Johnston County Traffic Ticket Attorney

Fighting Traffic Citations in North Carolina

A ticket for speeding or other traffic violations can impact your life in a few critical ways. You might pay a fine, which could impact you financially. Additionally, if you are found guilty of the offense, points may be assessed to your driving record, resulting in driver’s license suspension and/or increased insurance rates. In some cases, these consequences can be minimized or avoided altogether. To seek a favorable outcome, reach out to an attorney with experience handling these matters.

At Cotten Law Firm, our Johnston County traffic ticket lawyer recognizes the ramifications of a citation on your future. That is why we are prepared to do what it takes to challenge the allegations. We are ferocious advocates ready to protect your future, driving privileges, and insurance premium. A boutique law firm, we provide the personalized representation you need during this stressful time. Our attorney, Jeremy Cotten, will work one-on-one with you to understand your situation and develop a tailored legal strategy.

To schedule a free consultation with our traffic ticket attorney in Johnston County, call (919) 587-8544 or submit an online contact form. We have one of the lowest overall traffic ticket lawyer rates in North Carolina.

How Do You Fight a Traffic Ticket in NC?

If you got a traffic ticket, you’ll notice that you have various options for paying the fine. For instance, you can pay in person, mail payment, or pay online. However, these methods for resolving your citation results in a conviction for the offense. When you pay the fine, you are essentially admitting guilt and accepting the penalties that come with the violation.

You have the right to challenge your ticket. By doing so, you are saying that you contest the allegations. You may be able to pursue a more optimal result that could enable you to minimize or avoid penalties.

Several avenues are available for fighting your speeding or other traffic violation ticket. You can submit a request with the District Attorney’s office to argue for a reduction in charge or a dismissal of your case.

Although many traffic tickets are resolved outside of trial, you also can take your matter to court, where you will present your arguments before a judge. During the proceeding, you must be sure to follow the rules of evidence and court processes.

Whatever path your case may take, speaking to our Johnston County traffic ticket lawyer before moving forward can be beneficial. We’ll help you understand what it means to simply pay the fine and the potential consequences. A skilled negotiator and litigator, our attorney can develop a compelling defense for you and present your case in or out of court.

We defend against:

• Speeding tickets (G.S. 20-141)
• Failure to use seat belt tickets (G.S. 20-135.2A)
• Failure to yield right of way tickets (G.S. 20-155)
• Racing tickets (G.S. 20-141.3)
• Aggressive driving tickets (G.S. 20-141.6)
• Passing a stopped school bus tickets (G.S. 20-217)

When you turn to us, we will fully investigate the situation. From there, we can determine a method for fighting your ticket.

Possible ways for resolving these cases include, but are not limited:

• Speed reduction
• Improper equipment reduction
• Prayer for judgment (PJC)
• Dismissal

What’s the NC Driver’s License Point System?

A speeding ticket or citation for other traffic violations can result in a 60-day driver’s license suspension. This can happen when you accumulate 12 points on your driving record within 3 years. Getting additional points after your driver’s license has been reinstated can result in a 6-month suspension and a 12-month suspension if points accumulation happens a third time.

Under North Carolina’s driver’s license point system, you can get points on your record by pleading (e.g., paying the fine for a ticket) or being found guilty of a traffic offense. Different violations have different values attached to them.

For instance, you can get:

• 5 points for passing a school bus,
• 4 points for following too closely,
• 3 points for running a stop sign, and
• 2 points for various other moving violations.

Cotten Law Firm is here to help protect your driver’s license.

How Can a Traffic Ticket Effect My Insurance Rates?

Points assessed for a traffic violation conviction impact not only your driver’s license but also your insurance premium. The value of an offense is determined by its seriousness. More severe ones are worth more, leading to a significant spike in insurance rates.

Below are examples of points for different tickets and the corresponding rate percentage increase:

• Speeding at 10 mph or less when the speed limit is under 55 mph
  • 1 point
  • 30% increase
• Illegal passing
  • 2 points
  • 45% increase
• Reckless driving
  • 4 points
  • 80% increase
• Driving during revocation or suspension
  • 8 points
  • 195% increase
• Racing
  • 10 points
  • 260% increase
• Driving while impaired
  • 12 points
  • 340% increase

Turn to our traffic ticket attorney in Johnston County to learn how we can work to protect your insurance premium.

Can a Lawyer Help Challenge My Traffic Ticket?

You have the right to be represented by an attorney throughout your case. At Cotten Law Firm, we can negotiate with the prosecutor or make your case in court. We can even appear on your behalf, preventing you from having to take time out of your busy schedule.

We serve residents of:

• Smithfield
• Clayton
• Benson
• Selma
• Four Oaks
• Princeton
• Archer Lodge
• Pine Level
• Wilsons Mills
• Micro

For high-quality service at a reasonable rate, please reach out to us at (919) 587-8544.

Resources

Johnston County Courthouse Information

207 E Johnston St.

Smithfield, NC 27577

(919) 209-5400

Monday through Friday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm