Traffic Violation Lawyer in Jacksonville, FL
Understanding Traffic Violations in Jacksonville
Traffic violations in Jacksonville can range from minor infractions to serious offenses. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) oversees traffic laws, which can vary slightly in their enforcement across different counties, including Duval, Clay, St. Johns, and Nassau. For example, specific local statutes, such as those related to school zones and construction areas, may lead to more severe penalties if violated. Understanding these nuances is crucial when addressing and contesting a traffic ticket.
Working with a Jacksonville-based legal team, such as The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A., offers several benefits. Our thorough knowledge of local traffic laws and relationships with local courts allows us to advocate effectively on your behalf, ensuring that unique local considerations are factored into your defense strategy.
Contact our trusted traffic violation lawyer in Jacksonville at (904) 615-8950 to schedule a confidential consultation.
The Impact of Speeding Tickets in Jacksonville
Speeding tickets are one of the most common traffic violations in Jacksonville. The consequences of a speeding ticket can extend beyond just fines; they can lead to points on your driver's license and increased insurance premiums. In Florida, exceeding the speed limit by even a small margin can also accumulate points quickly due to the state's point system.
The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A. provides comprehensive support to address such violations. Our approach involves detailed investigations into the circumstances of the ticket, including the calibration and use of speed detection equipment. This ensures all potential defenses are considered to protect your driving record and financial health.
Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving Duval & Surrounding Counties
If you are issued a traffic ticket in any Florida county, you may receive points on your license if you simply pay the ticket. Our Jacksonville criminal defense lawyers at The Law Offices of Kate Mesic handle all civil traffic infractions and can help you avoid points that raise insurance rates or lead to driver's license suspension. We proudly serve individuals in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, and Nassau Counties.
As your trusted advocates, we take a comprehensive approach by evaluating all aspects of your case and offering personalized strategies tailored to achieve the best possible outcome. We understand the stress and inconvenience that traffic violations can cause, and we are here to alleviate that burden by providing clear guidance and dedicated support every step of the way.
Remember, every time you receive a civil traffic ticket (there is a difference between civil and criminal tickets), you have three options:
- Pay your ticket and automatically receive points.
- Fight your ticket: either to withhold points or to dismiss, by taking it to trial.
- Go to traffic school if you are eligible. Florida drivers can elect traffic school 5 times in their lifetime and 1 time per year.
We will walk you through the process and minimize your stress. We will help you get your driver's license back.
Will My Traffic Ticket Suspend My Driver's License in Florida?
In the state of Florida, certain violations could result in your driver's license being suspended. Some common offenses that could provoke a suspension are driving a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failing to pay fees or fines that are related to the traffic violation, accumulating too many points on a driving record, and more. Understanding these potential outcomes is key to making informed decisions about handling your ticket. Working with a knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of these regulations and provide clarity on how to protect your driving privileges.
Additionally, some offenses might require mandatory court attendance, adding another layer of complexity. Having representation ensures you are not navigating these waters alone and that all legal options are thoroughly explored to safeguard your rights and minimize potential penalties.
Strategies to Fight Traffic Tickets & Avoid Points
Examples of civil traffic tickets include:
- Careless driving
- Improper passing
- Running a stop sign
- Wrong way on a one-way street
- Failure to yield
- Speeding
- Railroad crossing violations
- Unknowingly driving with a license suspended or revoked
- Failure to maintain a single lane
- Improper passing
- Improper u-turn
- Expired registration
Effective strategies can be employed to contest these tickets. From filing motions to dismiss to negotiating lesser charges, understanding the nuances of Florida traffic law can make a significant difference. Engaging with a lawyer familiar with the local traffic court system can present opportunities to avoid hefty fines and preserve your driving record.
Examples of criminal traffic tickets include:
- DUI
- Knowingly driving on a license suspended or revoked (DWLS/DWLSR)
- No valid driver's license
- Reckless driving
- Racing on the highway
- Attaching tag not assigned
- Expired driver's license for more than 6 months
- Leaving the scene of an accident
Criminal traffic offenses carry more severe penalties, including potential jail time. Building a strong defense involves exploring every detail of the incident, gathering evidence, and crafting a narrative that mitigates the situation. Our team works diligently to uncover inconsistencies or procedural errors that could work in your favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do If I Receive a Traffic Ticket in Jacksonville?
If you're issued a traffic ticket in Jacksonville, it's important not to automatically pay the fine without exploring your options. Doing so can result in points added to your driver's license, which may increase your insurance rates. Instead, consider consulting with our team at The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A. to explore your defense options. We can review your case details and determine the best approach, whether it's contesting the ticket or negotiating a lesser charge.
How Does the Point System Affect My Driving Privileges in Florida?
In Florida, the point system is designed to penalize repeated traffic violations. Accumulating too many points within a specified period can result in the suspension of your driving privileges. For instance, acquiring 12 points within 12 months can lead to a 30-day license suspension. Points are assigned based on the severity of the violation, with more serious infractions like reckless driving accruing more points. Our lawyers are adept at navigating this system and aim to minimize or eliminate the points associated with your violations.
Can a Traffic Violation Affect My Employment?
Some employers require a clean driving record as a condition of employment, especially if your job involves driving. Traffic violations can impact your employability in such roles. Additionally, professional licenses may have stipulations regarding traffic offenses. It's crucial to address any traffic ticket proactively to safeguard your employment opportunities. At The Law Offices of Kate Mesic, P.A., we focus on minimizing the impact of traffic violations to protect our clients' professional futures.
Contact our traffic violation lawyer in Jacksonville by calling (904) 615-8950 now. We offer consultations to help you get started. Offering clarity and peace of mind during a challenging time is our goal, and we are prepared to stand by your side through the entire legal process.
Our Settlements & Verdicts
Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.
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Charges dropped Accident-Failed to Give Information and Improper Backing
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Dismissed Accident-Leaving the Scene, Careless Driving
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Expunged Allow Minor Alcohol at Open House Party.
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Charges Dropped Allow Minor Alcohol ot Drugs at Open House Party
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1 count of battery amended, others dropped Battery
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Withhold of Adjudication Battery
