5 Things you must know to effectively deal with driving infractions

Valerie Raskovic

Mar 19, 2024

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Dealing with driving infractions requires a proactive and strategic approach to minimize potential consequences. Whether you are sited with a basic driving infraction like speeding or a more serious misdemeanor like reckless driving, it is absolutely vital that you take some basic steps in order to protect yourself. Pay attention to the state and county where the offense occurred, as its location is significant. Whether in California or Rhode Island, it's crucial to acquaint yourself with the local traffic laws as laws and penalties will vary by state and county. It is advisable to seek the council of a local attorney for legal advice and representation.

Nevertheless, it's crucial to be well-informed about the fundamental facts before making any significant decisions. Below, we've outlined the essential details:

1. Review the evidence: Review the violation document as well as any other possible evidence related to the infraction, such as photographs, videos or witness statements. Be sure to outline each and every violation and research it on the local county or state website. This can help you assess the severity and validity of the charges and potentially determine the best course of action.

2. Research the violation you were accused of committing: Read and understand the violation, educate yourself about the specific violation you are charged with. Understanding the nature of the offense and its implications, particularly in relation to the laws and penalties specified by those laws within specific states and counties can assist you in navigating the process more efficiently. Factors like the type of infraction you are accused of committing, whether a simple driving infraction, a parking violation or a more serious criminal misdemeanor offence can have a great baring on the amount of time, effort and resources you may wish to allocate to fighting the allegations. For example, a minor parking violation may result in a one-time fine without any long-term repercussions, such as points added to your license or notification to your insurance company. However, in the case of speeding, it's essential to consider various nuances, especially concerning local municipality laws, as certain regions may enforce stricter and harsher penalties than others. State laws regarding traffic offenses vary significantly. For instance, in California, any speed exceeding 100 mph is classified as reckless driving, constituting a misdemeanor offense. However, in Rhode Island, reckless driving is more subjective, with speeding 11 mph or more over the speed limit resulting in fines of $10 per mile over the limit with a minimum fine of $205. Additionally, the circumstances of the violation and whether other offenses were cited during the same stop may determine whether a criminal misdemeanor offense is pursued. Educating yourself on the local laws can help you understand the severity of your offence and start thinking of the best course forward.

3. Know your rights: Research your rights under local laws and contemplate enlisting the support of a qualified legal professional from the same region where the offense allegedly occurred. Hiring a local attorney increases the likelihood that they will be acquainted with the judge and prosecutor and will be able to navigate the legal waters more effectively. Especially when facing charges that carry the potential for significant penalties, it's advisable not to handle the situation alone. A local lawyer can provide valuable guidance and representation to help you contest the charges in court.

4. Respond well within the date designated on the citation: Address the infraction promptly by following the instructions provided on the citation or notice. Do not procrastinate as failure to respond on time may cause you to lose your ability to dispute the siltation and may carry additional penalties.

5. Comply with any and all requirements: Whether your violation or penalty is reduced through the process of legal mitigation by mail or you are required to appear in court on a specific date, make sure to comply with your mandates. If you have hired legal representation, be sure to inform them of any legal notices related to the matter. Your best chance of beating the case or getting a reduced penalty is through the legal process, so ensure you adhere to legal requirements such as deadlines, traffic school attendance and providing any possible mitigating documents. Failing to do so can result in further penalties and legal consequences.

By approaching driving infractions with diligence, responsibility and a willingness to learn, you can effectively navigate the process and mitigate potential repercussions.