If you plan to fight your speeding ticket, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer who can either defend you at court or negotiate a deal and potentially get your case dismissed.
If you have multiple speeding tickets on your record, the penalties for speeding violations can become more severe, with higher fines under PA 75 § 3362, points on your record under PA 75 § 1535, and possibly the loss of your driver’s license. You may want to get a lawyer for a speeding ticket as they have an in-depth understanding of traffic laws and they know the technicalities for how to get cases reduced or dismissed. For example, the courts may dismiss cases entirely if:
- The officer who issued the speeding ticket does not show up at the court as a witness
- Your lawyer agrees to a plea deal where you will accept a nonmoving violation
- You pay for the fine, or maybe just part of it, in exchange for an unsupervised probationary period
Why You Might Want a Lawyer for a Speeding Ticket
Here is a more in-depth look at the reasons why you may want to retain the services of a lawyer to fight your speeding ticket charges.
Understanding Traffic Laws and Technicalities
People who choose to represent themselves in court can inadvertently make costly mistakes because they do not understand traffic laws and all of the technicalities that they can use in their favor to get charges reduced or dismissed.
A lawyer who has worked on many of these cases before, though, understands how to work with the judge and the prosecutor to save the court money and avoid a costly trial. If a case does go to trial, a lawyer has the confidence to question the officer who issued the citation and knows the questions to ask.
Negotiating for Lesser Charges
Depending on your record, such as whether you have received multiple recent speeding tickets, the prosecutor may be more willing to agree to reduced charges in order to avoid the time and expense of going to trial. A lawyer may be able to help you avoid a suspended license or expensive fines if you agree to a lesser charge like a nonmoving violation or if you agree to attend a traffic school.
All of these alternatives are usually better than the consequences of the speeding ticket. A ticket can mean points added to your license, which can mean an increase in your insurance rates that could last for years after you receive the speeding ticket, especially if you are a young driver.
Defending Your Rights
With a lawyer by your side who understands the technicalities of these cases, no one is going to take advantage of your inexperience with the law.
Moreover, a lawyer who frequently represents clients in court for moving violations often knows the judge and prosecutor personally. This working relationship enables the lawyer to negotiate with the judge and prosecutor in a friendly manner to reach a decision that is more in your favor.
Saving You Money
While many people are under the assumption that hiring a lawyer is cost-prohibitive, in many cases, it is far less expensive than the alternative.
Losing the case could mean points on your license, resulting in high insurance premiums for years to come. You might also face a license suspension. If your license becomes suspended, you could be facing the high cost and inconvenience of finding alternative means of transportation. The loss of your job over a ticket may even be a possibility, as your contract may state that you cannot be found guilty of a moving violation.
Saving You Time
Obtaining a speeding ticket can be stressful, especially if you have received a speeding ticket in the past, and you potentially have a lot on the line. A lawyer knows the steps to take to gather evidence in your case and knows how to properly file paperwork. By taking these steps on your behalf, a lawyer can save you time and let you focus on your normal, everyday activities, and your family.
McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. Can Help You
If you are considering getting a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania, contact McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. at (610) 680-7842. Attorney David McKenzie is a former prosecutor who will fight to help you keep your license and reduce the impact a speeding ticket will have on your future.