Traffic Law Attorney in Greenville, North Carolina

Dealing with a traffic ticket is never a pleasant experience. Under the traffic law in North Carolina, residents face serious penalties for traffic violations. Many motorists in the state choose to pay the ticket instead of fighting it. Sometimes paying the ticket can seem like the easiest way to deal with a traffic violation, but doing so can result in several negative consequences.

At Cannon Law Offices, PLLC, we help motorists accused of committing traffic offenses in Greenville, North Carolina, and throughout eastern North Carolina, including the Outer Banks, Wilmington, Hyde County, or Washington County. We help clients in all areas of traffic law to minimize or avoid negative consequences.

Traffic Violations in North Carolina

Traffic violations occur when law enforcement issues traffic tickets to motorists. Tickets indicate that a motorist has violated traffic laws. North Carolina law recognizes two types of traffic violations: moving and non-moving. Every traffic ticket carries a penalty of fines and points that will be added to the motorist’s driving record. Some of the most common traffic violations in North Carolina include:

• Speeding

• Driving on a suspended license

• Driving with a revoked license

• Driving without a valid registration

• Reckless driving

• Hit and run

• Running a red light

• Running a stop sign

• Failing to yield the right of way

• Not having the required liability insurance

• Improperly passing another vehicle

• Making an unsafe turn or lane change

• Eluding a law enforcement officer

Once you receive a traffic ticket, you need to contact a traffic law attorney in Greenville, North Carolina, to explore possible ways to fight the ticket. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) is notified of every traffic offense conviction. If you are convicted, points will be added to your driving record.

What Are Moving Violations vs. Non-Moving Violations?

As mentioned earlier, North Carolina law recognizes two types of traffic violations:

1. Moving violations. As its name implies, a moving violation occurs when a driver violates traffic laws while the vehicle is in motion. Common examples of moving violations in North Carolina are speeding and running a red light.

2. Non-moving violations. These violations are usually related to parking violations or any violations of traffic law committed while the vehicle is not in motion. These violations do not have anything to do with how the motorist operates their vehicle. Common examples of non-moving violations include illegal parking, expired plates, broken headlights, or other vehicle-related equipment.

Understanding the Point System in North Carolina Traffic Law

Motorists convicted of certain traffic violations in North Carolina will get a specific number of points added to their driving record. The point system in North Carolina is designed to punish drivers for committing multiple violations of traffic law within a set time. Traffic violations that usually result in the accrual of points include speeding, running red lights, reckless driving, and others. According to the North Carolina DOT’s website, accumulating a specific number of points can result in the suspension of the driver’s license:

• Accumulating 12 points within three years will lead to a suspension of the driver’s license; and

• Accumulating 8 points within three years after the driver’s license is reinstated will lead to an additional suspension.

When a motorist reinstates their driving privileges, all points accumulated before the suspension will be canceled. If you already have points on your driving record and have received another traffic ticket, contact an experienced traffic law attorney to help you fight the ticket and avoid the accrual of additional points.

Penalties for Traffic Violations in North Carolina

Many drivers in North Carolina who choose to pay a traffic ticket and plead guilty to a traffic offense do not realize the long-term consequences of the traffic violation. Depending on the type of traffic violation, a driver may face hefty fines, increased insurance rates, possible suspension or revocation of the driver’s license, and even jail time.

Fighting a Traffic Violation

When you get a traffic ticket, your first option is to pay the fine, and your second option is to fight the traffic violation. Paying the traffic ticket means that you are admitting guilt. However, if you plead not guilty, you can fight the traffic ticket by scheduling a court hearing. Depending on the circumstances of the alleged traffic offense, there are several defenses to fight the traffic violation, including:

1. Mistake of fact

2. Challenging the evidence

3. Challenging the officer’s observations

4. Showing that the violation was justified

It can be hard to navigate traffic laws in North Carolina. If you are accused of committing a traffic offense, you must speak with a skilled traffic law attorney to review your particular case.