Traffic law violations are often more serious than just paying a fine and getting on with things. There can be a host of knock-on effects to consider before pleading guilty to a traffic violation (which is what you are doing if you pay the fine) that can have a significant impact on the cost of your auto insurance coverage, your driving privileges, and potentially, your freedom and future.
Our traffic law lawyers work hard to minimize the impact an arrest, citation, or summons can have on your life. With early intervention, we can explain the consequences of the charges, shield you from saying anything that could harm your case, challenge any procedural errors, protect your rights, and advise about a suitable course of legal action.
The Hidden Consequences of Traffic Law Violations in North Carolina
If you are cited for a traffic offense and choose to pay a fine (if given the option), you are effectively pleading guilty. However, there could be consequences to doing this. For example, you could incur points on your driving record, have increased auto insurance rates from 40% to 340%, or have your driving license suspended or revoked. According to the North Carolina DMV, common causes for license suspension or revocation include:
- Accumulating 12 points on your license within three years (or eight points within three years on a reinstated license)
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license
- Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Failure to pay a fine
- Speeding
- Violation of an ignition interlock restriction
Additionally, suppose the violation is serious such as a DWI or reckless driving. In that case, it could result in a permanent criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life. Along with fines and possible jail time, a criminal record can have far-reaching consequences on your career, ability to obtain professional licenses, find housing, get financial loans, vote, or even possess a firearm. It could also affect your parental rights in some cases.
What Our Traffic Law Attorneys Do to Help
Our NC criminal defense lawyers can help you to understand the charges you face and the potential consequences while protecting your rights and exploring your legal options to provide the best possible outcome for your case. For example, if you receive a speeding ticket, it may be possible for us to argue for a reduced fine or have the ticket dismissed entirely in some cases.
Driving While Impaired Charges (DWI)
Being charged with a DWI is a frightening, stressful, and costly experience, but you do not have to go through it alone. Our DWI attorneys work quickly to assess your case and fight your corner. For example, there may be opportunities for us to challenge your arrest or the evidence against you. To protect your rights and defend your case, our lawyers can:
- Represent you at court hearings or trial
- Negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor
- Subpoena evidence in your case
- Recruit witnesses to testify in support of your case
- Petition to reduce your bail
- Appeal the suspension of your driver’s license
We work hard to achieve the most favorable conclusion we can provide for our clients, which could result in your charges being dismissed, an acquittal, or the offense being reduced to a lesser charge wherever possible.
Liability Disputes in Car Wreck Injury Claims
Every state has unique laws that govern auto accident insurance rules. For example, South Carolina is a no-fault state, meaning if you are injured in a car wreck, you could still claim compensation even if you share some liability for the accident. However, in North Carolina, different insurance rules apply, as one of only five states that use the pure contributory fault system. So if you share any fault, you cannot recover damages.
Being injured in a car wreck is stressful enough. If the other driver disputes fault, the legal process may seem overwhelming, especially while you are recovering from your injuries. Additionally, insurance companies will likely be reluctant to settle a claim where liability is contested, but do not worry. We can support you at this difficult time.
If another driver’s negligence caused your car wreck, we can investigate the cause of the accident and gather the evidence needed to substantiate your claim. This way, you do not have to worry about proving liability, assessing your current and ongoing financial damages, dealing with insurance companies, or managing the legal process.
What Our Clients Say
Take a look at a few of our client testimonials:
- “One phone call, one small fee, and the absolute best customer service I have ever experienced. I was assured of the results before I ever paid a dime. My ticket was dismissed, and so zero points on my DL.” – Doug, a Traffic Client.
- “I called Farmer Morris the day before my court date and they leaped at the challenge. All communication was very simple and easy. [The] price was very reasonable, and I received the best outcome possible. Now my insurance won’t go up!” – Seth Moody.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation to Discuss the Details of Your Case
If you or a loved one is facing charges for a traffic offense, or you are in dispute over liability in a car accident, the attorneys at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC can help. We know this is stressful, but you have one shot at defending your case. Therefore, we want to ensure you have as much information and support as possible to reduce the negative impact of your situation and work hard for the most favorable resolution we can provide for your case.
If you would like to know more about how we can help, our team is on hand to provide a free consultation where we can assess your situation and give guidance on your legal options.