St. Petersburg Speeding Tickets: Hiring a Traffic Lawyer

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Last Updated on: 3rd November 2023, 07:12 pm

 

St. Petersburg Speeding Tickets: Hiring a Traffic Lawyer

Getting pulled over for speeding is never fun. The flashing lights in your rearview mirror make your stomach drop. When the officer approaches your window and asks “do you know why I pulled you over today?” you know you’re in trouble.

We all speed sometimes. Maybe you were late for work or had to get the kids to soccer practice. But regardless of the reason, speeding is against the law. And in St. Petersburg, Florida, the police don’t mess around when it comes to speeding tickets.

If you get a ticket for going over the speed limit in St. Pete, you’re facing some pretty serious consequences. Fines, points on your license, increased insurance rates – a speeding ticket can end up costing you big time. So what do you do?

While you could just pay the ticket and be done with it, that leaves you with points on your record. And if you get enough points within a certain time period, your license could be suspended. That’s where a traffic lawyer comes in.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Your Speeding Ticket

Hiring an attorney to fight your speeding ticket in St. Petersburg is usually the smartest move. Here’s why:

• A lawyer knows the system. They understand the prosecutors, the judges, and the best defenses that work in traffic court.
• They can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges against you or have them dropped completely.
• If you go to court, your lawyer can argue for why you should be found not guilty.
• Even if you are found guilty, a lawyer can often get the fine and points reduced or avoid a suspension of your license.

Without a lawyer, you’re basically at the mercy of the court. The police officer who issued you the ticket usually won’t cut you any slack. And the judge has heard every excuse in the book from defendants representing themselves.

Common Defenses Against Speeding Tickets

When fighting a speeding ticket in court, there are some common defenses lawyers use. These include:

• Questioning the validity of the radar/laser reading. Lawyers will look for issues with the technology used to determine your speed and argue it provided an inaccurate reading.
• Challenging where the officer was positioned. If the officer’s line of sight was obstructed, the radar reading could be disputed.
• Disputing the calibration of the equipment. Officers must regularly calibrate speed detection devices. A lawyer can request proof the device was properly calibrated.
• Arguing conditions made the speed reasonable. Heavy traffic, weather conditions, avoiding a hazard, etc. could justify driving over the speed limit.

A skilled attorney knows how to poke holes in the prosecution’s case against you. Without a lawyer, you likely won’t even realize what potential defenses apply to your situation.

What Happens If I Just Pay the Ticket?

The easiest thing to do is just pay your speeding ticket and move on. But this comes with consequences, including:

• Points added to your Florida driver’s license. How many depends on how much over the limit you were driving.
• Increased insurance rates. Most insurers will raise your premiums if you get points on your license.
• Potential license suspension if you rack up too many points.
• Out-of-pocket expenses to pay the fine, which can be $150 or more.

And if you pay a ticket, you’re essentially pleading guilty. That goes on your driving record permanently and can’t be changed later.

How Lawyers Fight Speeding Tickets

If you hire a lawyer to battle your speeding ticket, here are some of the steps they’ll take:

1. Review the ticket and evidence against you.
2. Research potential defenses and look for errors or issues with your case.
3. File paperwork to plead not guilty on your behalf.
4. Attempt to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges.
5. If necessary, represent you in court and argue your case before a judge.
6. Present evidence and question witnesses, like the officer who issued the ticket.
7. Make arguments to show you should be found not guilty.
8. If found guilty, advocate for lesser fines/points and avoiding a license suspension.

Having a lawyer handle all of this maximizes your chances of the best possible outcome. Without legal expertise, you won’t know how to effectively argue your side of things.

Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Speeding Ticket

Not just any lawyer can help with a traffic ticket case. Here are some tips for finding the right speeding ticket attorney in St. Petersburg:

• Look for a lawyer who specializes in traffic law, not just a general practice attorney.
• Find someone familiar with speeding cases in your specific court jurisdiction.
• Ask about their success record fighting tickets similar to yours.
• Inquire about fees and make sure they’re reasonable.
• Read online reviews to see what past clients have said.
• Meet with the lawyer in person if possible to discuss your case.

Having an experienced traffic lawyer in your corner can make all the difference. Many speeding tickets can be reduced or dismissed when handled by a pro.

Is a Lawyer Worth the Cost?

You might be hesitant to hire a lawyer because of the cost. Traffic attorneys typically charge between $100-$300 to handle a speeding ticket case. But consider these benefits:

• Avoid getting points on your license and increased insurance rates.
• Prevent a potential driver’s license suspension.
• Reduce or eliminate fines you’ll have to pay.
• Maintain a clean driving record.
• Have peace of mind knowing your case is being handled by an expert.

When you add up all the ways a ticket can negatively impact you, the cost of an attorney is well worth it. Just one speeding ticket can cost you thousands over the years in insurance hikes alone.