves to fight moving violations of all kinds.

Should I Hire a Lawyer to Fight a Citation for a Moving Violation?

Only you can decide if a moving violation is worth fighting and whether you should hire an attorney to fight the alleged violation for you.

Many motorists choose to let a lawyer fight their moving violation because:

  • Attorneys understand defenses to alleged moving violations: Each alleged moving violation requires a specific defense. An experienced lawyer will be familiar with the various defenses that are appropriate for the moving violation(s) you’re accused of.
  • Lawyers are comfortable in court: You may need to make one or more legal appearances related to an alleged moving violation. Your attorney will accompany you to these appearances, and they may negotiate a resolution with the prosecutor handling your case.
  • Attorneys have the time to fight: Life does not stop when you are charged with a moving violation. You may be working, handling a busy personal life, and dealing with life’s many other obligations. Your attorney’s job will be to fight the alleged moving violation, allowing you to spend time on other important matters.
  • Clients want an attorney’s advice and protection: Most motorists rarely face allegations of moving violations. This may be unfamiliar territory for you, so you may welcome the advice and protection of a lawyer who understands cases like yours.

Criminal defense lawyers fight tenaciously for their clients. If you want an experienced counselor to have your back and fight for your interests, hire a lawyer today.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?

Your criminal defense lawyer can:

  • Securing all evidence that suggests you are not guilty of the alleged moving violation
  • Craft a personalized defense to the moving violation you have been accused of
  • Deal with prosecutors and others involved in your case
  • Represent you (and take the lead) at all case-related appointments and court appearances
  • Explore potential plea agreements with the prosecutor
  • Fight the case in court, if necessary

Having a lawyer on your side may provide much-needed peace of mind. Even more importantly, a lawyer’s services may lead to the dismissal or reduction of the moving violation you currently face.

Attorney Kelly Benavides
Kelly Benavides, Texas Traffic Defense Attorney

Hire Your Attorney Today, and Don’t Wait

Your attorney needs to begin fighting your moving violation as soon as possible. Research criminal defense lawyers in your area and hire a qualified attorney as soon as you can.

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