If you have a traffic violation that you want to fight, you don’t want to go at it alone.
Traffic ticket lawyers can help you beat a violation that you believe was given unfairly. The right lawyer will assess your situation and put you in a position where you have the best chance of winning.
They can identify mistakes made by the arresting officer that could turn the odds in your favor.
With Florida’s traffic ticket points system, traffic charges can have serious consequences. You want the right lawyer who has skill and experience on your side to help you make the most of your situation.
Hiring an attorney for a traffic matter is one thing you don’t want to do without doing your due diligence.
Before you choose an attorney, here are 5 questions you should always ask.
1. Should I Fight My Traffic Ticket?
If you feel that your ticket was given unfairly, it’s usually best to challenge it. Why suffer from negative points on your driver’s license and fines if you can avoid it?
Did you know that the methods used to measure car speeds make mistakes sometimes? Don’t end up paying a fine for a violation you were wrongly accused of. This wastes valuable time and causes inconvenient consequences.
Once you’ve decided to fight your traffic violation, you should hire a professional to help. A skilled lawyer understands the court system and can give you the best defense.
Fighting your traffic ticket with the right lawyer behind you is well worth it.
2. What’s Your Experience?
With many options for traffic ticket lawyers, you have to be sure to choose one who knows how to help you win.
When you’re in court fighting your traffic ticket, you don’t want a rookie lawyer in your corner. One of the best ways to figure out if you’re choosing a qualified lawyer is to ask how long they have been in practice. Even with years of practice, they should have experience handling cases like yours.
Ask them how many traffic tickets have they defended and what has been the typical outcome.
If your attorney has experience in the city that you live in, that’s a plus as well. Local traffic ticket attorneys will likely have experience with the judges who will handle your case. Ask your attorney if they’ve practiced in the courthouse where your case will be.
Hiring the right lawyer can make or break your case. Choose wisely.
3. What Is The Cost?
A common misconception is that all lawyers will cost you a significant amount of money. In some cases, it’s true that attorneys take advantage of their clients. The only way to know what your expected cost will be is to ask.
Don’t base your expected cost off of whatever advertisement you saw.
You need to know upfront how much your lawyer will charge to work on your case. Sometimes it will be a one-time charge, in other cases, it could be an hourly rate. In most cases, traffic ticket attorneys get a portion of the amount you receive after a successful trial.
Each situation is different, so your lawyer may not be able to give you an exact quote. But you should have a good understanding of how much you could be expected to pay.
When discussing the attorney fee, ask what factors may cause it to increase. Attorney’s fees can range from $60 to $2000 to contest a speeding ticket, depending on the complexity of the case.
You should always request a written agreement before paying anything. Ask the right questions about cost upfront to prevent surprise charges when it’s too late.
4. Who Will Work on My Case?
At some firms, the lawyer you speak to about your case isn’t always the same one who shows up to defend you in court.
Law firms will have other associates handle different aspects of your case to save you money. If you choose a law firm with qualified traffic ticket lawyers, this shouldn’t be a huge issue. But you should still ask this question in the beginning so that you have expectations.
Make sure you understand who will be working on your case. Your lawyer can save you money by assigning other employees to your case. If this is a deal breaker for you, make sure you let your lawyer know that you only want them working on the case.
Your lawyer should handle the major aspects of your case, or be able to refer you to a qualified member of the firm.
5. What’s the Benefit of Traffic Ticket Lawyers?
This is one of the most important questions. You’ve probably considered handling the traffic ticket yourself. Some courts have even made it convenient to pay your ticket, so you might be wondering if hiring a lawyer is worth it.
So why do you even need to hire an attorney in the first place?
No matter how small, traffic tickets are considered to be criminal matters. If you just pay the citation without going to court, you are pleading guilty. Some traffic tickets go on your record and can increase your car insurance rates.
Hiring an attorney gives you better options. Your lawyer can get your ticket dismissed. Ask your attorney what they can do to improve your situation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right lawyer is a decision that can improve or worsen your situation. Whether you heard about a lawyer from a friend or saw a clever ad on television, you should do your research.
Good traffic ticket lawyers will not be offended if you ask them questions. They should make you feel comfortable with your decision to consider them.
An honest traffic attorney with integrity will be able to quickly tell you if your case has a chance in court. Then, they will stop at nothing to help you win.
If you want help from the Florida Ticket Firm, ask a Traffic Ticket Attorney today!
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