If you have ever gotten a traffic ticket, you are not alone. Most Americans will probably be stopped or get issued a traffic ticket at some point during their lifetime. According to the latest statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were nearly 2.5 million traffic stops conducted in Illinois in 2018. Of those who were stopped, nearly 864,000 were issued citations or traffic tickets. There are a number of reasons why a police officer might stop you, ranging from moving violations to equipment or licensing violations. While many people simply pay the fine on their ticket and move on with their lives, there are some situations in which fighting the ticket with the help of an attorney is advised.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
You should determine whether or not a lawyer is needed or appropriate for your situation. The first question you should ask yourself is, “Is it worth it to contest the ticket?” Typically, if the ticket was for something small, like an expired vehicle registration, it may be better to just pay the fine and move on. However, in other situations, fighting the ticket may be best. There are a number of situations in which hiring a lawyer can be beneficial. For example, if you already have a certain number of points on your driving record, fighting a ticket to get a reduced sentence can also reduce the number of points added to your license, reserving your right to keep driving.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
Even if it is not immediately crucial that you hire a lawyer, having professional help can be beneficial when fighting a traffic ticket. The job of an attorney in any situation is to make sure their client gets the best outcome possible. For some traffic tickets, that can mean having the ticket dismissed altogether. For other offenses, your attorney may be able to negotiate a lesser sentence or lesser charge. For example, if you are up against a charge of reckless driving, your attorney may be able to make a case that you only deserve court supervision since this is your first major traffic ticket.
Have an Oak Brook, IL Traffic Ticket Attorney By Your Side
If you have been issued a citation or you have been arrested due to a traffic stop, you should immediately speak with a skilled DuPage County traffic ticket lawyer. At Myers Law LLC, we know how serious certain traffic offenses can be. Our knowledgeable attorney is here to help you in any way that she can, whether through a reduced sentence or a dismissal of the ticket. Call our office today at 630-390-8563 to schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation.
Sources:
http://www.idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Transportation-System/Reports/Safety/Traffic-Stop-Studies/2018/2018%20ITSS%20Executive%20Summary.pdf
https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/can-a-lawyer-really-beat-your-traffic-ticket