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Philadelphia Traffic Violations Lawyers
Approximately 125,000 people are cited for traffic violations each day in the United States. This statistic indicates that drivers may not fully understand the ramifications of operating their vehicles in an unsafe manner.
When compared with other crimes, traffic violations may not seem like serious offenses. However, they can impact your life in a significant way. The most common consequences of traffic violations include a driver’s license suspension, hefty fines, marks on your permanent criminal record and jail time.
Types of Traffic Violations in Pennsylvania
There are dozens of different traffic violations in Pennsylvania. The most common traffic violations include driving with a suspended license, reckless driving, driving without a license, leaving the scene of an accident, drag racing, attempting to elude or fleeing a police officer, vehicular homicide and aggravated assault with a vehicle.
Here’s an overview of the most common traffic violations in Pennsylvania.
Driving with a suspended license – Your license must be valid in order to lawfully operate a vehicle in Pennsylvania. If you drive with a suspended license, the first offense could cost as much as $200. Additional offenses could result in jail time or fines up to $1,000.
Reckless driving – Driving in a manner without concern for the safety of others is considered reckless driving in Pennsylvania. Examples of reckless driving include weaving in/out of traffic, speeding and tailgating. Reckless driving could land you in jail for up to 90 days. Other consequences of reckless driving are a license suspension and a fine (up to $200.)
Driving without a license – You must possess a driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Pennsylvania. You could be fined for as much as $200 for operating a vehicle without a license. If you can prove to the Pennsylvania court within 15 days that your driver’s license was destroyed, stolen or lost, you may be able to avoid this penalty.
Leaving the scene of an accident – If you have been involved in an accident, you must stay at the scene. If you leave, you could be charged with leaving the scene of an accident. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the charges could be a misdemeanor or a felony.
Drag racing – Police officers will arrest you for drag racing if you race another car or try to beat the clock by speeding with your car. Consequences for drag racing include a driver’s license suspension and fines.
Attempting to elude or fleeing a police officer – Police have the right to stop you as you are driving your vehicle. Signals police officers use to stop motorists include voice instructions, emergency lights, hand gestures and sirens. If you ignore these signals and keep driving, you could be charged with a felony or misdemeanor.
Vehicular homicide – Unfortunately, drivers kill thousands of people each year due to traffic infractions, negligence or reckless driving. Homicide by vehicle is a third-degree felony. Consequences include fines and prison time (up to 7 years).
Aggravated assault with a vehicle – Causing injuries while operating a vehicle is aggravated assault by a vehicle. Consequences for being charged with this crime include fines and jail time.
How Amato Sanita Law Offices Can Help
Lawyers at Amato Sanita Law Offices are available to defend you against Pennsylvania criminal charges. Our goal is to get the best possible results for your case. If you would like to discuss your case with an experienced attorney, contact our Feasterville, Philadelphia or Norristown office. One of our attorneys will gladly review your case and devise an action plan to fight the charges.