What Are the Consequences of a Traffic Violation in Texas?

 Posted on February 28, 2020 in Criminal Defense

Traffic laws vary from state to state, and while the rules may seem relatively similar, you should understand how the consequences change as you cross state lines. Drivers who violate traffic laws can receive traffic tickets, and they may face serious fines and fees. What many people do not realize is that receiving a traffic violation can lead to more than just an expensive ticket.

Common Offenses and Their Penalties

Traffic violations come in many different forms — and so do their legal consequences. Speeding may be the first type of violation to come to mind, but drivers may face hundreds of dollars in fines and other consequences for a variety of other reasons, including driving without a seat belt, texting while driving, driving without a valid license, or failing to maintain liability insurance. Charges can become even more serious for offenses such as reckless driving or DWI, and in these cases, drivers may face license suspension or even jail time.

Challenging the Penalties

The consequences for different traffic violations can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the charge and the municipality or county where it occurred. After receiving a ticket, a driver may believe that it is best to simply pay the fine and move on with their life. However, many Texans do not realize that the tickets they “accept” will stay on their record. Every traffic violation in the state has two or three points associated with it. These points will be added to your driving record, where they remain for three years. Not only can these points raise your auto insurance rates, but if you accrue a certain number of points, your license may be suspended or revoked.

If you receive a traffic ticket in Texas, you are legally allowed to plead guilty, plead no contest, or plead not guilty. It is important to note that you will still be required to pay the fines and fees associated with your ticket if you plead guilty or plead no contest. In some cases, you may be able to lower your fines or penalties by agreeing to take a driving course run by the state. If you plan to plead not guilty, you will need to present your case in front of a judge in court. If you are able to successfully contest a traffic violation, you can walk away with no fines, penalties, or additional points added to your driving record.

Contact a Karnes County Criminal Defense Attorney

Successfully challenging a traffic ticket is difficult to do on your own. While you may be able to schedule a court date and speak before a judge, your chances of success will be much higher if you are represented by an experienced criminal defense lawyer. At BRCK Criminal Defense Attorneys, we are well-versed in Texas traffic laws, and we understand the various issues involved in different types of tickets and violations. We can assist you in keeping your driving record clean and ensuring that you can maintain your driving privileges. Contact our skilled Karnes City traffic violation lawyers at 830-769-1010 for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.idrivesafely.com/dmv/texas/laws/traffic-tickets-and-violations/

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