WHAT IS A TRAFFIC INFRACTION?

A traffic infraction is the most common type of traffic ticket and may or may not require a court hearing. Usually, court hearings are optional and you can do everything through the mail. This is normally the type of traffic ticket you’ll receive for speeding, rolling a stop sign, driving while license suspended, or other minor traffic offenses. These offenses are linked to your driving record, may cause “points” to accrue on your record, and your insurance company (or anyone else who wants to pull up your driving history) will be able to see this ticket if you are found guilty. If you have a relatively clean driving history, a traffic infraction can almost always be taken care.

In cases where your state law requires an objective observation by the officer (not a judgment call about whether your action was safe), it often boils down to an argument about whose version of the facts is correct. For instance, if you were cited for driving while license is suspended who wins the case will depend on who the judge believes. Unfortunately, the guy wearing the badge usually wins, unless you can cast real doubt on his ability to accurately perceive what happened. However, there are a number of techniques that may work to raise at least a reasonable doubt as to your guilt.

As always, the best way to fight a traffic infraction is to consult an experienced traffic lawyer. Hire one and let him take care of your traffic infraction worries today.

Rick Silverman, P.A.

311 S Brevard Ave. Tampa, Florida 33606

(813) 871-1125

http://www.tampabaytrafficlawyer.com

http://www.businesslocallistings.com

COMMON TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS YOU SHOULD KNOW OF

Knowledge of traffic infractions or violations is essential before one can get a driver’s license.

Unfortunately, there are those who throw this stuff out of the window once they laid hands on their licenses. What they fail to realize is that traffic infractions have corresponding consequences. Break a traffic law, and one should be ready to face some serious offenses.

To brush up on your knowledge of traffic infractions, take a look at the list of the most common violations drivers commit nowadays:

1.       Reckless driving. Speeding is a violation when you go beyond the speed limit. This is considered reckless driving, since driving fast can easily cause car and pedestrian accidents. Always observe the proper speed limit wherever you are.

2.       Beating the red light. Running a red light can result in a ticket. Many drivers try to make it when they see the yellow light. But to be on the safe side, just stop or you might be caught in the middle of the road once the light turns red. As you know, the difference is just a second or two.

3.       Swerving. Changing lanes without using turn signals is dangerous, which is why it’s considered to be a violation. You must always use turn signals to alert the drivers around you if you’re moving lanes.

4.       Tailgating. Closely following a car in front of you can lead to a traffic infraction. There must always be a safe following distance. You can be given a ticket for tailgating if you do this.

5.       Driving under the influence (DUI). Driving under the influence or DUI is a very popular traffic infraction. Driving intoxicated is extremely dangerous and is known to be a root cause of road accidents. Don’t drink and drive.

6.       Counter flowing. Driving in the wrong direction is a very common traffic violation, especially when you enter a one-way street. It is important to always watch out for one-way signs. This violation is accident-prone too.

7.       Not giving way to pedestrians. This is one of the traffic infractions drivers ignore. Even stopping for school buses is required by law because the bus frequently stops when children alights for the bus. Not stopping is dangerous and can be fatal to the pedestrians.

Following road rules isn’t just about avoiding getting tickets, paying fines, avoiding license revocation and other violation penalties. It’s more about the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians. If you want to drive, be a responsible driver. You don’t want blood on your hands just because you’re too lazy to follow the rules of the road.

Rick Silverman, P.A.

311 S Brevard Ave. Tampa, Florida 33606

(813) 871-1125

http://www.tampabaytrafficlawyer.com

http://www.businesslocallistings.com

Do You Know the Five Most Common Traffic Infractions?

Driving is fun, getting a ticket is not. Freely driving anywhere and anytime is great, but paying fees and appearing in court for a traffic violation is not so great. Surely, you know that getting a traffic ticket is a hassle and there’s no good that will come out of it. So, you must be vigilant when driving and make sure you’re not breaking any traffic rule.

When you get a ticket for traffic infractions, there are two common consequences of that. The first is that you need to pay a fee for the ticket. The second is that you just tainted your once clean driving record. If you’re a repeat offender, you can get your license suspended and even spend some time in jail.

The best way to avoid going through all these is to follow every traffic rule. Nonetheless, it is also wise to know the most common traffic infractions that occur every day. Here they are:

·         Reckless driving. It encompasses a lot of traffic rules like making a wrong turn, swerving or anything that includes endangering other drivers. Always watch out for road signs and road rules, that’s the best way to avoid being charged with reckless driving.

