Loris Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Loris Traffic Ticket Attorney

When you receive a traffic ticket, you may not realize that you don’t always have to pay its fine. In some cases, it’s beneficial to instead contest the ticket. This can help you avoid penalties such as points on your driver’s license, fines, and even license suspension. By paying the fine, you admit guilt to the offense, and the penalties could affect you more than you expect. If you are issued a traffic ticket in Loris, SC, you should speak with a traffic ticket attorney before paying the fine to determine if it’s the right choice to contest the ticket.

Axelrod & Associates: Loris Traffic Ticket Attorneys

Effectively contesting your traffic ticket takes delicate legal care. Axelrod & Associates has had years of experience defending those in Loris and the surrounding communities from traffic offense penalties. We review your situation and determine the ideal path to mitigate or remove the offenses and penalties against you. We remain honest with you about your circumstances and help you make informed choices about your future.

Traffic Tickets in Loris

There are multiple offenses that result in traffic tickets. Some of the most common include:

• Speeding and reckless driving
• Careless vehicle operation
• Driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license
• Driving without driver’s insurance
• Distracted driving
• Moving violation
• Out-of-state driver offenses
• Violations of traffic ordinances
• Failing to obey traffic signs
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Illegally passing a school bus
• Failing to yield the right-of-way

The most effective way to contest a traffic ticket is by working with a traffic ticket attorney. Not every ticket needs to be contested, and an attorney can help you make informed decisions about how to handle a traffic offense. If you contest the ticket, you are more likely to be successful with an attorney defending your rights in traffic court.

Traffic Ticket Penalties for Speeding in Loris

Speeding is one of the most commonly issued traffic tickets. Although the fines that come from a traffic ticket can be annoying, traffic tickets also include points on your license. These penalties can have much longer-lasting consequences.

In South Carolina, the primary factor that influences speeding ticket penalties is the speed which you were going. Based on this, your penalties for speeding could be:

• 10 miles per hour (MPH) over the speed limit: Two points on your license and fines between $15-25.
• 10 to 25 MPH over the speed limit: Four points on your license and fines of up to $200.
• 25 to 30 MPH over the speed limit: Six points on your license and fines of up to $445. This can also be charged as reckless driving, resulting in up to 30 days in jail.

There are other offenses that add points to your license. The point totals reduce over time, but if you reach 12 points, your license is automatically suspended.

Offenses That Automatically Suspend Your License

License suspensions are more likely if you are a repeat offender. However, there are some offenses that lead to the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. These include:

• Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol
• Driving on a suspended license
• Failing to pay traffic tickets
• Two reckless driving charges within 5 years
• Allowing another driver to use your car for street racing
• Reaching 12 points on your license

A suspended license can be reinstated. Usually, the court suspends a license for a set period of time. There are some offenses that lead to the revocation of your license, which is irreversible. A revoked license is canceled, and you must submit an application for a new license. Offenses that result in a revoked license include:

• Conviction of manslaughter with a motor vehicle
• Conviction of any felony that involves a motor vehicle

This includes a conviction in another state. If you are facing license suspension or revocation, an attorney can determine your legal options and defenses.

FAQs

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

A: The average fee for a traffic ticket attorney in South Carolina is $304 an hour. If you have a simple case, an attorney may instead charge a flat fee. Every attorney will have different hourly and flat rates. The cost of an attorney depends on their firm’s policies, their amount of experience in law and in cases like yours, and how complicated your case is anticipated to be. When consulting with an attorney, always discuss their fees and pricing. An attorney should expect these questions and be completely open with you about the cost of your particular case.

Q: Should I Go to Court for a Speeding Ticket in South Carolina?

A: It can be beneficial to go to court for a speeding ticket, although you should have an experienced attorney review your unique case. If you pay the fine online, you do not have to attend your court date, as you are not fighting the offense. By paying the fine, you are admitting guilt to the speeding ticket and must receive the penalties that come with the offense. You can no longer contest the ticket as unfair or inaccurate once you pay it.

Q: How Long Do Tickets Stay on Your Record in South Carolina?

A: A minor traffic ticket that is not charged as a crime doesn’t impact your criminal record. There are some traffic offenses that may be charged as misdemeanors. Non-criminal traffic ticket penalties add points on your driver’s license and driving record. If you earn 12 points on your license, your license is suspended. After 1 year, points added to your licenses are halved, and they are removed after 2 years. If you want these points removed before then, there are state-approved defensive driver courses that you can take to erase them.

Q: How Do I Fight a Speeding Ticket in South Carolina?

A: If it is your first traffic offense, a judge may allow you to lessen or eliminate the penalties against you by taking a driver’s education course. This option is only available to a driver once. Your traffic ticket attorney can review your case and determine what an effective defense is to lessen your penalties. These defenses could include:

• There was no posted speed limit.
• There was an emergency situation or another reason that warranted speeding.
• The speed radar the police officer used was inaccurate.
• Your speedometer was inaccurate, and you were unaware that you were speeding.

Defense Against Loris Traffic Tickets

The attorneys with Axelrod & Associates can review any traffic tickets before you pay them and help you understand what options are available for you. We want to protect your rights. Contact our team today.