Tampa Traffic Ticket Lawyer

What to Do After Receiving a Traffic Ticket in Tampa

Don’t Pay That Ticket Before You Talk to a Lawyer

Many offenses are significantly more complicated than they seem, and every traffic ticket lawyer knows this too well. Contrary to what you may think, the consequences of a traffic citation may be more than just paying a fine. From points on your record to skyrocketing insurance costs, a revoked license, and other consequences, you have much to lose after a traffic violation. This is why you must take all the necessary steps to fight a traffic ticket and its unpleasant consequences.

If you’re wondering how to avoid a traffic offense conviction, the first step is to speak with our Tampa traffic ticket attorneys. Regardless of the specifics of your case, our knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer in Tampa will always represent your best interests. For example, if your record is clean, we’ll explore all available options to maintain the status quo. However, if you’ve got points on your record, the goal will be to ensure you don’t worsen your situation.

 

Types of Traffic Tickets in Tampa

Both Civil And Criminal Traffic Offenses Carry Steep Penalties

Traffic tickets in Tampa are divided into two categories—civil and criminal offenses. Civil traffic infractions are the more common traffic citations in Florida. While this traffic violation does not carry criminal punishments, it still comes with negative penalties. For example, motorists who receive a civil citation may get points on their license, pay fines, and have an increased risk of higher insurance premiums. Accumulated points from many civil traffic violations may also lead to license suspension or revocation.

Examples of civil traffic offenses in Tampa include:

• Running a red light
• Speeding
• Careless driving
• Failure to yield
• Driving on an expired license
• Broken head or tail lights
• Insufficient child safety restraints
• Driving without a seatbelt.

On the other hand, criminal traffic tickets carry steeper penalties than civil citations and may lead to higher fines, probation, or jail time. Common examples of criminal traffic infractions include:

• Reckless driving
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Driving on a suspended or revoked license
• Speeding more than 30 mph over the official speed limit
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Disobeying lawful orders from law enforcement agents and fire service officials
• Driving without registration.

 

Why Should I Hire A Traffic Ticket Attorney in Tampa?

Don’t Take The Risk of Representing Yourself

Hiring a competent Tampa traffic ticket lawyer to fight your traffic citation isn’t just a formality. Our skilled traffic ticket attorneys offer real value and will help to improve your chances of a clean record by:

• Offering you quality legal advice and discussing your legal options
• Answering your questions and improving your understanding of the court process
• Protecting your rights to ensure that you’re not mistreated in the process of fighting your traffic ticket
• Gathering evidence to prove your case
• Speaking on your behalf in court
• Leveraging all available strategies to prove your innocence or get your penalties reduced.

At Taracks & Associates, our more than 30 years of experience in helping clients handle their traffic citations makes us qualified to help you, too. We’re former prosecutors who understand Tampa’s traffic legal landscape and how to navigate its twists and turns. You can be sure that we’ll put our expensive knowledge into helping you get the best results.

Commonly Asked Questions

We’ll Put An End to Your Areas of Concern

It would be strange if you didn’t have questions regarding your traffic ticket in Tampa. Knowing this, we’ve prepared ourselves to attend to all your concerns and queries, including the most frequently asked ones below:

What If I Choose to Ignore A Traffic Ticket in Tampa?

Disregarding a traffic ticket in Tampa is always a huge mistake. When you ignore a traffic ticket, you increase your risk of having a warrant out for your arrest, additional fines, and license suspension. The best thing to do after receiving a traffic ticket is to consult with your Tampa traffic ticket lawyer for advice on how to fight it.

What Defense Can I Employ to Fight My Tampa Traffic Ticket? 

While there are numerous defenses against a traffic violation in Tampa, the appropriate one for your case depends on your offense. For example, an effective defense against careless driving may not hold water if you were cited for speeding. So, since there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to traffic ticket cases, it’s best to get personalized legal instructions from an experienced Tampa traffic ticket attorney.

How Much Will I Pay for A Traffic Ticket in Tampa? 

Even though Florida Statute 318.18 specifies the minimum fines for traffic violations in the state, counties and cities are also allowed to regulate their fine schedules. In the exercise of this power, Tampa’s moving violation fines are significantly higher than the state’s minimum. For example, speeding violations from 6 to 29 mph carry a fine ranging from $118 to $268. The fines tend to increase if the offense was committed in a construction or school zone.

Will I Have to Go to Court?

In many cases, you don’t have to go to court for a traffic ticket because you can pay them online. However, for serious violations where the penalties are determined by a judge, you may be required to appear in court. You may also need to go to court if you intend to contest your traffic ticket.

 

Speak with A Tampa Traffic Ticket Lawyer from Taracks & Associates Now

Connect With Us to Receive Quality Legal Guidance

Dealing with a traffic ticket in Tampa isn’t an exciting activity. Regardless, you must take it seriously to protect your driving record from too many accumulated points. Instead of ignoring a traffic citation, you should take the bull by the horns and fight it with everything you’ve got. Fortunately, you don’t have to do this alone.

At Taracks & Associates, we’re always ready to go the extra mile with you in your journey to quashing your driving ticket. Regardless of the peculiar circumstances surrounding your case, we’ll evaluate your situation to determine the best course of action. We believe that a driver’s license is one of the most valuable assets any motorist in Tampa can have. As such, we’ll do everything in our power to protect yours.