For most people, the surprise and ramification of getting a speeding ticket in Kansas City can be anxiety provoking and very expensive. Between the fine from the speeding ticket, points assessed against your driving record and possibly going before a judge, there is no doubt the whole experience can be disturbing. Fortunately, you do not have to cope with this experience alone. A skilled Kansas City speeding ticket attorney will be able to walk you through the process of fighting the speeding ticket itself, lessen the ramifications of points on your driving record, and hopefully get nothing on your record at all.
Contents
- 1 Why You Need a Kansas City Speeding Ticket Lawyer
- 2 What Happens With A Speeding Ticket?
- 3 How will the lawyer help you with your speeding ticket?
- 4 Benefits of Hiring a Kansas City Speeding Ticket Lawyer
- 5 Common Causes of Speeding Tickets in Kansas City
- 6 What Should You Do If You Get a Speeding Ticket?
- 7 How Speeding Tickets Affect Your Insurance
- 8 Fighting Your Speeding Ticket in Kansas City Court
- 9 What Should I Do If I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
- 10 What Happens If You Ignore a Speeding Ticket?
- 11 Other Penalties You May Face for Speeding
- 12 Avoiding or dismissing speeding tickets in Kansas City
- 13 Summary
- 14 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 15 1. Can I contest a speeding ticket myself without a lawyer?
- 16 2. How long do speeding ticket points remain on my driving record in Kansas City?
- 17 3. What can happen if I ignore a speeding ticket?
- 18 4. Can a lawyer get my speeding ticket dismissed?
- 19 5. How much does it cost to have a speeding ticket lawyer in Kansas City?
- 20 Endnote
Why You Need a Kansas City Speeding Ticket Lawyer
Speeding tickets do more than just cost money. They add points to your license. These points can cause your insurance rates to rise. Too many points may lead to your license being suspended. A local lawyer knows the traffic laws and court system well. They work to get your charges lowered or dismissed. When you hire a lawyer you will off-load your anxiety and stress because A WILL save you time. That means you can leave all the court dates and forms to the lawyer so you do not even think about it and just move on with your life without worrying and stress.
What Happens With A Speeding Ticket?
It starts with the driver being pulled over by the police, and politely accepting the speeding ticket. The officer will tell you the speed you were going, the speed limit, and the amount of the fine. Then, you have 8 options which will determine if you will pay the ticket, or court your non-attendance at some future date, in court. You may choose to go to court and challenge the ticket. You could also hire a lawyer to challenge this for you. You cannot ignore the ticket, because you will have to face the repercussions, and there will be consequences that revolve around the ticket, both civilly and criminally, potential refusal to renew or a suspension/ definitely netting/deducting points off of your driving record.
How will the lawyer help you with your speeding ticket?
A speeding ticket lawyer studies your case closely. They check if the officer followed the correct procedures. Sometimes, officers make mistakes. The radar or speed detection device may not have been used properly. Your lawyer might also talk to the prosecutor to reduce your charge. For example, they may lower a speeding charge to a non-moving violation. This can mean fewer or no points on your license.
Benefits of Hiring a Kansas City Speeding Ticket Lawyer
- Avoid points on your driving record. Points raise your insurance premiums.
- Lower fines or reduced charges. You may pay less or nothing at all.
- Skip court appearances. The lawyer can represent you in court.
- Protect your driving privileges. Avoid suspension or revocation of your license.
- Less stress. The lawyer handles everything while you relax.
Common Causes of Speeding Tickets in Kansas City
- Driving faster than the speed limit;
- Speeding in a construction or work zone;
- Speeding in a school zone;
- Reckless driving or racing in public;
- Driving too fast for the conditions or slower if warranted by the weather or driving conditions;
Each of the above will be uniquely different with different ranges of punishment. Your lawyer will look at your defense based on the circumstances of your particular case.
What Should You Do If You Get a Speeding Ticket?
- Read the ticket carefully. Note the deadline to respond or appear in court.
