The Benefits of Hiring Traffic Lawyers Near Me for a Ticket
Getting pulled over by the police for a traffic stop is never fun because it usually results in the issuance of a traffic citation. In Las Vegas, a traffic citation may be a civil infraction or a criminal misdemeanor. If you were recently issued a citation, you must understand which type of citation you received to fully appreciate the potential consequences should you decide not to fight the ticket. Consulting with experienced traffic lawyers near you is the best way to protect yourself and your rights.
Traffic Violations: Civil Infractions
In the State of Nevada, a traffic violation can be a civil infraction or a criminal misdemeanor. Understanding the distinction between the two types of citations is crucial to deciding how to proceed with your ticket. A civil infraction is not a criminal offense; therefore, you cannot face jail time if convicted. Instead, you will typically be required to pay a fine (usually no more than $500) and demerit points will be assigned against your license. Common examples of civil infractions in Nevada include:
- Speeding (up to 30 m.p.h. over the posted speed limit)
- Driving without a seatbelt
- Unsafe lane change
- Failing to stop at a red light
- Failing to signal a turn
Traffic Violations: Criminal Misdemeanors
Although most traffic violations are civil infractions in Nevada, some are criminal misdemeanors, most of which are punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Most importantly, pleading guilty to a criminal misdemeanor – even one that is for a traffic violation – results in a conviction that can remain part of your criminal history forever. Common examples of traffic violations that are criminal misdemeanors in Nevada include:
- Reckless driving
- Speeding 30 m.p.h. or more over the posted speed limit
- Hit and run
- Driving under the influence (this is charged as a higher misdemeanor or felony)
What Are My Legal Options If I Was Issued a Traffic Citation in Las Vegas?
If your ticket is a civil infraction, you have two options. The first option is to admit that you committed the infraction and pay the fine and the second option is to contest the ticket. If you do not want to contest the ticket, you may be eligible to have a moving violation reduced to a non-moving violation (meaning fewer points against your license) by completing a Nevada DMV-approved 5-hour traffic safety course or paying a Demerit Point Reduction Fee in addition to the civil penalty. If you contest the ticket, a court date will be scheduled. If you were charged with a criminal misdemeanor you must appear in court on the date indicated on the citation or a warrant could be issued for failure to appear.
Do I Need a Lawyer If I Am Issued a Traffic Citation?
If you are charged with a criminal offense, consulting with traffic lawyers near you is in your best interest to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the prosecution of your case. Even if you were issued a civil infraction, admitting guilt could have significant financial consequences, including a hefty fine, points against your license (that could eventually lead to the suspension of your driving privileges), and increased insurance premiums. To ensure that you fully understand the ramifications of admitting guilt, talk to a traffic lawyer near you before deciding to pay a traffic ticket.
Consulting with Traffic Lawyers Near You
If you were issued a speeding ticket or another type of traffic citation in Las Vegas, consult with the traffic lawyers at The Vegas Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your next steps. Call us at 702-707-3000 or contact us online.