Traffic Lawyer

Traffic violations are among the most common offenses in the United States. What’s more, a large percentage of those who are pulled over for traffic stops (around half) are issued a ticket. While low-level traffic offenses are not likely to result in any severe penalties, other crimes, such as driving with a suspended license, are treated harshly.

North Carolina traffic lawyer Jonathan Breeden at Breeden Law Office knows that a traffic offense can be a daunting prospect, even for a seasoned driver. With our detailed knowledge of the state’s traffic code and considerable resources at our disposal, we can help you avoid the drastic repercussions to your driving record that a traffic violation can cause.

Call (919) 661-4970 today or contact us online to find out how a criminal defense attorney can set the record straight.

Common Traffic Violations

Most people take driving from place to place for granted. They get groceries, drive to the mall, and make their way to and from work. Sometimes, though, rules are broken in the midst of getting from point A to point B. Other times, more serious crimes are committed, such as driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license. These offenses are assigned to criminal District Court and can lead to costly fines as well as prolonged license suspensions.

Traffic violations that are commonly committed include, but are not limited to:

• Speeding: A speeding ticket in North Carolina regardless of the speed carries a court cost of $188 and fines of up to $250 depending on the circumstances. They can also lead an increase in car insurance rates for three years.
• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: This charge carries significant license and insurance points along with the possibility of significant fines.
• Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License: Penalties include a one-year license suspension for a first-time offense, a two-year suspension for a second offense, and a permanent license revocation for any subsequent offenses.
• Reckless Driving: Another traffic violation that can result in criminal charges, common penalties for this offense include up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
• Improper Passing: Possible fines of up to $1,000 and the possibility of license suspension or revocation.

The Points System in North Carolina

In North Carolina, there are two relevant points systems related to driving. The first is maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Simply put, the accumulation of 12 points within a three year period leads to a license suspension.

Different traffic violations have different point values. For example, aggressive driving is worth six points, while speeding is generally worth three points. It is for this reason that it is absolutely essential to fight any traffic violations you receive. If you do not request that the violation be dismissed, it will only be a matter of time before your license is suspended or revoked.

Insurance points are similar to DMV points in that they are accumulated for certain crimes and traffic offenses. The only difference is that insurance points determine how much your insurance provider is allowed to charge you. The Safety Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) has been around since 1957 and was designed to encourage safe driving. On average, those with insurance points will pay anywhere from 25 to 340 percent more for their car insurance.