No one intentionally gets a traffic ticket, but it happens to almost everyone at some point in their life. If you have received your first ticket, you may be wondering what happens afterward. Generally speaking, most people will just pay the ticket and maybe attend a traffic school to keep it off their driving record.
If you fail to take care of the ticket, however, this is where you can run into legal trouble. Traffic tickets don’t just go away if they aren’t paid. If you fail to pay the citation or dispute the ticket, drastic measures such as losing your license or being arrested can follow.
Traffic School
If this is your first ticket, you have the option of going to traffic school. Once you complete the course and receive a certificate of completion, the points assigned to your driving record as a result of the ticket will be decreased. This may also decrease the cost of your car insurance.
Alternatively, you can also attend traffic school after a certain period has passed since you last enrolled. Your local DMV will have more information on how often you can attend traffic school in your state.
Payment Options
Your payment options will vary depending on the traffic court. Most courts will allow you to pay the ticket over several months to decrease the hardship. Keep in mind, however, that some courts may charge an installment fee for this option. You will always be able to mail in payment to the address on the ticket, but some courts will also let you pay online. Be sure to pay the ticket by the due date. Failure to do so can result in additional fees or even your arrest.
Court Appearance
Court appearances are usually not necessary if you receive a ticket for a moving violation unless you plan on contesting the ticket. Some instances will require that you appear in court, however.
- You were involved in an accident where someone was seriously injured or killed
- You have been charged with reckless driving
- You were cited for speeding more than 30 miles over the speed limit
Attorney Representation
Most circumstances won’t require you to hire an attorney. If you want to make special arrangements or plan on contesting your ticket, however, it may be best to hire a Wythe County traffic lawyer. Additionally, traffic ticket attorneys can help protect your rights during situations where the traffic ticket was issued due to a criminal violation. Such an instance may include a ticket that was issued because you were driving with a suspended license.
Thanks to The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for their insight into criminal law and traffic tickets.