Charlotte Traffic Ticket Lawyer

The more than 7.6 million licensed drivers in North Carolina consent to abiding by the rules of the road when they petition for and are given this privilege. This also applies to out-of-state visitors or anyone who operates a vehicle in the state at any time.

If you are new to driving in North Carolina, you should be aware of the various violations that can lead to a traffic ticket. Many of these are similar to traffic violations in other states, while others are unique to the larger metropolitan cities like Charlotte or North Carolina in general. When a driver fails to comply with a traffic rule, they can be issued a ticket for a traffic violation. Some examples of traffic violations include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light
• Failing to yield to a pedestrian
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Driving without a license
• Distracted driving
• Equipment violations
• Tampering with an ignition interlock device
• Careless and reckless driving
• Driving under the influence

Complying with these and other rules of the road not only ensures that you avoid the consequences of traffic tickets, but it can also save lives and prevent property damage. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, 16.9% of all traffic crashes in the state in 2023 were due to distracted driving, while 5.3% resulted from speeding.

A traffic ticket is more than just a nuisance. Being found guilty of a traffic violation often leads to higher insurance premiums. Car insurance premiums are estimated to increase by an average of 49% following a speeding traffic ticket in North Carolina.

Traffic violations such as speeding, driving under the influence, or tampering with an ignition interlock device can also result in a license suspension. In certain cases, traffic violations can lead to criminal charges.

There is a wide variety of cases that fall into the category of traffic violations in North Carolina. Cases range from infractions to much more serious offenses. Although an infraction may not sound like a big deal, many people misunderstand the potential consequences of such a conviction. Traffic violations cannot be expunged from your criminal record or your driving record. This also applies to convictions for DWI/DUI.

Traffic violations can also cost you thousands of dollars long term by increasing your insurance premiums. It is extremely important to know that if you pay off a traffic ticket online, you are pleading “guilty”/responsible to what you were charged with. In almost every traffic violation situation, there are tactics an experienced North Carolina criminal defense traffic attorney can use to negotiate your ticket to a lesser offense.

You may also be eligible for what is called a Prayer for Judgment Continued (“PJC”) or an Improper Equipment (“IE”), which can lessen the consequences. It is critical that you take traffic tickets seriously. Though many people opt to waive their court date by paying for their ticket for waivable offenses, you are highly advised to challenge the traffic citation, especially if you believe you were not at fault.

In 2024, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department issued 24,078 traffic citations, with more than half –12,636 – related to speed limit violations. While it may be tempting to handle a traffic citation on your own, even for something as common as speeding, doing so is not always the most optimal solution.

With the support of a traffic ticket lawyer in Charlotte, you can achieve the following:

• Protect Your License: A knowledgeable attorney can work with the court and prosecutors to negotiate a reduction in the traffic ticket or to have a ticket dismissed altogether to avoid adding points to your driving record.
• Minimize Your Financial Loss: By working with an attorney, you can not only avoid paying fines but also secure a ticket dismissal, which can prevent your insurance rates from spiking, saving you hundreds of dollars every year.
• Avoid More Serious Consequences: Certain traffic violations, such as reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and serious speeding infractions, can result in more than just fines. Without having a competent attorney by your side, you may find yourself facing criminal charges.

Depending on the circumstances of the citation, it may be wise to contest the ticket with the help of a qualified traffic ticket attorney from your area. Seeking legal representation is especially valuable if you believe the issuing officer committed an error or if the ticket is connected to a more serious offense that can translate to criminal charges.

Q: How Much Does a Traffic Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

A: The cost of a traffic lawyer in North Carolina can vary. An attorney’s rate is often determined by the scope of the case and where the attorney is located. When you consult an attorney, they can provide more details about their fee. In many cases, the benefits of working with a traffic ticket lawyer far outweigh the cost of making a mistake in your traffic violation case.

Q: Is It Worth It to Hire a Lawyer for a Traffic Ticket?

A: Yes, it is worth it to hire a lawyer for a traffic ticket. Paying a fine for a waivable traffic violation constitutes an admission of guilt, which is likely to affect your driving record and insurance premiums. For non-waivable offenses or when you decide to contest a waivable offense in court, it may be overwhelming to deal with the court system on your own. Having an attorney by your side can help you save time and money in this situation.

Q: Is It Worth Going to Court for a Traffic Ticket?

A: Yes, it is worth going to court for a traffic ticket. Not only does attending a court date ensure that you do not automatically admit fault by paying a traffic citation, but you may be able to get the violation reduced or dismissed completely, which lessens the impact and helps you avoid the long-term consequences of a tainted driving record.

North Carolina has an “absolute” speed limit law, which means that you could be guilty of speeding by going even one mile over the posted speed limit. Complete the Contact Us form below for a prompt response from our dedicated legal team. Again, it is very important to not just go online and pay off any traffic ticket (no matter what the police tell you).

You always have the right to consult with experienced counsel and receive an evaluation of your options. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.