Receiving a speeding ticket or other moving violation seems like a relatively minor issue, especially if the fine appears small. However, the collateral consequences of a speeding ticket or moving violation extend far beyond the ticket’s fine.
A speeding ticket or any moving violation can, and most likely will, result in points being assessed against your license. In South Carolina, the number of points assessed depends on the alleged violation. With speeding tickets, fines and points increase as the alleged speed violation increases. Other moving violations, like reckless driving (which carries 6 points), have a standard point assignment that does not change. Your driving records and the points associated with your record are one of the tools insurance companies and underwriters use to calculate insurance premiums. The more points, the worse the record; and the worse the record, the higher the insurance premium.
A speeding ticket or moving violation not only impacts insurance premiums, but, left unaddressed can accumulate and end up in a license suspension or even jail time.
This guide explains why hiring a traffic ticket lawyer in South Carolina may be worth considering and how an attorney may be able to help you understand your options.
Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a speeding ticket or moving violation in South Carolina?
Absolutely. Speeding tickets and moving violations carry lifetime consequences.
Consider the collateral consequences, not just the fine
When people receive a speeding ticket or other moving violation, their first concern is often paying the fine. And while paying the fine may seem like the easiest way to put the situation behind you, and it is, simply paying the fine without consideration for the collateral consequences is a bad decision.
A speeding ticket or moving violation will result in points being assessed to your driving record. This has two practical impacts beyond the initial fine.
The first impact comes from the insurance companies. Insurance companies and their underwriters use, among other tools, a driver’s record, the amount of points on the record, and the history of moving violations to calculate risk and policy premiums. The worse the record, the higher the insurance premium.
In other words, speeding tickets carry two fines: the fine on the ticket and the increase in insurance premiums. Simply paying the fine does not protect you from the insurance companies.
The second impact is felt by your privilege to drive. In South Carolina, the State can revoke your privilege to drive if you have accumulated the requisite amount of points. In the worst circumstances, the State can suspend your license for six months before permanently revoking it.
The goal of hiring an attorney is not necessarily to “get out of” a ticket. Instead, the goal is to understand the law and the facts and develop a tailored legal strategy that strives to achieve the goals of each individual client.
4 Reasons You May Want to Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer
A speeding ticket may seem straightforward, but the potential consequences can make the situation more complicated than simply paying a fine. Here are four reasons you should consider consulting a South Carolina traffic ticket lawyer.
Reason 1: You want to avoid insurance premium increases
Insurance companies want your money.
Reason 2: You are already carrying points on your driving record
A South Carolina attorney can help you understand how the new citation fits into your overall situation and what options may be available.
Reason 3: You rely on your driver’s license for work
If losing your license could make it difficult or impossible to perform your job, it is always worth speaking with an attorney before deciding how to handle a speeding ticket or other moving violation.
Reason 4: You aren’t sure what your options are
You do not have to understand South Carolina traffic law on your own.
A traffic ticket lawyer may be able to:
- Explain the charge and its potential consequences
- Review the circumstances surrounding the citation
- Explain the applicable South Carolina law
- Help you understand your available options
- Represent you in court when appropriate
- Help you make an informed decision instead of simply paying a ticket without understanding the potential consequences
- Develop and implement a legal strategy tailored to protect your pocket book and your legal rights
Other Specific Moving Violations
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Reckless driving
Reckless driving is a moving violation that is substantially more serious than an ordinary speeding ticket. South Carolina’s point system assigns 6 points for a reckless driving conviction. You should not treat a reckless driving charge like a routine ticket.
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Failure to yield the right-of-way–Carries 4 points
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Following too closely–Carries 4 points
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Improper passing–Carries 4 points
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Disobeying traffic control violations–Carries 4 points
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Driving-related charges involving alcohol
If your case involves allegations of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, you should contact our office immediately.
Contact Attorney Austin Blake in Beaufort, SC
A traffic citation may seem straightforward, but the consequences extend far beyond the initial fine, and, in some cases, last a lifetime.
If you have been cited for speeding or another moving violation consider speaking with our experienced South Carolina criminal law attorney, Austin M. Blake, today.
Harvey & Battey has been serving clients for more than 100 years and understands that legal issues do not always come with simple answers. Our attorneys can review your situation, explain the potential consequences, and help you understand your legal options.
Learn more about our South Carolina criminal law services or schedule a consultation with our criminal law team now below.