Menges, McLaughlin & Kalasnik, P.C.
Traffic Law Attorneys serving Lancaster, York, Dauphin & Adams Counties, Pennsylvania
Traffic Tickets, DUI, Auto Insurance
and the Department of Motor Vehicles
Most everybody who drives a car gets a traffic ticket sooner or later. Some traffic tickets are crimes with criminal penalties, such as drunk driving, DUI or reckless driving. But most traffic tickets are violations resulting in fines for things like speeding, running red lights, equipment violations, and illegal passing. As a practical matter, few people ever go to jail for those types of offenses. So why bother hire an attorney for traffic infractions?
There are two primary reasons to have an attorney for traffic tickets: points and insurance.
If you get a traffic ticket and you plead guilty, the department of motor vehicles will assign you a certain number of "points" which go on your driving record. Too many points and DMV will revoke your license, whether or not the judge gives you a break. It is always good to have as few points as possible on your driving record. Whenever you get a ticket, it is a good idea to see if you can get the charge reduced or dismissed so you don't accumulate points.
Your auto insurance rate is the other major reason for you to fight a traffic ticket. The Department of Motor Vehicles has a computer that keeps track of your moving violations, and insurance companies have access to this database. They even have access to most motor vehicle records outside of Pennsylvania if you pick up a violation in another state. If you have a license from a state other than Pennsylvania, the motor vehicle computer shares its information with your state. Your insurance company will access all of the computers across the country and will rate you based on your driving record of accidents and moving violations in all states and increase your insurance rates accordingly. The worse your record, the higher your insurance rates will be. With a really bad record, your insurance company can cancel your auto insurance policy.
If you are involved in an auto accident and you get a ticket, it is absolutely essential that you have an attorney represent you. Auto accidents result in lawsuits. If you just plead guilty to the charge, your admissions and conviction can be used against you in the civil suit. Depending on your level of insurance, that could cost you a lot of money. We can help you avoid serious financial liability.
If you would like to discuss your case or to meet with one of our attorneys, please contact us.