Should I Just Pay the Traffic Ticket?

A traffic ticket can leave people frustrated and worried about the cost of the fines. Fines can reach $200, plus fees, though some serious offenses, such as passing a stopped school bus or driving without insurance, can cost you much more.

Though fines can hurt your wallet, you might think you can just pay the ticket and forget about it. However, many people fail to realize that paying a ticket is the same as pleading guilty to the offense. This means you will have a conviction on your record, which can have serious consequences. In addition, the ticket can result in big insurance premium increases.

Paying a traffic ticket is not the best option in some situations. Instead, consulting a traffic defense attorney is a smarter choice, as they can review your options.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

Traffic Citations Can Have Serious Consequences

While a traffic ticket may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, it can have serious consequences in the long run. Here are a few reasons why you might want to fight a traffic ticket.

Fines

One of the immediate consequences of paying a traffic ticket is the fine associated with the offense. Depending on the nature of the offense, fines can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

These fines can significantly impact your finances, especially if you are already struggling to make ends meet. Consulting a traffic defense attorney allows you to explore alternatives to paying the full fine.

Violations Added to Your Driving Record

In addition to the financial burden, paying a traffic ticket means the offense will be added to your driving record. Multiple violations on your record can lead to increased insurance rates and can even result in a suspension of your driver’s license.

A traffic defense attorney can often minimize the impact on your driving record.

License Suspension if You Have Too Many Moving Violations

In some cases, accumulating too many moving violations within a specific time frame can result in the suspension of your driver’s license. This can have a significant effect on your ability to commute to work or fulfill other responsibilities.

By seeking legal advice from a traffic defense attorney, you can explore strategies to prevent license suspension or potentially have it reinstated if it has already been suspended.

Increased Insurance Rates

Another consequence of paying a traffic ticket is the potential increase in your insurance rates. Insurance companies view traffic violations as indicators of risky behavior, and as a result, they may increase your premiums.

A traffic defense attorney might negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss the charges, ultimately avoiding the negative impact on your insurance rates.

Affecting Employment that Requires a Clean Driving Record

If your job requires a clean driving record, paying a traffic ticket and having a conviction on your record can put your employment at risk.

Many employers perform regular background checks and may hesitate to hire or retain employees with a history of traffic violations. A traffic defense attorney can help you explore options to minimize the impact on your employment.

Instead of Paying the Ticket, Consult a Traffic Defense Lawyer Immediately

As you can see, paying a traffic ticket without understanding the consequences can have far-reaching implications. Always consult a traffic defense attorney immediately to protect your rights and explore all possible defenses.

An experienced attorney can review your case, identify any potential flaws or defenses, and determine the best options to minimize the consequences of your traffic ticket.

Never Ignore a Traffic Ticket

Ignoring a traffic ticket might seem like a tempting option, especially if it’s just a minor citation. However, always understand the potential consequences of such a decision.

Not paying a ticket or appearing in court can result in a warrant for your arrest, even for a minor citation. This can escalate the situation and lead to further legal troubles down the line.

When you fail to appear in court and have not paid a ticket, the judge can issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This might seem excessive for a simple traffic ticket, but the court takes ignoring a citation very seriously.

If the court issues a warrant, the police can arrest you on the spot, whether at a traffic stop with your family in the car, at home, outside your place of work, or anywhere else. This can harm your reputation, and you will end up in jail, possibly until your next court date.

Further, you can face additional charges of failure to appear, which carry much more serious penalties than the initial traffic ticket. You will then have to fight those charges, which might result in fines, probation, and more.

Instead of ignoring a ticket, consult a traffic defense lawyer who can appear in court with you. Further, if you have already missed a court date, act quickly and schedule a consultation with a defense attorney. They can determine whether you have a warrant out for your arrest and identify the best way to address the warrant with as few consequences as possible.

Discuss Your Ticket With a Traffic Defense Attorney Today

Next time you receive a traffic ticket, think twice before simply paying it. The consequences of pleading guilty can be more significant than you realize, affecting your driving record, finances, and even your employment.

Consulting a traffic defense attorney is a smart choice that can help you achieve a more favorable outcome.

Take advantage of the guidance of a traffic defense lawyer. Contact an Houston criminal defense lawyer to discuss your case and protect yourself.