Traffic Tickets

Do I need a Missouri speeding ticket attorney?

Every case is different and depending on your circumstances the need for a lawyer will vary. Most people can benefit from the services of a Missouri speeding ticket attorney at a low cost. Here are some things to consider:

◦ Do I want to go to Court?

◦ Do I want my Insurance to go up?

◦ Do I want to lose my license?

◦ Do I want this ticket to show up on my record?

◦ Do I want the hassle of handling this myself?

If the answer to any of those questions is NO then you may want a Missouri speeding ticket attorney. However, you may have a completely different motivation for wanting an attorney. Consider the following questions:

◦ Was there an accident?

◦ Was I going over 100 mph?

◦ Did I receive more than one ticket?

◦ Is there a warrant out for my arrest?

◦ Are you past the date listed on the ticket to pay or appear in Court?

If the Answer to any of those questions is YES then you most definitely want to consult a Missouri speeding ticket attorney.

Will my insurance rates increase?

While there is no guarantee your insurance rates will increase, it is a common occurrence. The reason for this is the high risk the insurance company bears by keeping you as an insured driver. When you get a a Missouri speeding ticket or when you have an accident, a certain number of points are assigned to your license. If you accumulate too many points in too short a time period, your license can be suspended and your insurance rates can increase. Insurance companies often charge more to drivers with traffic tickets and poor driving record.

Can I keep this off my record?

Maybe. Paying a Missouri speeding ticket might seem like the easiest way to take care of things, but if you simply pay your Missouri speeding ticket you will probably end up with points on your license and may pay increased insurance rates. In most cases we can get your fines reduced and/or help you avoid getting points on your Missouri driving record. Some drivers will be required to take a driver’s safety class, but each case is different.

Will I lose my License?

In order to answer this question we will need to know how many points are on your Missouri driving record currently as well as the current charge. The Department of Revenue adds points to your Missouri driving record when it receives notice that you were convicted of a a Missouri speeding ticket. The number of points you receive for a conviction depends on moving violation of which you are convicted. For example, a conviction for speeding in violation of a municipal ordinance will result in 2 points being added to your license while a conviction for speeding in violation of state law will result in 3 points being added to your license. A conviction for leaving the scene of an accident in violation of state law will result in 12 points being added to (and the immediate suspension of) your Missouri driver license. 

Do I need to go to Court?

If you retain a Missouri speeding ticket attorney you probably do not need to go to Court, but every case is different. Be sure to ask your Missouri speeding ticket attorney if you are needed in Court.

How much will this cost me?  

There are multiple things to consider when looking at costs. The cost of hiring a Missouri speeding ticket attorney can be as low as $99.00. However, in most cases you will still need to pay some Court fines and Court costs. Never-the-less, paying a Missouri speeding ticket attorney may save you a lot more in the long run. Having a Missouri speeding ticket attorney will likely keep you from having to take off work to attend Court, they may be able to keep the points off your record, which in turn may keep your insurance rates from going up. 

What happens if I just pay my Missouri speeding ticket?

Points will be assessed to your Missouri driving record, you will pay a set fine and court costs, and your insurance rates may go up. While it seems like the easy way out, just paying a ticket can cost you dearly in the future. In fact many employers are now requesting driving records from potential employees and having too many tickets could keep you from getting that job you really want.

Do I have to take a driving class?

Depending on the situation you may have to take a driving class. However in today’s world of technology it may be easier than you think. Many times the courses you need to take can be done on line in just a short period of time and may cost as little as $25.00. Contact a Missouri speeding ticket attorney to determine if you are eligible for a point reduction in exchange for taking one of these driving courses.

What if I have a warrant?

Contact a Missouri speeding ticket attorney immediately. A Missouri speeding ticket attorney can many times arrange to get the warrant withdrawn without you ever having to go to Court. If the Judge requires your appearance and sets a bond, many times a Missouri speeding ticket attorney can save you thousands of dollars with a bond reduction motion or may even be able to have you released on your own recognizance.

What if I forgot to pay my ticket on time?

This does not necessarily mean you are going to jail, but it does mean you should contact a Missouri speeding ticket attorney to help you resolve the situation. People make mistakes, but if you ignore the matter it could result in bigger problems including jail time.

Can I handle this myself?

Maybe. However, the ramifications of just paying a ticket can be costly not only to your pocket book, but also your Missouri driver’s license. Some have the impression that they can just go down and speak to the prosecutor. While this may be true in some cases, for most people this tactic is ineffective. The prosecutor is at a superior negotiating position already, and an unrepresented defendant may worsen the situation. Remember the age old adage; “a person that represents themselves has a fool for a client”.

What do I do when I am pulled over?

First and foremost immediately pull over at the first safe opportunity. Turning on your flashers will let the officer know you see them and they will appreciate not being placed in a dangerous location. Next, get your license and insurance ready for the officer. Many times an officer will confuse fumbling around and looking for a license as evidence of intoxication. I would suggest keep your license and insurance in a place easily accessible at all times. Finally, be polite. Arguing with the officer will only cause more problems. Remember, they are there to do a job and they will note your polite approach.

What do I do after I receive my ticket?

We would always suggest contacting a Missouri speeding ticket attorney. Make sure you do so immediately and have the ticket available during the consultation. The Missouri speeding ticket attorney will need to know where you received your Missouri speeding ticket, what the charge was, and what your goals are. They will also want to know more about your background. Be honest, lying to your Missouri speeding ticket attorney about past tickets will only hurt you. We may be able to do something about a ticket we know about, but we are helpless against the surprise tickets the prosecutor brings up.