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Getting Accused of a Misdemeanor Traffic Violation
Being accused of any crime can be overwhelming enough, but misdemeanor traffic violations can have many factors and details that can affect the severity of the charge. This means that misdemeanor traffic violations can vary widely in consequences depending on the type of traffic violation. For instance, the following are misdemeanor traffic violations that differ significantly in consequence:
- Running a red light
- Hit and Run
- Drag racing
- DUI (Driving Under Influence)
- Speeding
- Seat Belt Violations
- Driving a vehicle with a suspended license
- Illegal Stopping
For more information regarding a misdemeanor traffic violation in Florida, consider visiting the state of Florida’s official website regarding the topic. Depending on which misdemeanor the driver is accused of, it might be the difference between a simple fine, getting your license revoked, or more severe consequences. If you need help or more information regarding the legal process of misdemeanor traffic violations, call The Defense Group at 407-743-8430 or visit http://defensegroup.com/ today for a free initial case review.
The First Steps
The first step to take is always to comply and be respectful to the officer issuing the charge. Usually, they will ask for your driver’s license, car registration, and insurance information. They will also explain why they stopped you and explain to you the traffic violation you are being accused of. If they don’t explain, make sure to ask politely for more information. It is also possible to have been caught on a camera committing a traffic violation (such as a traffic light camera) and receive the ticket in the mail. It is of the utmost importance to understand precisely what you are being accused of. Without the proper information about your accusation, it will be challenging to form a legal defense against it.
Lastly, it is also essential to not admit guilt to the accusation. Your words can be used against you in court, and as such, it is critical that you speak politely but carefully to whoever is issuing the accusation towards you. Please accrue all of the information surrounding the traffic violation that is available to you. Write down what you remember from the event, gather any evidence available to you, and identify any possible witnesses to the event. Once you know what you are being accused of and have gathered all the necessary information, it is then time to create a course of action.
Making a Plan
Now that you have obtained all of the information regarding your misdemeanor traffic violation, the next step is to consider your options going forward. You will most likely have been assigned a court date to attend regarding your case. You have until then to form a strategy for your legal defense. You should research what your state laws are regarding your specific situation. If you are finding it challenging to find additional legal information or can’t seem to make a course of action, consider hiring a defense attorney to help you create a sound and concrete plan. A defense attorney can give you additional legal insight or strategies regarding how to handle your case. They might also offer newfound defense strategies with the information you already have concerning the event.
It is important to note that not attending your court date can lead to additional charges or penalties. Make sure to get to your court date appointment on time, dress appropriately, and have all of your necessary documentation with you. If you hire an attorney, make sure to follow their advice every step of the way. They are experienced in traversing the legal system and will often know the best course of action for your case.
Eventually, you will have to make a plea. Your options regarding this are to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The consequences of these options can change depending on the case. Before you choose any of these, make sure you fully understand their implications. Your lawyer will likely know which one you should pick based on your evidence and the specific circumstances regarding your accusation. Know that pleading guilty could result in negative consequences such as fees or fines, suspension of your license, or even jail time. Afterward, make sure to comply with the court’s decision regarding your case.
Still Don’t Know What To Do?
Dealing with an event like a traffic misdemeanor violation can be overwhelming. It can cause emotional and financial stress even just to be involved in one. A misdemeanor traffic violation can also affect many aspects of the driver’s life, such as insurance rates. Additionally, if the event regarding the misdemeanor was also a car accident, it can be even more challenging to tackle an accusation since the driver will also be managing the physical consequences of said event (such as car repairs or hospital visits).
The best defense against this is knowing your rights, being informed of your legal options, and seeking legal advice from experienced professionals. At The Defense Group, you can set up a free initial case review with a lawyer. Whatever traffic misdemeanor violation you are being accused of, The Defense Group wants to know about your case. Get in contact today and call 407-743-8430 or visit the website http://defensegroup.com/.