·         Tailgating. No driver is allowed to tailgate a car in front of them. Tailgating is when you follow the car too closely, which can easily cost a rear-end accident. When the car in front of you stops suddenly, there’s a high chance you’ll bump into that car if you follow too close.

·         Speeding. A lot of drivers are given a ticket for speeding. The concept is very simple. When a driver drives at a speed beyond the allowable speed limit, that is a traffic violation. There are usually speed limit signs on the road; you just have to watch out for them. Speeding is one of the very common traffic infractions out there, so take heed.

·         Improper lane changes. Changing lanes is fine as long as you do it the right way. Use your turn signals and make sure that there’s enough space before you change lanes. If you don’t do that, there’s a high risk you’ll cause an accident.

·         Beating the red light. Drivers are sometimes very impatient that they can’t even wait a minute or two for the light to turn green again. So what do they do? They beat the red light. This traffic infraction causes a lot of accidents too. If you see the yellow light, it means that you should be prepared to stop already.

It is possible to keep a clean driving record and not receive any traffic ticket at all. As long as you follow the traffic rules and be a patient and careful driver. Nonetheless, if you do get into trouble with traffic infractions, you may need to call a traffic attorney to help defend your case.

Rick Silverman, P.A.

311 S Brevard Ave. Tampa, Florida 33606

(813) 871-1125

http://www.tampabaytrafficlawyer.com

http://www.businesslocallistings.com

Do You Need Help With Traffic Infractions?

Most traffic violations are civil infractions. A civil traffic infraction is a violation of a statute, ordinance or rule relating to traffic movement and control (including parking, standing, and equipment, miscellaneous and pedestrian offenses) for which the penalties do not include imprisonment. Examples include speeding, running a stop sign, driving without a seat belt, having an expired safety check sticker and parking where prohibited.

There are things that you should remember to be able to get through the process smoothly. Knowing your rights and minding your manners will make things a lot easier on your part.

·         Be polite.

Of course, the fastest way to beat traffic infractions is to make a good impression on the police officer who pulls you over. Remember: You want to beat the system–not the officer–so save your arguments for court. Do demonstrate that the ticket means a lot to you and that you deeply regret the prospect of getting it. Crying has been known to work, as providing (truthful) context for the behavior. But what’s likely to work better than anything is being polite and respectful, right?

·         Choose between paying the traffic infraction or not.

If you decide to pay the traffic infraction, follow the instructions provided on the ticket itself.  Many courts allow you to pay infractions online with a credit card but may charge a processing fee for that convenience. Payment of the ticket is an acknowledgment of the traffic infraction and may affect your insurance rates and your privilege to drive. However, if you decide to challenge the ticket or to request a mitigation hearing, you should review the official procedures, the traffic laws, and relevant case law. Another option is that the court can tell you what you need to do to be able to go to traffic school. If this is your first ticket and the court lets you go to traffic school, you should not get any points on your record.

·         Ask your lawyer about it.

Take time to meet with attorneys who specialize in the laws governing traffic infractions. A well-experienced attorney will help you to understand the legal battle before you and will guide you through the legal process.

Rick Silverman, P.A.

311 S Brevard Ave. Tampa, Florida 33606

(813) 871-1125

http://www.tampabaytrafficlawyer.com

http://www.businesslocallistings.com

Traffic Infractions: Getting to Know Your Options

When you get a traffic infraction call or a ticket, you must act before the due date on your “Notice to Appear” runs out. You may get a courtesy notice in the mail from your court that tells you your options. However, it is best for you to know more about this rather than depending on your notice alone. When you have not attended to your traffic infraction immediately, consequences such as having your license suspended and having additional charges such as misdemeanor and receiving a warrant might be ahead of you.

Admitting responsibility for the traffic infraction ticket is generally done by entering the plea of no contest. This technically is not admitting or denying responsibility, but simply paying a fine. Paying the fine is done one of two ways; by mail or in person on or before your court date. If there is not a fine listed on the citation, there is typically a number listed on the traffic infraction notice, which will provide information as to the cost of the ticket and where to spend payment.

There is another way in fighting a traffic infraction and that is asking for professional help. There are different ways through which a traffic attorney can help when you are charged with a traffic infraction. They can list to the details of your situation and analyze your legal position. They can offer you the pros and cons of several alternate courses of actions. Your attorney will gather facts and information from you and evaluate all aspects of the traffic offense you are charged with. An experienced attorney will evaluate all legal defenses available in your case.  These can include mistakes and inaccuracies by the arresting officer, or other technical defenses that may be relevant.

