North Carolina has some of the most severe traffic laws in the country. As such, before you pay your ticket online, speak with an attorney about your options. In some cases, you may even be able to reduce your citation. There are also several negative consequences that can arise from paying your ticket prematurely, so there is good reason to receive legal advice before doing so.
Inadvertently pleading guilty
By paying off your traffic ticket, you may end up inadvertently or unintentionally pleading guilty to a traffic charge. By doing so, you can substantially increase your auto insurance premium and create a criminal record.
Adding points to your insurance policy
Traffic violations result in points on your insurance, which will directly impact your premium amounts. For example, a speeding charge for driving just eleven miles per hour in excess of the speed limit can result in up to four insurance points, which can yield a 90 percent increase in your rate. If you accumulate too many points, you can eventually lose your license.
Waiting to pay can result in avoiding accrual of points.
Although the State will push you to expeditiously pay your ticket online, waiting to pay can benefit you in several ways. First and foremost, if you reduce your speed to less than ten miles per hour over the speed limit, reduce your charge to a non-moving violation, or seek a prayer for judgment (PJC), you can avoid accruing excess points.
Your criminal defense attorney can help you decide whether to pay your ticket online or whether you should fight your charges. If you find yourself in need of assistance, Attorney Cotten can help. He has served hundreds of satisfied clients through Wake, Johnston, Harnett, Orange, Sampson, Lee, and Chatham Counties. Give him a call or click over to the main page to chat with a legal assistant.