- Decide if you want to fight the ticket. Paying the fine means admitting guilt.
- Contact a Kansas City speeding ticket lawyer right away. Early action helps your case.
- Keep all documents and notices related to the ticket.
- Follow your lawyer’s advice and instructions.
Expensive charges for hiring a Kansas City speeding ticket attorney
The expense of hiring a Kansas City speeding ticket attorney will depend on many aspects of your case. Some reckless driving lawyers will provide representation for a flat fee, while others will charge by the hour, more based on client needs than their own. The price of hiring a lawyer is usually much cheaper than the fines and insurance increases that accompany a speeding ticket.
How Speeding Tickets Affect Your Insurance
Insurance companies review your driving record when setting rates. Tickets signal risk. This can make your insurance more expensive for several years. Avoiding points on your license helps keep your rates lower.
Fighting Your Speeding Ticket in Kansas City Court
If you choose to fight your ticket, a hearing will be scheduled. You or your lawyer will present your side. The officer will also give their testimony. Your lawyer can challenge the accuracy of the speed reading or how the officer stopped you.
Often, lawyers get charges dropped or reduced. This can mean no points or smaller fines.
What Should I Do If I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
If you are having financial issues, then you should ask lawyers about payment plans and/or reduced fees. Many lawyers have free consultation periods. Ask before you decide what you can afford.
How Long are Points from a Speeding Ticket on My Record?
For Missouri, points will typically be part of your record for usually two years. However, your insurance will usually keep a record of your points longer than that. The greater issues are that if you have more points, you will be paying more for your insurance.
What Happens If You Ignore a Speeding Ticket?
Ignoring your ticket will cause more trouble. The court may issue a warrant for your arrest. Your driver’s license can be suspended. You might also face additional fines. Never ignore a ticket.
Other Penalties You May Face for Speeding
Besides fines and points, you could face:
- License suspension or revocation for repeated offenses
- Traffic school or driver improvement courses
- Increased insurance premiums
- Court costs and fees
- Community service or probation in severe cases
A lawyer may help you fight those speeding tickets and possibly get them dismissed or lowered in Kansas City.
Avoiding or dismissing speeding tickets in Kansas City
- Follow the posted speed limit sign.
- Pay attention to speed zones that can be enforced such as school zones and construction zones.
- If you are on the interstate use cruise control when you can.
- Be aware of the current conditions so that your not speeding because of a road, trade sign, pedestrians or other vehicles.
- Try to be a safe driver by knowing the possibilities that can come from driving in conditions that could be dangerous due to weather or roadway traffic.
Summary
If you were issued a speeding ticket in Kansas City, then you face more than just fines and points on your driving record; more importantly, your insurance rates could be affected by a speeding ticket. A local Kansas City attorney can answer any questions about the potential consequences from a Kansas City speeding ticket, and can assist you in making informed decisions. Kansas City attorneys know how to navigate the Kansas City court system and will protect your rights. If you can’t afford to fight your Kansas City speeding ticket on your own you should not try to! Call a speeding ticket lawyer in Kansas City to provide you peace of mind and legal assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I contest a speeding ticket myself without a lawyer?
Yes, although lawyers know the law and generally will get better results.
2. How long do speeding ticket points remain on my driving record in Kansas City?
Usually two years; although it stays on your insurance record even longer.
3. What can happen if I ignore a speeding ticket?
You run the risk of a warrant, a fine plus additional fines, or losing your driver’s license.
4. Can a lawyer get my speeding ticket dismissed?
Sometimes. A lawyer will find mistakes on the ticket or negotiate the charge down to a lower offense.
5. How much does it cost to have a speeding ticket lawyer in Kansas City?
The rates vary; but are usually less than any fines cost or increase to your insurance costs.
Endnote
If you want to keep your driving record clean and avoid fines, contact a Kansas City dui lawyer. Don’t let a ticket cause you trouble or stress. Get professional help today.