What Are the Consequences of Getting a Traffic Ticket?

Getting a speeding ticket is never a pleasant experience, but when you do, you might not immediately know your options. There could be mitigating circumstances surrounding the ticket, and simply paying the fine and moving on may not be the best option. The consequences of a speeding ticket vary and could be serious depending on the severity of the offense.

Some speeding tickets in Colorado can be upgraded to traffic offenses that could be linked to criminal charges. Knowing how to handle the ticket and navigating the legal justice system can be complex, and that’s where lawyers from a criminal litigation law firm in Colorado Springs come in to help the situation.

Penalties for Speeding Tickets

Legal experts can help you understand what you’re facing, which could be any of the following:

  • 1 point and a fine for 5 to 9 miles over the limit
  • 4 points and a penalty for 10 to 19 miles over the limit
  • 6 points, a fine, and jail time for 20 to 39 miles over the limit
  • 12 points, a fine, and jail time for 40 miles or more over the limit
  • 3 points and a penalty for failure to reduce speed in areas with special hazards

You risk up to 90 days in jail or a fine if you exceed the limit by 25 miles per hour. Your ticket fees can also add up if you have multiple tickets.

Should I Fight a Speeding Ticket or Pay the Fine?

For most people, paying a fine is the easy way out of a speeding ticket. They choose not to fight the ticket because of the process involved for a matter they don’t think is serious enough to deserve so much of their time. Paying the fine and moving on with your life can be tempting, but it could have significant consequences later, especially if you get more tickets.

Besides, paying up means you’re admitting to being guilty. Lawyers from a criminal defense law firm can help you understand what admitting guilt looks like and how it could impact your driving record. It could lead to hefty fines, a hike in insurance premiums, and loss of driving privileges.

You also risk jail time depending on the severity and frequency of the offense. Given the stakes, fighting the ticket could be a better option. Hiring skilled criminal defense lawyers in Colorado Springs to guide you is your best bet toward defending yourself.

Why Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer to Fight a Speeding Ticket?

Your criminal defense lawyers in Colorado Springs can help you make the most favorable decision. Their expert legal advice can give you an edge to save you from making mistakes that may worsen the situation. Lawyers understand traffic laws, including those that specifically apply to speeding tickets.

The legal counsel you get from a lawyer can be valuable in helping you contest the ticket. It will also likely dictate the outcome of the case, which could be in your favor.

Representation in Court

Having a lawyer represent you in a traffic ticket case may not always be necessary. However, traversing between counties to attend court sessions can be hectic if you get a speeding ticket away from where you live and wish to fight it. You can hire experienced Colorado Springs criminal defense attorneys to represent you in traffic court.

Besides, lawyers know how to present a well-organized, compelling argument to save you from harsh penalties. The chances of getting an outcome that favors you are better with a lawyer on your side than when you’re alone.

Fighting to Get the Traffic Citation Dismissed

Depending on the case specifics, aggressive criminal defense lawyers in Colorado Springs may be able to help you get the ticket dismissed entirely. If the case is more severe, a lawyer can help you fight to have the penalties reduced. If the ticket is issued in connection to a criminal offense, your lawyer could negotiate with the prosecution to protect your rights.

Peace of Mind

In addition to the stress of being issued a speeding ticket, not knowing how to defend yourself can complicate the situation. Trying to fight the ticket in court without the help of a skilled lawyer is risky and could worsen the situation.

Many defendants cannot navigate the nuances of the legal system on their own, and judges don’t show sympathy for defendants who waste time because they don’t know what they’re doing. Skilled criminal defense lawyers in Colorado Springs can take the stress off your shoulders so that you don’t have to suffer anxiety over the uncertainty of the case.

In-Depth Investigation

As mentioned earlier, there could be many circumstances surrounding your speeding ticket. Criminal defense attorneys can thoroughly investigate the ticket and fight to ensure the facts are presented to the judge looking into your case as they were.

They could also find loopholes in the evidence presented that could have led you to get a ticket you didn’t deserve. By watering down the evidence against you, lawyers can enhance your chances of dismissing the ticket or reducing the penalties in your favor.

Seek the Help of a Professional to Fight a Speeding Ticket

When you get a speeding ticket, you want to get over and done with the police as soon as possible. Paying a fine could be the easiest way out, but you may need to reconsider your options. Skilled Colorado Springs criminal defense attorneys can provide legal counsel to enlighten you and help you make the right decision.

The Lux Law Firm is a criminal justice law firm that hosts aggressive lawyers to help you defend yourself and get justice. Don’t consider a speeding ticket a minor offense that you can ignore and move on with your life. We can help you fight it so it doesn’t adversely affect your future. Call us at 719-451-7469 to schedule a FREE case evaluation.