Wilmington Traffic Violation Attorneys

Speeding Laws in North Carolina

One common traffic violation in North Carolina is speeding. There are 2 circumstances under which a driver can be charged with speeding – basic speeding or absolute speeding. Basic speeding means a driver operated at a speed greater than reasonable under the existing conditions and consequently drove at an unsafe speed. For example, driving 55 mph on an icy or snowy road with poor visibility could constitute a violation of North Carolina’s basic speeding laws. 

Absolute speeding refers to fixed speed limits. Driving beyond a fixed limit constitutes a direct violation of the absolute speeding laws. Some examples of fixed speed limits in North Carolina include 70 mph on interstate highways and 25 mph inside municipal corporate areas.

Speeding violations generally result in a fine from $10-$50, as well as $150-$200 of possible court costs. If the driver was speeding in a school or constructions zone, they could face a heightened fine of $250.

Let our Brunswick County traffic violation attorneys at Whitley Coleman resolve your traffic case from start to finish. Schedule a free consultation online or at (910) 218-9973 to get started today.

Reckless Driving

In certain circumstances, a speeding violation or other traffic offense can lead to a reckless driving charge. In North Carolina, reckless driving refers to driving on a public roadway in such a way that is:

• careless and heedless with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others; or
• without appropriate caution and at a speed or in a way that endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property.

To determine whether a person's driving qualifies as "reckless" under this statute, a judge might look to factors like the road and weather conditions at the time of the offense, the presence of traffic, whether the driver was paying attention to the road, and their driving speed. As a result, reckless driving charges will depend on each individual case, as the circumstances for a charge may vary.

Convictions for reckless driving are Class 2 misdemeanors punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and up to 30 days in jail for a first offense (up to 60 days for subsequent offenses). In certain situations, a conviction could also lead to license suspension if the person:

• was driving more than 15 mph over the speed limit and over 55 mph;
• was driving more than 80 mph; or
• has a prior conviction from within the past 12 months.

Additionally, all reckless driving convictions will add 4 demerit points to a motorist's driving record and likely increase the insurance premium.

License Revocation and Limited Driving Privileges

Be aware that driver’s licenses will be revoked as a consequence for most traffic offenses, not only for reckless driving. For instance, a license can be revoked for: 

• driving while impaired and excessive speeding;
• refusing to take a breath or blood test when arrested for DWI;
• accumulating too many driver’s license points for traffic offenses; and
• failing to appear for or failing to pay a traffic ticket.

In some situations, it is possible for a driver to request limited driving privileges from a judge that may allow the person to drive for certain limited purposes, such as to and from work, school, or emergency medical care. Violating the terms of your restricted license could result in further charges for driving while license revoked. 

Why You Should Hire a Traffic Ticket Attorney

If you receive a traffic ticket in North Carolina, hiring a traffic ticket lawyer can be a smart move. Our traffic ticket attorney in Brunswick County will help protect your rights, examine the facts of your case and determine the best way to proceed. We are knowledgeable in North Carolina's traffic laws and have the experience necessary to challenge tickets vigorously.

Our legal team can negotiate with prosecutors on your behalf or even take the case to trial if necessary. This can often result in an improved outcome than simply paying the ticket – such as reduced fines or getting points removed from your driver’s license. We can also advise you about potential consequences for pleading guilty or allowing insurance rates to increase as a result of paying a fine. 

In addition, our Wilmington traffic ticket lawyer will be familiar with the court system in your area and have knowledge of how best to present your case. We can provide guidance on the overall process, including deadlines, paperwork requirements, and any other legal forms that may need to be completed. 

Overall, hiring an experienced traffic ticket lawyer in Brunswick County,  is vitally important when it comes to dealing with a traffic violation. Don’t put your rights at risk – contact our firm today for help.

Will a Traffic Violation Affect My Insurance Rates?

A traffic violation can have a significant impact on your insurance rates. Insurance companies view traffic tickets as indicators of risky driving behavior. As a result, even a minor infraction, such as speeding or running a stop sign, could cause your premiums to rise. The more serious the violation, the greater the likelihood of an increase in insurance costs.

For more severe violations, such as reckless driving or a DUI, the financial impact could be substantial. In some cases, insurance companies may even consider canceling coverage or refusing to renew your policy. Additionally, accumulating multiple traffic violations over a short period could lead to your classification as a high-risk driver, which typically results in much higher premiums.

In Brunswick County, points added to your driving record from traffic violations can further compound this issue. North Carolina’s points system is designed to penalize repeat offenders, and accumulating points can lead to license suspension, which will also raise your insurance rates.

To minimize the impact of a traffic violation on your insurance, it is advisable to consult with an experienced traffic violation attorney who can help contest the ticket or negotiate a reduction in penalties.

Understanding the Benefits of Hiring a Traffic Ticket Attorney

Dealing with a traffic violation can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, hiring a skilled traffic ticket attorney can provide numerous benefits and help you navigate through the legal process with ease. Here are some reasons why you should consider hiring a traffic ticket attorney:

• Expertise and Knowledge: Traffic ticket attorneys specialize in traffic laws and regulations. They have a deep understanding of the legal system and can use their expertise to build a strong defense on your behalf.
• Reduced Penalties: A traffic ticket attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to potentially reduce the penalties associated with your violation. This may include minimizing fines, avoiding license suspension, or even getting the charges dismissed.
• Save Time and Effort: Handling a traffic violation case requires significant time and effort. By hiring an attorney, you can save valuable time and focus on other important aspects of your life while they handle the legal proceedings on your behalf.
• Protect Your Driving Record: Traffic violations can result in points on your driving record, which can lead to increased insurance premiums and potential license suspension. An attorney can help protect your driving record and prevent these negative consequences.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a skilled attorney advocating for your rights can provide peace of mind during a stressful situation. They will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure that your best interests are represented.

At Whitley Coleman, our experienced traffic ticket attorneys in Brunswick County are dedicated to helping clients fight their traffic violations and achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you.

Received a traffic ticket? The Brunswick County traffic violation lawyer at Whitley Coleman is well-equipped to fight your penalties. Contact us today by calling (910) 218-9973!