If you drive for great lengths of time, you may believe that traffic tickets are just an inevitable part of life. Many of us regularly do five or 10 miles an hour above the posted speed limit, roll at stop signs, or try to “beat” a yellow light to make it through an intersection. Unfortunately, these common minor indiscretions have the potential to result in surprisingly serious consequences—particularly when they’re not handled properly by an experienced lawyer.
If you have been issued a traffic ticket, you should contact an attorney before taking any legal action that affects your rights. It is critical to understand that simply paying a ticket is the same as admitting guilt, which could have significant unforeseen financial and legal consequences, some of which are discussed below. For more information or to discuss the specifics of your case with an experienced lawyer, call Koffsky & Felsen, LLC today at 203-327-1500 or send us an email through our online contact form.
Higher Insurance Rates
Like many other states, Connecticut uses a point system with regard to traffic violations. This means that certain violations result in points being added to your driving record. For example, violations like speeding and making an illegal turn will result in one point being added to your license, failure to drive a reasonable distance apart with intent to harass or passing a stopped school bus gets four points. If your insurance company deems you to be a higher risk driver because you have accumulated points, they may raise your premiums.
The Loss or Suspension of Your License and Other Administrative Penalties
Points are also used to track drivers and impose penalties on those who violate traffic laws regularly. For example, if you accumulate 10 or more points on your license, it can result in the suspension of your license for 30 days. Importantly, points “fall off” your record after two years, so it matters how quickly you accumulate points when it comes to driver’s license suspensions.
Missing Your Court Date Could Land You in Jail When You Least Expect It
Attending your court date is another issue that can arise with traffic tickets. If you wish to contest your ticket, you need to appear in court, and certain violations may involve a mandatory court appearance. Unfortunately, after receiving a traffic ticket, many people just put it in their glove box or on their refrigerator and forget that it exists until after the court date has come and gone. Missing a court date can result in a bench warrant being issued for your arrest, which means that anytime the police stop you for another traffic violation or randomly run your plates, it could result in your arrest. Imagine being on the way to work in the morning and ending up spending the day in jail! Not only would it be embarrassing and inconvenient, it could result in serious problems at work.
Some Traffic-Related Offenses Have the Potential to Result in Jail Time
Finally, there are certain serious traffic-related criminal offenses that have the potential to result in jail time, missed court date or not. For example, drunk driving is a serious criminal offense in Connecticut, and can land you in jail even for a first offense. If you have been accused of a serious traffic offense like driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or assault with a vehicle, you should retain a lawyer immediately.
Call Koffsky & Felsen, LLC Today to Schedule a Consultation with a Connecticut Traffic Ticket Attorney
Traffic tickets have the potential to result in serious legal trouble—especially when they are not handled by an experienced lawyer. By retaining one of the experienced lawyers at Koffsky & Felsen, LLC to handle your traffic matter, you can rest assured that it will be taken care of on time and in a way that minimizes the legal and financial repercussions of receiving a traffic ticket. To schedule a case evaluation with one of our lawyers, call Koffsky & Felsen, LLC today at 203-327-1500 or send us an email through our online contact form.
