traffic attorney near me

Need a Traffic Attorney Near Me? Here’s How to Find the Best One

Getting a traffic ticket sucks. We all make mistakes on the road sometimes, but those mistakes can end up costing us hundreds in fines and increased insurance rates. That’s where having a good traffic attorney can make all the difference. But finding the right one near you can be tricky. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to find the best traffic lawyer for your situation.

Should You Fight Your Traffic Ticket?

The first question to ask yourself is – should I fight this ticket at all?
You may just want to pay the fine and be done with it. But even a simple speeding ticket can raise your insurance rates. So it’s usually worth at least consulting with a traffic attorney to understand your options.
Here are some cases where you’ll definitely want to fight the ticket:

• You face suspension or revocation of your license
• You’re being accused of reckless driving, DUI, or another serious offense
• You already have multiple offenses on your record
• You know you’re not guilty or there are extenuating circumstances

If any of those apply, you’ll want an experienced traffic lawyer in your corner.

Finding Traffic Lawyers In Your Area

If you decide to fight your traffic citation, the next step is finding attorneys near you. Here are some options:

Search Online Legal Directories

Sites like Avvo, LawInfo, and FindLaw allow you to search for lawyers by location and practice area. You can find traffic attorneys near you and read reviews from past clients. This helps narrow down the options.

Check with Your State Bar Association

Most states have an online directory where you can search for licensed attorneys. Your state bar association website is a great place to find reputable lawyers near you.

Ask Friends and Family for Referrals

Word-of-mouth is often the best recommendation. Ask people you trust if they’ve used a traffic lawyer before. Even if they haven’t gotten a ticket themselves, they may know someone who has.
Personal referrals from people you know always carry more weight than online reviews from strangers.

Choosing the Best Traffic Attorney for You

Once you’ve found some potential options, here’s how to pick the best traffic lawyer for your needs:

Consider Their Experience

Not all attorneys specialize in traffic law. You want someone who focuses specifically on traffic citations and DMV hearings. They’ll be familiar with all the prosecutors and processes in your area.
Look for a lawyer who has represented clients in many cases similar to yours. Experience matters.

Understand the Fees Up Front

Traffic attorneys typically charge flat fees rather than hourly rates. Get quotes from a few lawyers so you can compare costs.
Also understand what’s included. Is it just for fighting the traffic citation? Or will they represent you in license suspension hearings too?
Know what you’re paying for. Read the fine print.

Gauge Their Confidence Level

A good traffic lawyer will give you an honest assessment up front. They’ll let you know the chances of getting the charges reduced or dismissed based on the specifics of your case.
If an attorney guarantees they can get any ticket thrown out completely, that should raise red flags. There are no guarantees.
Look for someone who is optimistic but also realistic about possible outcomes. Confidence without cockiness is key.

Check Their Disciplinary History

You can verify any attorney’s disciplinary status through your state bar association. Make sure the lawyer you choose has a clean record with no serious complaints or ethical violations.

Go with Your Gut Feeling

This is someone who will represent you in legal proceedings. You want an attorney you feel comfortable with.
Do they seem genuinely interested in helping you? Do they answer all your questions clearly without brushing you off? Do they take time to understand your side of the story?
Your instinctive gut reaction matters when choosing the right lawyer to fight for you.

Getting Help from a Traffic Attorney

Here are some of the ways a traffic lawyer can help after you’ve hired them:

• Review the charges against you and discuss possible defenses
• Gather evidence and documents like police reports, camera footage, etc.
• Negotiate with the prosecutor to get charges reduced or dismissed
• Represent you in traffic court if necessary
• Help prevent increased insurance rates and license suspensions

Having an experienced traffic attorney on your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Taking the time to find the right one near you is worth the effort.