Whether you’ve been accused of drunk driving or a lesser offense like speeding, the potential consequences are serious. Losing your license or your vehicle may cost you your job. At the very least, DUI convictions and traffic citations can lead to higher insurance premiums. In many cases, a poorly handled DUI charge can result in jail time and steep fines. Therefore, it is important to contest any driving-related issue with the help of an experienced lawyer.
Speeding
When you receive a speeding ticket, our goal is to have the ticket reduced so that you will not experience the negative effects on your driver’s license or car insurance policy. There are a few different options for getting a speeding ticket reduced, depending on how many miles per hour over the speed limit the ticket was written for. Having the ticket reduced to a lower speed, having it reduced to a non-moving violation, or asking the court to grand you a Prayer for Judgement Continued are the three basic options. With either of these three options, your insurance will not be affected, and your driver’s license is protected against points and/or suspensions. Each option has different qualifications based several factors, including your driving history and the speed you were ticketed for. Contact me so that we may consider if you are eligible for either of these three options.
Careless & Reckless Driving
The most basic definition of careless & reckless driving is driving in a way that is dangerous to yourself or to other people. This broad catch-all can cover a wide variety of different offenses, such as failing to yield, or driving more than 15 MPH over the speed limit. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor, and can result in license suspensions, potential prison sentences, and/or points on your license if not handled appropriately. It is of the upmost importance to contest any driving-related issue with the help of an experienced lawyer.
License Revoked
If your driver’s license has been revoked, it is recommended for you to work with an experienced attorney, such as myself, to request a hearing to have your driver’s license reinstated. You may be tempted to drive without a license; however, driving with a revoked license is a misdemeanor, and can result in jail time, especially if the license was revoked due to a DUI conviction. The legal ramifications of such a charge can be very serious, as well as also causing your auto insurance premiums to increase. If your driver’s license has been revoked, or if you are facing a charge of driving with your license revoked, contact me today so that we can begin the process of a case review and determine what options you have.
No Registration
A vehicle intended to be operated in the state of North Carolina must be registered with the Division of Motor Vehicles. Whether you have been cited for driving with expired tags, a revoked registration, altered registration, or no registration at all, the charge is a Class 3 misdemeanor, which can carry a penalty up to 20 days in jail, in addition to fines. Thankfully, this type of charge is not considered a moving violation for insurance purposes; however, that does not mean that it is no to be treated seriously: missing a court date for this type of citation can result in the issuance of an arrest warrant. Throughout my career, I have handled numerous registration charges, and in the majority of situations I can get the charges entirely dismissed.
No Inspection
In order to obtain a vehicle registration in the state of North Carolina, the motor vehicle must pass an annual safety and emissions inspection. Driving with a vehicle that has failed the safety or emissions test in North Carolina is illegal and could result in fines or penalties. If the vehicle has not been inspected by the due date, the vehicle will be blocked from obtaining registration until the inspection has been completed. As mentioned above, driving without a vehicle registration is a serious crime that could end in fines and even jail time.
No Insurance
The North Carolina Motor Vehicle Safety and Financial Responsibility Act states that vehicles must carry certain minimum amounts of liability insurance, in order to register and operate the motor vehicle in this state. There are a few different penalties for driving without auto insurance, and they range depending on how many previous offences you have had. Nevertheless, whether it’s your first offence or fifth offence, it is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor, which means you could face potential imprisonment or probation if not handled swiftly and correctly. Other potential penalties include fines and registration and license plate suspension. Contact me today to ensure this matter is handled in a way that will cause you the least disruption to your daily life.
Driver’s License Restoration
The state of North Carolina takes DUI convictions very seriously. As soon as you fail or refuse a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test, you will immediately lose your license. Driver’s license revocation and restoration after a DUI conviction is a complicated area of law, so in order to avoid a negative outcome, it is very important that you speak with an experienced attorney who can help you through the process of restoring your driver’s license.
