Did you know that if you get pulled over and receive a ticket or traffic citation in Springfield, you have the right to hire a traffic ticket attorney to fight the ticket in question? Many people do not. Most of us just assume that the best thing to do is to “bite the bullet” and pay the ticket to just get it out of the way. This is not always the right thing to do. In fact, when you pay your ticket you are essentially pleading guilty to that traffic violation. However, many of us are never taught this.

Missouri Legal explains what you need to know about traffic tickets in Missouri, what types of traffic citations there are and other relevant information pertaining to traffic violations. If you have a ticket, even for a minor infraction, contact Missouri Legal today for legal advice.

Traffic Violations in MissouriWoman Receiving Speeding Ticket

Missouri traffic violations range from serious crimes like a DUI or reckless driving all the way down to running a red light or following to closely.Violations that occur when a vehicle is in motion are referred to as moving violations. A non-moving violation generally occurs when a car is parked. Non-moving violations can also be caused by faulty or broken equipment on your vehicle.

The amount a person is required to pay and the number of points the citation adds to your license will vary on the circumstances that were present when you received the ticket. For example, a speeding ticket can cost you anywhere from $73 to $208 in Missouri. The fine amount for a speeding ticket is determined by how fast you were going and if you were speeding in a school, work, or construction zone. Common reasons that a person may receive a traffic violation ticket in Springfield include, but are not limited to:

  • Speeding
  • Running a Red Light
  • Careless Driving
  • Failure to Maintain A Single Lane
  • Following to Closely
  • Not Carrying Adequate Car Insurance
  • No Driver’s License
  • Driving with an Expired Driver’s License
  • Failure to Yield Right-of-Way
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident
  • Hit and Run Accidents
  • Outstanding Warrants for Unpaid Traffic Tickets
  • Driving with a Suspended Drivers License
  • Driving Without a License
  • Reckless Driving
  • DUI/DWI
  • Parking Violations
  • No Brake Lights

In addition to the fine of the ticket, depending on the nature of your traffic violation you may also need to attend court. This is usually only for violations like DUIs or outstanding warrants. In these cases, it is imperative that you contact an experienced traffic ticket attorney in Springfield to discuss your case.

Paying Your Traffic Ticket

Once you are issued a ticket you are under no obligation to pay it, unless you want to plead guilty to the crime. There is another way to respond to your ticket: requesting a contested hearing. Essentially at this hearing, you are contesting the ticket you have been issued. Many people will choose this route to avoid having an infraction on their record and having points added to their license.

Unfortunately, there are people that will just pay their ticket without a second thought, believing they have no legitimate case against the prosecution. However, more often than not, our Springfield traffic ticket attorneys at Missouri Legal are able to amend the ticket in question to a lesser offense or work on getting probation rather than tainting your driving record. For this reason, and many more hiring a traffic attorney for even seemingly minor infractions is in your best interest.

How A Traffic Attorney Can HelpCriminal Defense Attorney

As previously mentioned a traffic attorney can lend a hand in amending the ticket or tickets you’ve been issued, as well as potentially negotiating a probationary period rather than putting points on your license. Other ways that a traffic ticket can help you include:

  • Attend Court on Your Behalf – For some of our clients we are able to attend court on their behalf. This allows you to keep your regular schedule and not have to worry about what you may have to say or do in court.
  • Reduce Points – The more points on your driver’s license, the more likely you’ll end up with a suspended or revoked license. We don’t want that for you. By contesting your ticket, we will at least be able to reduce the points of the charge so that you have a better chance of keeping your license.
  • Protect Your Driving Record – A muddied driving record can negatively impact your whole life and keep you from jobs where you may be required to drive. Similarly, if you are already a professional driver, a traffic ticket can strip you of your professional license.
  • Keep Your Insurance Rates Low – Traffic citations, especially multiple or serious violations can cause you to be considered a high risk driver. With this title, most insurance companies are required to raise your premium and some insurance providers may drop you from their plan.
  • Offer Sound Legal Advice – Whether or not you think you have a case, you should discuss it with your attorney. He or she will be able to determine if you do in fact have a chance of winning your case. Regardless, Missouri Legal will give you the legal advice you need for your situation in order to resolve your traffic ticket in your favor.

Call us anytime to schedule a consultation so that we can determine what needs to happen so that you can win your case.