Traffic Offenses

Some traffic offenses are minor (such as speeding tickets) and the maximum penalty will only be a fine and possibly traffic school to avoid points on one's driving record. Other traffic offenses, however, are serious crimes and may result in years in state prison, depending upon the specific circumstances.

Even excessive traffic tickets can have negative effects on a person. This includes possible driver's license suspension (when a driver accumulates a certain number of points on his or her record within a set time period) and higher insurance costs. Regardless of the traffic offense you may have received a citation for or been arrested for, an attorney may be able to help you avoid these penalties.

The following are examples of some of the specific types of traffic violations, including infractions, misdemeanors and felonies:

• Speeding Tickets
• Red Light Tickets
• Failure to Yield the Right of Way
• Careless or Reckless Driving
• Racing
• Following Too Closely
• Moving Violations
• OUI (Operating Under the Influence)
• DUI (Driving Under the Influence)
• DWI (Driving While Impaired/Intoxicated)
• Reckless Driving
• Vehicular Manslaughter

Drivers are expected to follow specific laws when they take to the road. This may include obeying traffic lights, posted speed limits and other rules of the road, such as yielding the right of way, maintaining a safe following distance and even properly maintaining their vehicles (headlights, brakes, etc.). These laws are in place to protect the life and limb of all people on the road, whether drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcycle riders or bicyclists. As such, harsh penalties may be enforced if a driver is arrested for and convicted of a misdemeanor or felony traffic violation. A driver who is facing criminal charges for a traffic offense should act quickly to discuss the matter with a lawyer.

Click here to find a criminal defense lawyer in your area who handles traffic offenses.