In this situation, take time to meet with your attorneys who specialize in the laws governing traffic infractions. A well-experienced attorney will help you to understand the legal battle before you and will guide you through the legal process. When you are interviewing potential attorneys, be sure to take not of their experience in handling similar cases. Be sure to find out how many cases he or she has won and if those are similar cases to yours.

Rick Silverman, P.A.

311 S Brevard Ave. Tampa, Florida 33606

(813) 871-1125

http://www.tampabaytrafficlawyer.com

http://www.businesslocallistings.com

Defend Yourself in Court with a Traffic Lawyer

One unfortunate day, as you were driving, a traffic police stopped you. He charged you with a traffic misdemeanor that you know you didn’t commit. Yes, you were wrongfully charged but the officer won’t hear your explanation. You are slapped with a ticket and that’s that.

There are many other drivers who experience this. However, most of them will just pay the ticket to avoid any hassle. But for drivers who know better, they’ll call on Tampa Hillsborough County traffic lawyer and will defend the ticket. It may sound like an extra task, but know that you have the right to clear your name and prove that you are innocent.

When defending your ticket, it is very important that you hire a good Tampa Hillsborough County traffic lawyer. Traffic infractions like reckless driving or DUI are considered criminal offenses and can taint your name. Plus, why would you accept the charge if it didn’t happen anyway? It is very important to have a spotless driving record. Fight your ticket, but make sure you have your lawyer to help you.

Your Tampa Hillsborough County traffic lawyer will take care of all the paperwork, review your case and what can be done about it. Usually, defending traffic infractions can lead to court. You and your lawyer will enter a plea and then a court date will be scheduled. At the court hearing, the judge will be there and this is the time to plea if you’re not guilty.

There are other courts where the prosecutor will be present too. He will review your driving record. If you plead guilty, the prosecutor will try and make a deal with you and your Tampa Hillsborough County traffic lawyer. There are good deals that you should take, but of course, take them with the advice of your traffic attorney.

Your lawyer will also prepare all the evidence to help you clear your name, like CCTV footage and witness accounts. He will also be the one to negotiate for a good deal on your behalf. This is why it is essential to hire a lawyer that is experienced. He probably knows the prosecutors in town and also knows how to deal with the judges.

The next time you’re charged with traffic infractions that you know you didn’t do, defend yourself. Don’t just fork out money and pay the fee. Bringing your case to court can be an eye opener for traffic officers to be more cautious about handing out those tickets.

Rick Silverman, P.A.

311 S Brevard Ave. Tampa, Florida 33606

(813) 871-1125

http://www.tampabaytrafficlawyer.com

http://www.businesslocallistings.com

Common Traffic Infractions You Should Keep in Mind

Before you are given a driving license, you are tested on your knowledge of traffic infractions or violations. However, somewhere along the way of driving every day, most drivers tend to forget what these violations are.

You should know that traffic infractions have corresponding consequences and punishments. So, it is important that you always keep them in mind to avoid breaking traffic laws. And more so, to always practice safe driving wherever you go.

Take a look at the most common moving traffic infractions of drivers today:

·         Speeding is a violation when you go beyond the speed limit. This is considered reckless driving, since driving fast can easily cause car and pedestrian accidents. Always observe the proper speed limit wherever you are.

·         Running a red light can result in a ticket. Many drivers try to make it when they see the yellow light. But to be on the safe side, just stop or you might be caught in the middle of the road once the light turns red. As you know, the difference is just a second or two.

·         Changing lanes without using turn signals is dangerous, which is why it’s considered to be a violation. You must always use turn signals to alert the drivers around you if you’re moving lanes.

·         Closely following a car in front of you can lead to a traffic infraction. There must always be a safe following distance. You can be given a ticket for tailgating if you do this.

·         Driving in the wrong direction is a very common traffic violation, especially when you enter a one-way street. It is important to always watch out for one-way signs. This violation is accident-prone too.

·         Not giving way to pedestrians is one of the traffic infractions drivers ignore. Even stopping for school buses is required by law because the bus frequently stops when children alights for the bus. Not stopping is dangerous and can be fatal to the pedestrians.

·         Driving under the influence or DUI is a very popular traffic infraction. Driving intoxicated is extremely dangerous and is known to be a root cause of road accidents. Don’t drink and drive.

