Should I Hire a Criminal Traffic Lawyer?
You probably already know what happens when you ask a lawyer if you should hire a criminal traffic lawyer. However, it’s important to remember that if you decide not to hire a lawyer and you end up pleading guilty or being found guilty, the long-term costs could quickly outweigh your legal fees. There are four main reasons to hire a lawyer.
- Long Term Costs. A conviction for a criminal traffic offense can often mean a major increase in your insurance rates for as long as 3 years. When you add that to the cost of paying the ticket, you could end up laying out a lot more money than you might expect after pleading guilty.
- Protecting Criminal History. Many criminal traffic violations are far more serious than people think. In fact, many are misdemeanors under Arizona law, and some are even felonies. Without an expungement law in Arizona, a conviction will stay on your criminal record for life.
- Avoiding Jail. Because criminal traffic violations are crimes in Arizona, the potential for jail time is possible for all charges. In some instances, a conviction can carry mandatory jail.
- Avoiding License Suspensions. After a finding of guilt for a criminal traffic offense, the court will report the conviction to MVD. From there, MVD will apply points to your license and in some instances suspend or revoke your license.
In the end, more is riding on the outcome of the case than the money you may spend in legal fees. And hiring an experienced criminal traffic lawyer definitely increases your chances of a dismissal or a reduced charge or sentence.
- Factual Attacks. criminal traffic charge, whether it’s a minor traffic ticket or a more serious offense, often begins with the observations of a police officer. The officer may say, for example, that you blew through a stop sign. Usually, you can’t expect to win an argument based solely upon your word against the officer’s. But you can use witness statements, for example, to cast doubt on the officer’s testimony.
- Strict Legal Construct. Several of the more common traffic violations require strict compliance of the law to the facts. If the officer misses even one small detail a case can be thrown out.
- Subjective Conclusions. Several criminal traffic offenses involve the personal conclusions of the officer. Determinations of reckless behavior or whether someone was endangered are not necessarily factual issues and often involve the officer’s personal conclusions. Unlike physical observations, the officer’s conclusions are subjective and can be contested.
- Constitutional Violations. Because criminal traffic offenses are crimes in Arizona, the rights given to you by the U.S. and Arizona Constitution apply. Violations of these rights by law enforcement can lead to reductions and dismissal of charges.
The point here is that even if it appears to you that there is no chance to fight the charge successfully, an experienced criminal traffic lawyer may be able to help.
Criminal Traffic Lawyer in Phoenix, AZ
At Feldman & Royle, we represent clients charged with a wide range of vehicular and traffic offenses from criminal speed to vehicular homicide. We are known for our experience and commitment to our clients. to the needs of our clients. If you have been charged with a criminal traffic violation, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
