Cleveland Traffic Ticket Attorneys

Protecting Your License and Driving Record

A single speeding ticket is not likely to significantly affect your life. However, multiple tickets or major traffic violations could have a variety of financial and criminal penalties. Not all consequences of these serious traffic offense charges are obvious, like higher insurance rates, but others often lead to other penalties.

For example, reckless driving is considered a criminal offense in Ohio and can result in points on your license. Depending on the circumstances, defendants can also be sentenced to jail time.

Because the stakes are high, you must take violations seriously and hire a traffic ticket lawyer to help you protect your driver’s license and driving record. With the help of a skilled attorney, you may be able to avoid points, fines, and mandatory driving courses.

At Watson Kuhlman, LLC, our lawyers are dedicated to helping you protect your driving privileges. Our legal staff understands the importance of keeping your driver’s license and avoiding points. Our traffic ticket lawyers understand that a traffic offense case requires as much strategy as any other type of criminal law case. Watson Kuhlman, LLC will work to counter both evident and hidden penalties.

Contact our law firm today and ask to schedule a free consultation with a Cleveland traffic ticket lawyer who will gladly review your case and potential legal options.

What are the Most Common Traffic Violations in Ohio?

Unfortunately, most Ohio drivers commit routine traffic violations, which can cost them money, result in points being assigned to their licenses, or potentially land them in jail for crimes such as OVI. Some of the most common traffic violations include:

Failing to stop at a stop sign
Running a red light
Reckless driving
Driving on a suspended license
Operating a vehicle impaired (OVI)

However, speeding is the most common traffic offense committed by drivers. In most instances, speeding is considered a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of $150. Speeding with two prior violations is considered a 4th-degree misdemeanor punishable by a $250 fine and 30 days in jail. However, anyone who acquires three or more speeding tickets within one year may face up to $500 in fines and 60 days in jail.

One way to help reduce your chances of having points added to your license due to a speeding ticket is to have a lawyer on your side. For example, if a lawyer can negotiate to reduce the speed to less than 5 mph over the posted limit in town or 10 mph on the highway, you may be able to avoid points.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer After Receiving a Citation?

Many individuals who have received traffic citations question the need to hire a lawyer to assist them with their legal needs. Although many individuals pay their traffic tickets without legal representation, more could be at stake in other cases.

Some of the most significant advantages of hiring a traffic ticket lawyer include:

Negotiate with prosecutors to try and prevent a driver’s license suspension or reduce points, fines, or other penalties
Guide you through the Ohio traffic court system, which often includes appearing in court before a judge or completing paperwork
Analyze the state’s evidence and identify weaknesses in the case
Create legal strategies that help clients charged with traffic violations like OVI that also require a strong criminal defense

Regardless of what type of traffic violation you may have been cited for, having a traffic ticket lawyer can make the difference between you potentially losing your license and steep fines. Additionally, if your cases could result in you being sentenced to jail, you need a criminal defense lawyer dealing with traffic violations. If you are still trying to figure out the benefits of hiring a traffic lawyer, you can contact our law office to schedule a consultation to learn more.

Will I Have to Pay Court Fees And Fines?

In today’s economic climate, no one likes paying fines and court costs. Depending on your situation, you may need to pay up to hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines for a traffic violation. Traffic fines are lower for most first-time offenses but increase for subsequent or major offenses such as operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI).

However, a traffic ticket lawyer may be able to negotiate a deal that allows you to pay substantially less in fines. One of the most common traffic violations involves speeding tickets. Many people who have been issued speeding tickets are unaware that hiring an experienced traffic lawyer can help them avoid hefty fines but may also be able to help them avoid points.

Having an accomplished attorney to advocate for your rights after receiving a traffic ticket is always in your best interests. Our attorneys recognize the financial burdens many clients may face even if they have been cited for a minor traffic offense. Our lawyers have comprehensive experience in all traffic matters and know what it takes to obtain favorable client results. Contact our legal team today so that we may review your traffic case and determine what course of legal action will best serve your needs.

Will I Have to Pay More For Insurance After Receiving a Traffic Ticket?

Nearly all major insurance companies regularly check drivers’ records and assess the risk of accidents and injuries. Because the insurance company would have to pay for any damages that you cause, it is likely to raise your rates if your record shows a higher risk.

Increased rates could lead to paying hundreds of dollars monthly to keep driving. Enough marks on your record could tempt the insurance company to drop you altogether. Even with a clean driving record, your insurance rates could skyrocket after a couple of speeding tickets or a reckless driving charge. Individuals convicted of OVI can expect that their insurance rates will drastically increase as their insurance company will consider them as high risk. Additionally, any safe driver or other discounts they receive can be withdrawn.

Finally, if you drive a company vehicle for work or are a commercial driver, the insurer who provides coverage may not want to cover you. Depending on the situation, if the insurance company refuses to provide coverage, you could be terminated due to your inability to perform your job duties.

What Is An SR-22 Bond?

Ohio may suspend your driver’s license if you receive enough points on your driving record for traffic violations. As a result, you must file an SR-22 document plus pay fees to reinstate your license.

An SR-22 shows that you are paying for an insurance policy that gives you the legally required coverage despite being a high-risk driver. This document is not an insurance policy; it is a document that can be attached to a policy.

One of the main problems with filing for an SR-22 is that many insurance companies do not offer policies to drivers who need one. Therefore, you could be stuck with fewer insurance options. Policies for high-risk drivers are often significantly more expensive, so fighting the initial charge is essential.

If you are at risk of having to file for an SR-22 document, your best option is to hire a traffic ticket attorney who will work to prevent you from having your license suspended and obtaining more points. Our lawyers have a thorough understanding of Ohio traffic laws and have a proven record of being able to help clients successfully fight and win cases. Contact us today to learn how we can help defend you against license suspension and expensive SR-22.

Can Your Traffic Ticket Lawyers Find Cost-Effective Solutions For Drivers?

The aftermath of traffic violations can be expensive and challenging to overcome without legal help. However, working with a skilled attorney from the start of your case can be more economical than accepting the consequences.

Watson Kuhlman, LLC provides serious defense representation for drunk driving and other traffic cases. Our dedicated team of legal professionals understands that drivers often make poor decisions that can negatively impact their driver’s license, add points, and increase insurance premiums.

We will tirelessly protect your driving privileges when you choose us to help you with your legal needs. Whether you have been in an accident, accused of OVI, or speeding, our traffic ticket lawyers will provide you with quality legal representation that will help you overcome your traffic issues and resume your life.

Contact Watson Kuhlman, LLC, at our Cleveland, OH, law office by calling (216) 208-7858 to schedule a meeting with a traffic ticket lawyer who will professionally evaluate your case and plan a defense strategy to help provide a favorable outcome.