The Pros and Cons of Pleading Guilty to a Traffic Ticket

It is generally faster and easier to plead guilty after a traffic violation and pay the fines. You may not have the time to research the traffic laws or go to the court hearing. However, the consequences of pleading guilty to a traffic ticket include fines and higher insurance rates.

There are benefits and drawbacks to pleading guilty to a traffic ticket. However, traffic laws can depend on your state. Talk to a traffic violation lawyer for legal advice on handling your traffic ticket.

Understanding the Plea Process

Cases for traffic violations are similar to criminal cases, but not as restrictive. Parking tickets are non-moving violations that generally won’t increase your insurance rates. Most traffic offenses are moving violation infractions, including speeding tickets, running a red light, or running a stop sign. However, some motor vehicle offenses carry misdemeanor criminal charges, like drunk driving (DUI) or reckless driving.

When you get a ticket, the police officer reports probable cause that you violated a traffic law or infraction. However, you still have your day in court if you want to contest the charges. There are a few options for responding to most traffic tickets, including:

• Plead guilty by sending in the ticket and paying the fine
• Challenging the ticket by mail with a trial by written declaration
• Request a traffic court hearing to challenge the ticket in person
• Traffic school as part of a plea bargain

Responding to Criminal Charges

You can generally make three types of pleas when the judge reads the charges against you. With criminal cases, your pleading options include:

• Guilty plea
• Not guilty plea
• No contest plea (nolo contendere)

No contest means you are not pleading guilty, but not challenging the conviction. The conviction will still show up on your criminal record, and you will face the same penalties. However, the penalties can be worse than a plea deal and pleading to a lesser offense.

Pleading Guilty for Traffic School

Some states automatically offer traffic school when the driver has a minor traffic violation with no prior recent traffic citations. Even if you don’t automatically get an offer for traffic school, you can ask for traffic school at your traffic court appearance.

For traffic school, you plead guilty to a traffic violation and must attend a driver safety course. After completing the class and paying the fine, the points won’t go on your public driving record. With traffic school, you plead guilty but can avoid higher insurance premiums.

Advantages of Pleading Guilty

Pleading guilty and paying the ticket is generally the simplest way to deal with a traffic violation. By pleading guilty, you can pay your fine by mail or online without going to traffic court. This can save you time, and you don’t have to take time off work to go to court. For out-of-state drivers, pleading guilty could be the best option.

Disadvantages and Potential Consequences

Potential consequences of pleading guilty to a traffic ticket include:

• Traffic violation fines and court fees
• Suspended driver’s license
• Higher insurance rates

The immediate consequence of pleading guilty is the traffic fine. You will generally have to pay the traffic ticket and any court costs. Speeding tickets can range from about $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on the state and how fast you are going.

Most states have a points system for traffic violations. Too many points on your record within a certain period will result in your driver’s license suspension. You can’t drive on a suspended license and may have trouble getting to work, taking your kids to school, or attending medical appointments. You will also have to pay to get your license reinstated.

Most insurance companies will increase your rates after a ticket for driving over the speed limit. If multiple traffic violations are on your record, your premiums can rise beyond what you can pay. Your insurance company can also drop coverage. Some insurance companies won’t increase rates for a first-time minor ticket. Check with your car insurance provider for the financial consequences of pleading guilty.

Pleading Not Guilty to Keep the Ticket Off Your Record

You can plead not guilty and challenge the violation to keep it off your record. Some drivers challenge the ticket by mail or in traffic court. Do your research before challenging your own traffic ticket. Make sure you understand your legal defenses and bring any evidence to support your case. You may need to take time off from work or school for the court date. If the judge disagrees, you will still have to pay the fine and take the points.

You can hire a criminal defense lawyer to fight the traffic ticket, so you don’t have to appear in person. A traffic ticket lawyer understands the local traffic laws and can win your case or negotiate a lesser charge. In some cases, the cost of a traffic ticket attorney is lower than the increased cost of your insurance premiums and court fines.

Balance the pros and cons of pleading guilty to a traffic ticket. Contact a traffic violation attorney for legal advice about the best way to handle your traffic ticket.