Traffic and Criminal Law

Chad D. GarrettFounding attorney · Criminal Defense, DWI and Traffic Law

Updated March 17, 20261 min read

Traffic and criminal law are the same.

Traffic and criminal law is also “traffic is criminal law.”  We often forget that many traffic offenses are also criminal offenses, and may have collateral consequences beyond the courthouse.

For example, a speeding charge of 15 miles over the speed limit is a class three misdemeanor.

Loss of license, loss of employment, even immigration consequences may be the result of a traffic ticket.  Keep this important lesson in mind when hiring a traffic and criminal attorney.  You want to make sure your attorney is a top rated traffic AND criminal attorney!

Founding attorney

Chad D. Garrett

Criminal Defense, DWI and Traffic Law

Chad practices criminal defense, DWI and traffic law in Guilford County and across North Carolina. He is the author of ABC's of Traffic Law, ABC's of DWI and DWI Essentials.

• Continuing Legal Education Instructor of the Year, North Carolina Bar Association
• Former President, Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Board Member, Criminal Justice Section, North Carolina Bar Association

Read Chad's full profile →

This article explains North Carolina law in general terms. It is not legal advice about your case, and laws, penalties and court procedures change. Contact an attorney about your specific situation.