Should you hire an attorney to fight a speeding ticket?

On Behalf of | Apr 2, 2018 | Uncategorized |

A speeding ticket can involve a lot more than a fine. For going 20 miles over the speed limit, you could receive a fine exceeding $150. You may also incur points on your record and other punishments for a simple mistake, according to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles

Many people do not realize they can hire an attorney to fight a traffic ticket of any kind, including a speeding ticket, to keep the offense off the record. Defending yourself could be risky if you do not have the legal knowledge to beat the charges on your own against a judge and a police officer. The next time you deal with a traffic violation, you should seriously consider hiring an experienced attorney to defend your case.

Avoid paying the fine

In some cases, the cost of hiring a lawyer will be less than the cost of paying the ticket. An attorney who has handled these cases before may be able to reduce the amount you owe or throw out the fine entirely. 

Keep points off your record

Even if the fine is not too bad, you can still expect to get a few points on your record when driving over the speed limit. For excessive speeding, you will typically receive three points on your record. In Missouri, if you accumulate eight points on your record over an 18-month period, then the DMV will suspend your license. For a first offense, the state will take away your license for 30 days. This is incredibly inconvenient if you need to drive a long way for work, so hiring a lawyer to keep points off your record can ultimately help you in the long run. 

Avoid higher insurance rates

Your auto insurance provider may raise your monthly payments if you acquire a speeding ticket. Keeping it off your record may mean you can avoid those extra fees, saving you even more.