If you’ve been given a speeding ticket before, you’ll know how frustrating this experience can be. It can be expensive and have other consequences, such as higher insurance rates and points on your driver’s license. You could even risk having your license suspended if this wasn’t your first offense. Therefore, you must not take the process lightly and do seek help with a speeding ticket in Greensboro, NC.
This article discusses the options available if you receive a speeding ticket. Find out how and if you should contest it and how to seek a reduction in charges.
While it doesn’t seem like a big deal when you get your ticket, you’ll have to face the consequences later. An NC traffic ticket can impact your driving record and car insurance rates. Therefore, looking for ways to get your ticket dismissed by the NC court makes sense.
Option 1: Request a Court Date
If you want to contest a ticket, you must request a court date. It’s the first step in the process of contesting a ticket. Once you have the court date, you should prepare for your case and your argument in court.
Speeding citations require technical proof. This will serve as your primary area of contention in the court. You can get the ticket off the record if you can successfully do that.
Option 2: Challenge the Radar Gun
If you are caught speeding with a radar gun, the next option is to challenge the device’s accuracy. Radar guns are not infallible devices. Various factors can affect the accuracy of its readings.
If you’re sure you weren’t speeding, find ways to refute the readings from the radar gun. One example is to check if the gun is not calibrated correctly. Whatever it is, you must investigate and show proof to the court to support your case.
Aside from a radar gun, you must research other equipment the officer might have used to check your speed. Find out the potential flaws of the equipment and be prepared to show proof.
Always have your evidence ready in court, as it will help to fortify your case against the speeding ticket.
Option 3: Negotiate with the Prosecutor
Another option if you want your speeding ticket dismissed in Greensboro is to negotiate with the prosecutor. They have the power to reduce or dismiss your speeding ticket case. You must prove to them that you have a good driving record or any other circumstances that can work in your favor.
Option 4: Contest the Officer’s Observation
If you get a court date for your traffic citation, you can question the authority and validity of the officer’s observation in your case. For example, the officer might not have had a clear view of the road or some other objects might have interfered with their reading. You can use any factor to your advantage if it raises doubts about the officer’s capacity to give you a speeding ticket.
If you have a witness, such as a passenger with you in the car or a passerby, during the time of the citation, you can invite them to testify on your behalf.
Is it Worth Fighting a Speeding Ticket in NC?
Yes. As mentioned earlier, there are many negative impacts to having a speeding citation on your driving record. Therefore, it makes sense to fight for your right to waive the speeding ticket from your record.
For one, a speeding ticket can result in higher car insurance rates. Insurance companies usually raise your premium after having a speeding ticket on your record as it makes you a risky driver. Most insurance companies increase your rate by 15-40%, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. You shouldn’t need to pay more for insurance, especially if you know that you did not commit the violation.
Next, fighting a speeding ticket can help you avoid a guilty plea. A guilty plea can have severe consequences in the long run. For example, it could result in a criminal record that will impact your ability to find a job or obtain a loan. It could also result in the suspension or revocation of your license.
Additionally, you could reduce your charges even if your speeding ticket cannot be completely dismissed.
Therefore, fighting a speeding ticket in Greensboro, NC, is worth it. So, don’t just roll over and accept your fate.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Speeding Ticket in NC?
If you fight a speeding ticket in NC, you must hire a lawyer to help with your case. It is non-negotiable, as you will need legal assistance to represent you in court. But make sure to hire a specialized traffic attorney because they have the knowledge and experience to get your ticket dismissed by the court.
There are several benefits to hiring a lawyer to fight your speeding ticket in NC. First, their knowledge and experience will help you navigate the complex traffic laws in NC. It is incredibly challenging for someone to know the proper steps to take regarding their situation without adequate knowledge of the law. On the other hand, a traffic lawyer can help you develop the best legal strategies to fight your ticket based on your rights.
A lawyer can also help in negotiating with the prosecutor in an NC court. They can help you develop a solid argument to reduce your charges and penalties. A lawyer could also represent you in court and can present those arguments for the dismissal of your case.
A good lawyer in NC can even help you avoid traffic school, which is sometimes required for anyone with a speeding ticket.
Final Thoughts on Seeking Help with Speeding Ticket in NC
Receiving a speeding ticket in North Carolina is stressful and frustrating. However, knowing your rights and what you can do to fight your ticket is essential. Being prepared and working with an experienced traffic lawyer in Greensboro to help with a speeding ticket can increase your chances of a favorable outcome. That way, you won’t have to live with the long-term consequences of a speeding ticket on your driving record.