The punishment for traffic crimes can run from annoying to life-changing, depending on the offense and your driving record. In Lower Providence, Pennsylvania, points are added to your driving record with most moving violations, and it can take a couple of years of perfect driving before they completely disappear. Or you may end up looking at jail time for a more serious offense.
The Lower Providence, PA traffic crimes lawyers at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. know Pennsylvania traffic laws and use their extensive knowledge to defend you in court. You can count on our criminal defense firm.
Traffic Crimes and Punishments in Pennsylvania
The number of potential traffic offenses and consequent punishments in Pennsylvania is so high we cannot list them all. For instance, speeding is an obvious offense, but five miles over the limit can result in one punishment (probably no points and possibly a fine), and six miles over the limit can result in a different punishment (probably two points and a fine).
This list gives you an idea of the types of crimes one might commit while driving in Pennsylvania:
- Violating a restriction placed on your license. If you are supposed to wear corrective lenses or only drive in daylight or not drive on freeways but defy the restriction, that’s an offense of two points.
- Disobeying a police officer or other authorized person, which carries two points.
- Not stopping at a railroad crossing (four points).
- Improper backing (three points).
- Not stopping for a school bus flashing its red lights. This is five points and 60 days’ suspension.
- Committing a felony in which a vehicle was involved. This results in a one-year suspension.
- Killing someone with a vehicle. This is three-year suspension.
- Driving under the influence. There are multiple factors involved when charged with a DUI, such as prior DUIs, the level of your blood alcohol content, if you are a minor or commercial driver or school bus driver, and if you injured someone or damaged property while driving under the influence. Punishment may range from probation to prison.
For a free legal consultation with a traffic crimes lawyer serving Lower Providence, call (610) 680-7842
Unwanted Impacts of a Traffic Crime Conviction
A traffic crime conviction can negatively affect your life by:
- Upsetting your budget when you must pay fines and court costs
- Increasing the cost of your car insurance — a lot — and you may experience that increase for more than a year
- Landing you with a criminal record, with a felony conviction taking away multiple rights
- Suspending your license, which imposes a huge burden on your ability to get to school, pick up groceries, take your family places, or go to work
- Affecting your attorney’s ability to negotiate on your behalf should you face charges in the future
Each case is unique. Our traffic crime attorneys will sit with you and discuss scenarios and options to give you a clearer picture of the future.
Clearing Your Driving Record
In Pennsylvania, many convictions will simply clear from your driving record after five years.
The Clean Slate law in our state seals some misdemeanor records after ten years if you have no other convictions.
You may also be able to get your record expunged. Should you be convicted, our attorneys will outline the process that best fits your circumstances.
Lower Providence Traffic Crimes Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
What to Do If You Are Cited for a Traffic Infraction
Read the citation front and back. If any information on it is incorrect, make a note of it and let the court know. You have ten days to respond in writing with a guilty or not guilty plea. If you plead guilty, you send in the money with the signed citation. If you plead not guilty, you send in collateral (money) with your signed citation. The amount of the collateral should be listed, but if not, send in $50.
A hearing will be scheduled if you plead not guilty and you will be notified by mail of the place and time.
You may receive other notifications by mail, such as a notice that your license may be suspended. Always respond within the timeframe indicated to any notice from the court.
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How Our Traffic Crime Attorneys Serving Montgomery County Help You
It’s a painful reality that even the simplest speeding ticket can bump your insurance rates up, sometimes as much as 30 percent. Working with our attorneys may save you from losing your money, your license, and potentially your freedom.
Our attorneys help when you are charged with a traffic crime by:
- Representing you in court either by your side or in your place, as it may not be necessary for you to be present in court if you have an attorney defending you
- Negotiating to get the charges against you dropped or reduced
- Providing legal guidance based on our years of practicing traffic crime law in Lower Providence
- Using our knowledge of the most effective defenses against Pennsylvania penalties to help you retain your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and keep driving
- Working to get points removed from your record and your suspension time reduced or dropped
McKenzie Law Firm, P.C.
David McKenzie and our dedicated team have spent 20 years defending members of the community from misdemeanors and felonies, with an emphasis on DUIs and other traffic offenses.
We are fierce advocates, always fighting for the best outcome for you. We know the threat of losing your license or even going to jail puts an immense weight on your shoulders, and it is our goal to remove that threat so you can get back to simply living your life.
A few of the accolades we’ve accumulated over the years include:
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars
- AVVO Rating 10.0 Superb
- ASLA Top 40 Lawyers Under 40
Our clients speak on our behalf, which is the highest honor:
“David is the man! He shares upfront the good and worse outcomes possible depending on your situation. He goes above and beyond to get the best results for his clients . . . He turned a bad situation around into outstanding results. If you need a lawyer he is the one, and his price is reasonable and worth every penny you spend.” — P. Thomas
“David is an outstanding lawyer. From beginning to end David addressed all of my issues and concerns . . . Not only was he available via email but also always able to speak with me via phone . . . calmly discussing my options and answering all questions that arised . . . David made me feel like I was his only client. I highly recommend David to be on your side and ease all of your worries, leading you to a victorious case.” — Ruben G.
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Connect with Our Lower Providence Lawyers
If you were cited for a traffic offense, call us today for a Lower Providence, PA traffic crimes lawyer. Our clients receive the attention and advocacy they deserve. We look forward to meeting you.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
