Traffic Tickets Lawyers

Traffic Ticket Lawyers Across the United States

Millions of traffic tickets are issued every year in the United States — roughly 25 to 50 million, depending on the source. Most people just pay the fine and move on. But paying a ticket is an admission of guilt, and the consequences can follow you for years through higher insurance rates and points on your driving record.

What Traffic Ticket Law Covers

Traffic ticket attorneys handle a wide range of moving and non-moving violations. These include speeding tickets, red light violations, failure to yield, illegal turns, and driving without a valid license. They also handle more serious offenses like reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and hit-and-run charges.

Some violations are classified as infractions, while others qualify as misdemeanors or even felonies. The distinction matters. A simple speeding ticket might cost you a fine and two points. A reckless driving charge could land you in jail.

When to Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer

• You received a ticket that carries points on your license and could trigger a suspension
• You're a commercial driver and any conviction could threaten your CDL
• The ticket involves a misdemeanor or felony charge, such as reckless driving or leaving the scene of an accident
• You believe the ticket was issued in error or you have a valid defense
• You've accumulated multiple violations and face the possibility of a license revocation

How the Traffic Ticket Process Works

After receiving a citation, you typically have 30 days to respond. You can pay the fine, request traffic school, or contest the ticket in court. Contesting means appearing before a judge — or having your attorney appear for you.

Your attorney will review the citation for errors, examine radar calibration records, and assess whether the officer followed proper procedures. Many cases are resolved through plea negotiations, where the charge is reduced to a lesser offense that carries fewer or zero points. Studies show that drivers who contest tickets with legal representation win dismissals or reductions in a significant majority of cases.

How Financial Outcomes Are Determined

• Fine amounts vary by jurisdiction and offense severity — speeding fines can range from $50 to over $500
• Point accumulation directly affects insurance premiums, which can increase 20% to 40% after a single conviction
• A successful dismissal or reduction eliminates or minimizes those long-term insurance cost increases
• License suspension carries indirect financial impact through lost work time, reinstatement fees, and SR-22 insurance requirements
• Some jurisdictions impose surcharges on top of base fines, adding hundreds of dollars to the total cost of a conviction

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a traffic ticket affect my insurance rates?

Yes. Most insurance companies check your driving record at renewal. A single moving violation can raise your premiums for three to five years. The increase depends on the severity of the offense and your prior record. A dismissed or reduced charge typically avoids the rate hike entirely.

Can I fight a traffic ticket without going to court myself?

In most jurisdictions, yes. For non-criminal traffic infractions, an attorney can appear on your behalf. You won't need to take time off work or sit in a courtroom. For misdemeanor traffic offenses, your presence may be required at certain hearings, but your lawyer handles the preparation and arguments.