Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Violations
Being pulled over by a police officer while you are driving is not an uncommon occurrence. Police can pull you over for a variety of reasons, including moving violations, equipment violations, and even license or registration violations. Traffic stops tend to be quickly completed, so many people are left with questions after they have received a traffic citation. Here are a few of the most common questions people have about traffic violations. If you have been issued a traffic violation, make sure to check with a traffic ticket attorney to see what legal options you may have.
What Do I Do If I Am Pulled Over?
The most important thing to remember if you are pulled over is to cooperate with the police officer. Officers do not take kindly to combative or argumentative drivers. Your attitude about the traffic stop can be the difference between you getting a ticket and you being let off with a warning.
If you are being pulled over, you should make sure you find a safe spot to pull over. Roll your windows down and keep your hands visible by placing them on the steering wheel or in your lap. Do not reach for your license, registration, or proof of insurance until the officer asks you to do so. If the officer decides to issue you a ticket, accept the ticket and contest it later.
Do I Have to Go to Court?
Depending on which offense you have been cited for, you may have to attend a hearing. Your ticket will inform you of whether or not your appearance is required in court. Typically, you will only have to appear in court if a conviction of your alleged offense could result in an automatic license suspension or jail time. Even if you are not required to go to court, you can still request a hearing to challenge the ticket.
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
If you are facing an offense that would result in serious consequences like jail time, a license suspension, or the creation of a criminal record, it is highly recommended that you hire an attorney to represent you in court. Even for minor traffic violations, an attorney can help in certain situations where you cannot afford to gain more points on your driving record.
Will I Lose My License?
Not all traffic violations will result in you losing your driving privileges. Most states operate under a points system, meaning you will always gain a varying amount of points each time you are convicted of a traffic offense. If a driver has received a certain amount of points for moving violations within a certain time frame, they may have to appear before the court and could be facing a license suspension. Additionally, some traffic violations will result in an automatic driver’s license suspension.
Contact a Traffic Violations Law Firm Today
To find out what legal options there are to fight a traffic violation you have been issued, call an experienced attorney, like a New Jersey traffic ticket attorney from a law firm like Rispoli & Borneo P.C.