Traffic Violations and Criminal Law

Traffic violations can be far more serious than a simple speeding ticket. Certain violations are criminal offenses and can lead to heavy fines and imprisonment for the accused, leaving them no choice but to hire legal representation to give them the best chances of avoiding a criminal conviction.

Since automobiles are large, heavy objects that have the ability to cause serious property damage and bodily harm, reckless handling of such vehicles can result in criminal consequences. When people are irresponsible and drive their automobiles in a manner that is likely to cause serious bodily injury or death for those people in the environment, then the unsafe driver can face serious administrative and criminal consequences if convicted.

Traffic-related violations can range from minor to extremely serious. Where one traffic violation may result in a small fine and a slap on the wrist, another traffic-related violation may result in a driver’s license suspension or revocation, heavy fines and imprisonment. For example, serious traffic-related charges would include: driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (even prescription drugs), reckless driving (such as speeding), and hit and run.

The above violations can result in jail or prison sentencing if the driver is convicted. If another person was injured or killed as a result of a traffic-violation, then the defendant could face much harsher penalties. Other serious traffic-related violations also include driving without auto insurance, driving on a suspended license, commercial driver’s license issues, accidents causing serious bodily injury, drag racing, refusal to submit to a breath test, habitual traffic offender, driving on an expired license or with no driver’s license, racing on the highway, and attaching a tag that was not assigned.

In addition to the above violations, there are also numerous ways to commit a crime without ever committing a moving violation. Any unlawful display of a vehicle license or driving on expired registration, driving without valid registration, not having a motorcycle endorsement or permitting an unauthorized person to drive your vehicle can result in penalties. If you have violated any one of the above laws, then you should immediately seek the advice of a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney who has successfully handled traffic cases.

There are a vast array of traffic-related offenses and violations. The penalties for a traffic-related offense vary greatly depending on the violation, the extent of property damage and whether or not there was any bodily injury or death caused by the traffic offense. The lesser offenses will incur a penalty or fine, whereas a more serious offense can result in license suspension or revocation, fines, jail sentencing or, a number of years in state prison. Since certain traffic-related offenses are criminalized, it is crucial that you hire your own private representation in the face of criminal charges. A skilled and effective attorney may be able to greatly reduce the penalties that you are presently facing, helping you to retain your freedom and your driving privileges. Don’t hesitate to contact a highly experienced criminal defense attorney before it’s too late. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jansen and Davis, P.A.
Jansen and Davis, P.A. has been proud to represent the clients of Tallahassee, Florida for more than 15 years. Working in a renowned college town, they have helped countless clients faced with all types of criminal charges ranging from DUI, to sex crimes, to white collar crimes and traffic cases. Their Tallahassee criminal defense lawyers take pride in the fact that they have helped exonerate clients whether they were facing child abuse allegations or drug charges that could jeopardize their college career. Regardless of what type of criminal offense you are charged with, they would like to have the opportunity to sit down with you and discuss your case. You are urged to contact a Tallahassee criminal defense lawyer from their firm for a confidential case evaluation at (877) 378-6136.

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