Traffic Violations in Fairfield County, CT
No one enjoys getting a traffic ticket. However, too many people simply neglect them when they get them, setting them aside until a moment when the consequences come back to haunt them. If you get traffic tickets in Fairfield County, you need to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible in order to either pay them or fight them - failure to do this can actually impact your driving record in a very serious way.
Many Different Violations and Penalties
There are multiple types of traffic violations in Connecticut, though some are more common than others. Moving violations are generally considered minor, especially if no property damage, death or injury occurs during the violation. However, the consequences can add up. Some of the more common examples include speeding, reckless driving, failure to stop at a sign or traffic signal, going the wrong way on a one-way street, and following too closely. Some traffic violations carry short jail sentences - for example, reckless driving usually mandates a sentence of up to 30 days for a first offense, and up to one year for a second or beyond.
Different violations carry different penalties, in addition to points being assessed on one’s driver’s license. Reckless driving may carry a jail sentence, for example, but those caught speeding have other options - they can either pay the ticket without contesting it, they may contest it and try to have it dismissed, or they can plead nolo contendere (“no contest”) in some situations. Nolo contendere pleas are when someone does not admit to the traffic violation, but they pay the appropriate fine - and for a first offense, no points are usually issued to the driver.
Points Matter
In addition to jail terms and fines, points being assessed on people’s driver’s licenses is perhaps the main way that the state of Connecticut monitors traffic offenses. Each violation can garner between one and five points, and they stay on a person’s record for up to two years. Connecticut law also requires that if you acquire seven points on your license within three years, you must attend re-training classes. In some situations, the court may recommend no points be assessed, but the ultimate decision is up to the Department of Motor Vehicles, and getting away with no points being assessed is quite rare.
If you reach 10 points on your license, it will be suspended for 30 days; if you then acquire 10 more points on your license within the following five years, your license will then be suspended for up to two years. If you are starting to rack up points, it is all the more reason to seek out a dedicated attorney to ensure that you do not get to the point where you could lose your driver’s license. The state of Connecticut has a vested interest in protecting its citizens, so if you have a pattern of driving recklessly or incompetently, the state will take it seriously.
Can a Stamford Traffic Violation Lawyer Help You?
Traffic violations may seem inconsequential at first, but they can add up, and cause serious problems for you in trying to live your normal life. A skilled Stamford traffic ticket attorney from the Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner can make all the difference for you in your case. Attorney Weiner has handled many of these cases and will work hard on yours. Contact our offices today at 203-348-5846 for a free consultation.
Source:
https://www.cga.ct.gov/2000/rpt/2000-R-1139.htm