St. Augustine Traffic Lawyer

A speeding ticket, a parking ticket, or just about any other such citation may seem minor, but it still needs to be handled properly, or you could be facing serious consequences. You may see significant increases in your insurance rates, lose your driving privileges, or pay high fines.

Do not ignore a ticket or let them pile up. Come into the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., and speak with an experienced St. Augustine traffic lawyer about what you can do. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney could help you understand your options, protect your driving record, and work to reduce or dismiss the charges so you can move forward.

The Common Types of Traffic Offenses

There are two categories of traffic law violations: civil infractions and criminal accusations. By far the most common that just about everyone will encounter in their life is the civil kind. This includes small offenses such as speeding over the posted limit and running a red light. Since these are relatively minor and usually do not involve other people, the consequences are also minor.

Criminal offenses are those actions that put other people at risk of injury, including the drivers themselves. Many are familiar with the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs (DUI), which is perhaps the most well-known criminal charge when it comes to traffic violations. Other examples include driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident. Of course, since these are serious charges, a conviction could carry severe punishments.

Whether it is a civil or criminal traffic matter, it is important to discuss your legal options with a qualified attorney in St. Augustine. A local lawyer could examine the situation to build a defense against the citation for a favorable outcome.

What Are the Possible Penalties For a Vehicle Violation?

The exact consequences for violating a traffic law in St. Augustine depend on several factors, so seeking legal advice is vital to understanding how to approach the situation. Certainly, the biggest factor is whether the issue is civil or criminal.

Civil infractions, such as a speeding ticket, usually do not require a court appearance and can be resolved by paying the fine. Of course, the amount is based on how fast over the limit the person was going at the time of the citation. For example, 10 miles per hour over the limit is a $100 fine, but going 30 miles per hour over the limit is a $250 fine.

Civil violations also carry consequences beyond the courtroom, including points. The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigns demerit points to a person’s license to track driver history. For instance, a speeding ticket carries three points, while reckless driving carries four points. Accumulating these points could result in a suspended license and a requirement to attend classes.

Criminal allegations carry heftier fines —typically around $500, but as high as $1000. Some charges could also result in jail time, and years-long prison sentences could occur if the traffic crime caused harm to another person.

A citation could have significant consequences, even if it is just a speeding ticket. A skilled lawyer could help drivers in St. Augustine determine how best to handle their situation.

Issued a Traffic Ticket in St. Augustine? Reach Out to Our Lawyers for Help

Have you been pulled over? A St. Augustine traffic lawyer from our firm could go over all your legal options and help you move forward.

You may be feeling uncertain about what you can do, and we are here to provide guidance and support. Call the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., to set up a case evaluation with a member of our team. Problems? Pick Porter!™