What Are Considered Major Traffic Violations in Texas?

 Posted on September 04, 2020 in Criminal Defense

Anyone who has a driver’s license understands how easy it is to break a traffic law. Speeding can quickly become second nature, and running a red light may not seem as serious when you are in a rush. The worst thing about it? The more you break these seemingly minor traffic laws without getting caught, the more likely you are to continue doing it. 

Texas is ranked as one of the top five states for issuing traffic tickets and the state has seen its fair share of violations. According to Safe2Drive, the fastest speeding ticket in the world was issued in Texas in 2003, with a recorded speed of 242 mph. Speeding is one of the most common violations that occur, but it is considered minor in the state of Texas. Depending on the risk that the violation poses on the driver themselves and the other drivers on the road, particular traffic offenses can be considered major and come with severe criminal penalties.

Major Violations

Traffic violations come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their consequences. Depending on the severity of the violation, points will be added to the ticketed driver’s license. Once a particular number of points are reached, his or her license may be suspended. Major violations, such as the ones outlined below, can lead to immediate license revocation and more.

• Driving Without a License: $200 fine

• Reckless Driving: Up to 30 days in jail and up to $200 in fines

• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) With Alcohol or Drugs: $2,000 fine for a first offense (increasing for additional offenses), minimum of three days in jail, and at least 90 days license suspension

• Hit and Run: A maximum of five years in jail and up to $5,000 in fines

• Intoxication Manslaughter from a Car Accident: Two to 20 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines 

Can I Defend Myself?

If you receive a traffic violation, both minor or major, you are able to contest the ticket and charge. It is always a good idea to consult an attorney before moving forward, especially if you are facing a major traffic violation. You must decide whether you will plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The consequences between a guilty and no contest plea are the same; however, if you ever face a civil suit related to the traffic offense, your no contest plea cannot be used against you. If you decide to plead not guilty, a trial will be set for you to defend yourself. If you select this route, a criminal defense attorney’s help is even more important since you will need to formulate a defense strategy to be used in court. Pleading not guilty and involving yourself in a trial will allow you to present your case in front of a jury and defend your actions. This may lead to a reduced sentence or a not guilty verdict altogether.

Contact a Wilson County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Major traffic violations can leave a serious stain on your record, requiring you to pay costly fees and potentially even spend time behind bars. It is never advisable to let a traffic violation go undefended, especially if the violation is considered major. At BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys, we assist clients with building their defense strategy regardless of the violation’s severity. With 40 years of combined experience at our disposal and a proven track record of winning, our diligent Floresville traffic violation attorneys help our clients maintain their driving privileges. For help with your defense strategy, contact our firm today at 830-769-1010 to schedule your free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.texasbar.com/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Our_Legal_System1&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=23461

https://www.safe2drive.com/texas-traffic-violations.aspx