Following road rules isn’t just about avoiding getting tickets, paying fines, avoiding license revocation and other violation penalties. It’s more about the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians. If you want to drive, be a responsible driver. You don’t want blood on your hands just because you’re too lazy to follow the rules of the road.

Rick Silverman, P.A.

311 S Brevard Ave. Tampa, Florida 33606

(813) 871-1125

http://www.tampabaytrafficlawyer.com

http://www.businesslocallistings.com

Will Hiring an Attorney Be Helpful In Handling Traffic Infractions?

If this is your first time to receive a traffic ticket for a traffic infraction, surely, you’ll be asking yourself if you need to hire an attorney to get you out of this mess. Well, in some cases, you do and in some, you don’t. It will really boil down to what type of infraction you committed.

The most common traffic infractions include speeding, no endorsement for riding a motorcycle, and driving without a seatbelt. If you received a ticket because of any of these, know that you can take care of it alone. You can do so by appearing in court or paying for the ticket (payment methods vary from state to state). These are the non-costly ways to take care of your ticket.

On the other hand, even if hiring a lawyer can cost you more, you will need him in certain cases. Having a lawyer with you can save you on court costs, fines, and fees. But more importantly, hiring a lawyer can help you bring down your car insurance premiums, which is affected when you commit traffic infractions.

You may have to check with your state on how to handle certain traffic tickets. Each state has a different policy. But usually, if you don’t want your insurance rates to go up, you will need a lawyer. Also, your lawyer can help keep costs down including insurance costs and points.

Now, when you go to the court with a lawyer, this immediately means that you are defending your position on the traffic violation. If you decide to just pay the ticket, this means you are pleading guilty to the infraction. Just paying up is also an expensive thing to do, especially if you can find a way to keep the costs down.

So, there’s really no question if an attorney can help you out in court due to traffic infractions, because he certainly will. Not only will your costs be minimized, your lawyer can also help with shortening the court process, which can really be a hassle. Going to court for a traffic ticket will just increase the fees, fines and costs, and if you handle it alone, the process may take longer and the costs go up more.

It is important that you find an experienced attorney --- one that deals with traffic infractions on a regular basis. This guarantees that the lawyer knows what to do and will complete the process immediately. He will know how to negotiate for lower costs and will easily handle your traffic ticket.

Rick Silverman

311 S Brevard Ave. Tampa, Florida 33606

813-871-1125

http://www.tampabaytrafficlawyer.com/

http://www.businesslocallistings.com

Traffic Misdemeanors and Traffic Infractions—What’s the Difference?

Driving is an activity that you’d love to do everyday because it takes you to places. And not only that, you enjoy driving around your beautiful car. Driving your own car is convenient, you don’t have to wait at bus stops, share seats with strangers or fight for space on trains. However, it is important that you also follow road rules to avoid getting traffic misdemeanors or traffic infractions in Tampa, FL.

Do you know that your license may get suspended if you are slapped with a traffic infraction? And can you imagine what an inconvenience that is? Before you are allowed to drive, you will be tested on road rules and proper driving skills. But, the real test happens when you start driving independently. And the real test is not just your skills, its how you follow these rules.

What is the difference between traffic misdemeanors and traffic infractions? Which if more serious?

• Traffic Misdemeanor

A traffic misdemeanor is the worse of the two. You can actually earn jail time for this. A traffic misdemeanor is a criminal offense. Usually, these are driving under the influence (drugs or alcohol, or both), a hit and run, reckless driving, or driving without insurance.

A traffic misdemeanor is given when you injured someone or even killed someone, which makes it a more severe criminal offense. However, traffic misdemeanors vary in different states but the seriousness of the charge doesn’t change. Often, you will need to rely on a lawyer to give you legal advice and court hearings will take place.

• Traffic Infraction

Traffic infractions, also known as traffic citations are not criminal offenses, which means that they are less serious. An example of a traffic infraction is speeding. You are breaking the law, but it is still not a criminal offense unless you double that speed and it falls into reckless driving already.

Traffic infractions are usually minor offenses that doesn’t need the legal advice of a lawyer. Also, these issues don’t need to be heard in a traffic court.

Whichever one you will get, you should know that it is fine to challenge the charges slapped against you. However, you should always stay respectful to the officer that you’re talking to. You may want to explain your side but do not admit guilt. Speak respectfully as you may see this officer again in court, or else, he won’t be too forgiving.

Rick Silverman

311 S Brevard Ave. Tampa, Florida 33606

813-871-1125

http://www.tampabaytrafficlawyer.com/