Traffic Violation Lawyers in Charleston

Some common traffic citations people get are:

• Speeding
• Improper Lane Change
• Failure to Yield
• Reckless Driving
• Failure to Stop
• DUI
• DUS

Receiving one of these tickets in Charleston can have immediate and long-term consequences. Understanding their implications is crucial to limiting their impact on your life.

Immediate Consequences

Initially, you face the cost of the fine itself. Depending on the severity of the violation, fines can be substantial, creating an immediate financial strain. If you contest the ticket, you may need to appear in court.

You could lose your license, depending on the type of traffic violation. Losing your license can result in having to pay for transportation to work, an inability to drive your children to and from school, having to get someone else to drive you when you need to go grocery shopping, and any number of other inconveniences.

Another immediate consequence in the case of DUIs is incarceration. If you’re charged with a DUI, even for the first time, you’ll spend at least two days in jail. For a fourth or subsequent offense, you’ll be in prison for at least a year.

Long-term Consequences:

• Insurance Premium Increases: One of the most significant long-term effects of a traffic ticket is the potential increase in auto insurance premiums. Insurers often raise rates for drivers with violations, viewing them as higher risk. This increase can persist for several years, significantly adding to your overall expenses.
• Points on Your Driving Record: Traffic violations typically add points to your driving record. Accumulating points can lead to higher insurance costs, and if you accumulate enough, you may face a suspension of your driving privileges.
• Employment Impact: Any traffic violation could jeopardize employment status for those whose jobs require a clean driving record, such as commercial drivers.

Handling a traffic ticket in Charleston with awareness and strategic action can help you avoid the worst of these consequences. Whether you choose to pay the fine and accept the penalties or contest the charges with the help of a skilled attorney, you should understand each of these short-term and long-term effects before making a decision.

Is it Worth it to Hire a Traffic Violation Lawyer?

If you’ve already received a traffic ticket in Charleston, SC, your next steps can significantly impact your driving record and financial future. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the process and how a traffic violation lawyer can be indispensable:

Decision Time—To Pay or Not to Pay:

Settling the ticket admits guilt and results in immediate consequences, including points on your license and possible hikes in insurance rates. Such increases can persist for years, burdening you with higher insurance costs.

Opting to fight the ticket opens up avenues to possibly dismiss or at least reduce the charges and penalties. This path can preserve your driving record and keep insurance premiums stable.

The Role of a Traffic Violation Lawyer:

An experienced traffic violation lawyer is crucial in challenging a traffic ticket in Charleston, SC.

Initially, your lawyer will assess the specifics of your citation and the circumstances of your case. This consultation is critical for understanding the strength of your case and the likelihood of success in contesting the ticket.

You can contest your traffic ticket by highlighting procedural errors. For example, if the ticketing officer failed to follow proper protocol during the stop or if there was an error in how they filed the ticket with the court, these issues can be grounds for dismissal. In Charleston, where law enforcement must adhere to specific procedural guidelines, an experienced lawyer can identify and challenge any deviations that might have occurred.

You can also contest the evidence used to prosecute a traffic violation. A typical scenario might involve questioning the accuracy of radar gun readings used to allege speeding. Your lawyer can request maintenance records for the device or certification records of the officer’s training with the radar equipment to see if all measurements are accurate and legally compliant.

These legal interventions are essential for presenting a solid case and potentially overturning a traffic violation in Charleston. They can help make sure that you pursue every legal avenue to protect your rights and driving record.

Pre-Trial Preparations:

Your lawyer will meticulously gather all pertinent evidence, including traffic camera footage, witness statements, and any discrepancies in the officer’s report. They will also handle all necessary documentation and correspondence with the court.

Court Representation:

Murphy Crantford Meehan’s lawyers are known for our assertive representation in court. We will passionately argue your case, aiming for dismissal or the lightest possible penalties.

Don’t forget you have the right to a jury trial, which can be a pivotal advantage in your case. Our lawyers are experienced in presenting compelling arguments to Charleston juries, significantly enhancing your chances of a favorable verdict.

Negotiating lesser penalties becomes crucial if dismissal isn’t possible. Our skilled lawyers can often reduce fines and points, significantly mitigating long-term consequences.

Final Resolution:

Depending on the strength of your defense, the case may end with the prosecution dropping or significantly reducing the charges, which a competent attorney is more likely to achieve.

Why Hire Murphy Crantford Meehan?

When you choose Murphy Crantford Meehan, you select a team with exceptional proficiency in defending against traffic charges in Charleston, South Carolina. Our lawyers have deep knowledge of traffic laws and the local courts, and we are committed to safeguarding your rights through vigorous representation.

At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we understand the severe implications of traffic violations and prioritize the development of a customized defense plan for each client. This tailored approach ensures that your specific circumstances and the nuances of your case guide our strategy, which can maximize the chances of a favorable outcome. Our firm’s dedication extends to every step of the legal process, where we actively defend your interests and strive for the best possible results. Trust Murphy Crantford Meehan to deliver effective legal solutions that aim to protect your driving privileges and minimize any negative consequences for your future.

Get the Legal Help You Need Today

If you were charged with a traffic violation in Charleston, don’t make light of your situation. You may think that a traffic ticket is a minor issue and that you can talk your way out of it or that you could just show up in court and get them to dismiss it. Neither of these is the way to go. You shouldn’t try to take on the traffic court on your own without skilled legal guidance.

These citations can have great consequences on your ability to drive and the cost of your insurance. Our Charleston criminal defense laywers fight these charges. Contact us today for traffic violations in Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Folly Beach, James Island, West Ashley, Summerville and all surrounding areas.