Got a Traffic Ticket in Fairfield County?

 Posted on May 16, 2019 in Traffic Violations

No one sees traffic tickets as particularly significant, but moving violations can add up and cause significant time and trouble for people who get them, especially if you build up a few without paying them. Enlisting the right traffic ticket attorney can help ensure that your ticket or tickets are handled in the most efficient and just manner possible, and possibly help you avoid having to make an admission of guilt as well.

Guilty Pleas Carry Heavy Fines

Most people see moving violations as minor issues, but the fines can add up. Connecticut has been making a concerted push to seemingly hand out more tickets, both to raise state revenue and ostensibly to make streets safer, and many simply choose to pay them off instead of contesting them. However, points do accrue on your driving record if you admit guilt, even though moving violations are infractions - not crimes or civil torts. Violations like speeding, following too closely, and making an illegal turn will all add points.

If you have reached a total of six or more points on your record, the Connecticut DMV will send a warning letter to you advising you of that fact. You will also be advised that if you go on to exceed ten points, your license will be suspended for 30 days. In turn, if you then exceed ten points at any point in the next five years, the Department of Motor Vehicles then has the authority to suspend your license until your record dips below ten points. Points fall off your record within 24 months, or sometimes you are able to have them removed upon completion of a defensive driving course.

If You Are Stopped

While Connecticut laws lay out the basis on which to stop someone and assess a moving violation, law enforcement does have a degree of discretion in deciding whether or not to actually do so. It can be difficult, but it is always a good idea to try and be as patient and polite with the law enforcement officer who is stopping you as possible. Depending on the specific facts of your case, your cooperation may be something that convinces the prosecutor to drop the ticket.

Be advised that some traffic-related crimes - as in, not mere violations - can, in fact, carry misdemeanor penalties, such as reckless driving. However, most laymen are unaware that misdemeanors can also carry points on one’s license, and it can be easy to get confused about the consequences of a specific offense unless you have someone experienced in the legal field to advise you of just how serious your predicament may be.

Can a Stamford Traffic Violation Attorney Help You?

Do not make the mistake that so many do and write off traffic violations. If you have gotten a ticket, it is a good idea to contact a skilled Fairfield county traffic violation attorney and see if your questions cannot be answered before you decide how best to handle the issue. The Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner has a long history of handling these types of cases, and we will work hard to handle yours in the most appropriate way possible. Call our office today at 203-348-5846 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_248.htm#sec_14-222

https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_246.htm#sec_14-137a