Reasons Why you Need a Traffic Lawyer in Texas

There are times when you may get in trouble behind the wheel and realize that you need the help of a traffic lawyer. It’s important to find a lawyer with experience in this area because they will be able to counsel you and get you the best results.

If you receive a traffic citation or summons, you have the right to defend yourself and confront any witnesses who may be against you. You may also get points on your driving record if you get a traffic violation conviction, depending on how severe the offense.

If you’re not sure whether you need the help of a traffic lawyer, here are some common reasons most people need a traffic lawyer in Texas:

Standard Traffic Violations a Traffic Lawyer Can Help With

Standard traffic violations include a wide variety of offenses including:

• Speeding– This is one of the most common traffic violations. The more miles you were driving over the speed limit, the higher the penalty you can expect to receive. Penalties can include serious fines and higher insurance rates. If you receive a speeding ticket and are charged with reckless driving, you may get your license suspended if you receive a second traffic offense within six months.
• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign– This is also a common offense, one that can have serious consequences.
• Distracted Driving– Texting while driving or using a handheld device while driving falls into this category.

Driving without a Valid Driver’s License

Whether you’re in Texas or any other state, it is illegal to drive without a valid driver’s license. Driving without a valid driver’s license is typically a misdemeanor offense whether the license was suspended or revoked. If you are convicted of driving without a license, you will get another suspension added to your current one and may face fines and other penalties.

People may have their licenses suspended for a variety of reasons including:

• Refusing to take a breathalyzer test
• Failing a blood or breath test
• Being arrested or convicted for DWI
• Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol as a minor
• Being convicted of a drug crime
• Having unpaid traffic tickets or registration
• Not paying child support

If your license was suspended for any of these reasons, it’s important to have a traffic lawyer to represent you.

Ticketed for Not Having Insurance

You may also need a traffic lawyer if you get a ticket for not having insurance. If you don’t have auto insurance in Texas, you can face state surcharges as well as license suspension. You can also expect to have your vehicle towed if you don’t have the appropriate insurance.

Traffic Warrants for Your Arrest

If you didn’t pay or respond to a traffic ticket in any way, there could be a warrant out for your arrest. Any traffic violation can lead to an arrest warrant if you didn’t respond or comply with the original ticket. This means you could also see your fines increase as well as face other penalties.

You can post a cash bond if you owe fines or hire an attorney who can post bond on your behalf. Once this is done and the warrant is removed, your attorney can help you deal with your original offenses and keep any citations from staying on your record.

Commercial Drivers’ Tickets & License Suspensions

A traffic lawyer can also help with commercial drivers’ tickets. If you have speeding tickets or other moving violations, you run the risk of losing your commercial driver’s license. A traffic lawyer can help with the following commercial driver citations:

• Log book violation for interstate trucking
• School bus driver’s traffic ticket
• Cab driver stop sign defense
• Driving beyond the 14^th hour
• Defective stop lamps
• Improper lane change
• Reckless driving
• Overweight violations

Anyone with a commercial driver’s license “will lose his driving privilege for a period of one year if: (a) they have been convicted, for the first time, of driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics; (b ) they refuse to submit to a test to determine level of alcohol in body; (c) if blood, breath or urine test determines there was an alcohol level of .04 or more while operating the commercial vehicle in a public place; or (d) if there was an alcohol level of .08 or more while operating a motor vehicle (not a commercial vehicle) in a public place.”

If you drive a truck or bus for a living, a traffic violation could result in you losing your commercial driver’s license which can impact your job and other aspects of your life. That’s why it’s important to have a traffic lawyer on your side working for you.

Do You Need a Traffic Lawyer in Texas?

If you think you need the help of a traffic lawyer in Texas, call The Law Offices of Bell & White. We can help with a variety of traffic-related issues. Without legal help, you could face large fines, suspension of your driver’s licenses and increased insurance premiums. If you have a commercial driver’s license and lose your license, you could also lose your job.

Call the Law Offices of Bell & White today and let us take care of your legal needs. You can reach our San Antonio office at 210-374-6292 or 210-584-8538. Our Del Rio office can be reached at 830-212-7382. We look forward to meeting you and help you with your traffic law issues.