Traffic Tickets

When you break the rules when driving your vehicle, there are a number of different types of penalties that may be imposed. For general traffic offenses, such as running a red light, speeding or going through a stop sign, for example, you may be given a citation. These types of offenses are considered infractions and the worst penalties are normally a fine and/or a requirement that you attend driving classes. Other offenses, however, such as reckless driving or driving under the influence of alcohol, are criminal offenses and you may face more serious consequences including jail time and a criminal record.

It is important to note, however, that both criminal offenses behind the wheel and minor infractions and moving violations may lead to the loss of your driver’s license. In order for traffic tickets to result in the loss of your driver’s license, however, you will need to receive multiple moving violations within a limited frame of time. In order to avoid the consequences of multiple traffic tickets and to ensure you do not end up with a suspended license, it is advisable to contact a defense attorney when you are in trouble for behavior behind the wheel. The Pennsylvania criminal defense law firm of Lawrence R. Dworkin can help. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you when you are facing traffic tickets.

Pennsylvania Laws on Traffic Tickets

In the state of Pennsylvania, traffic tickets can be given by law enforcement for violating any of the rules of the road. Some tickets you receive, such as parking tickets, result only in a fine and have no consequences to your driver’s license at all. When your ticket is classified as a moving violation, however, it can result in you getting points on your license/driving record. These points can stay on your record and accumulate over time if you get too many moving violations. Eventually, when you do rack up enough moving violations within a limited time frame, your driver’s license may be suspended. Points on your driving record and a history of traffic tickets can also result in your insurance rate going way up, making it difficult to maintain car insurance on your vehicle.

If you are given a traffic ticket, however, this does not necessarily always mean that you will have points on your license or even that you will be considered guilty of the traffic infraction and subject to fines and penalties. It is possible in many cases to defend yourself against the infraction by arguing insufficient evidence or proving that you did not commit the moving violation. It may also be possible to plea bargain to avoid points on your license or to take a driving course in order to avoid points going on your record.

To learn more about your options for defending yourself, plea bargaining or otherwise avoiding the serious consequences that can come with traffic tickets, it is advisable to contact an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible after you receive a ticket. Simply paying your ticket can constitute an admission of guilt, so be sure to speak with a lawyer first before you act.

At the Pennsylvania criminal defense firm of Lawrence R. Dworkin, we have successfully represented many clients facing both simple traffic tickets as well as more complicated situations such as DUI or reckless driving. To learn more about how we can help, contact us today at 610-357-3506 or using our online form.