Traffic Violations Attorney in Gastonia, North Carolina

Under North Carolina traffic laws, drivers are required to drive safely and obey all traffic rules and regulations. Motorists who violate any traffic law may receive a traffic ticket, fines, demerit points, and other penalties. If you have received a ticket for a traffic violation and want to understand your rights and possible consequences, you need to speak with an experienced North Carolina traffic violations attorney for detailed guidance.

At The Law Office of Eddie L. Meeks, I am committed to providing comprehensive legal guidance and strong representation to clients in their traffic violation cases. As your attorney, I can investigate all of the facts of your case thoroughly and craft a strong strategy to help fight your traffic tickets and violations. Using my in-depth knowledge, I will fight aggressively to protect your best interests, your driving privileges, and attempt to keep your driving record clean.

My firm—The Law Office of Eddie L. Meeks, PLLC—proudly represents clients across Gastonia, North Carolina, and the surrounding areas of Charlotte, Lincolnton, and Hickory.

Traffic Violations

A traffic violation occurs when a motorist violates any law or rule that regulates the operation of vehicles and automobiles on highways, roadways, and streets. In the state of North Carolina, traffic violations are classified into moving and non-moving violations.

Moving Violations

Moving violations are traffic violations that occur when the vehicle is in motion. Examples include:

• Speeding

• Driving while impaired (DWI)

• Driving with a suspended or revoked license

• Running a stop sign or red light

• Failure to yield the right of way

• Driving without the required car insurance policy

• Reckless driving or careless driving

• Improper lane changes

• Hit and run accidents

• Driving without a valid registration

Non-Moving Violations

Conversely, non-moving violations occur when a driver violates a traffic law when the car isn't in motion. Examples include:

• Broken or missing mirrors

• Improper equipment

• Illegal parking

• Parking near a fire hydrant

• Parking in a no-parking zone

• Parking at an expired parking meter

• Leaving a vehicle running and unattended

• No license plate

• A broken headlight or taillight

• Parking in front of a driveway

• Expired motor vehicle plates

Moving violations often expose pedestrians, motorists, and other road users to greater risks. Hence, such violations usually attract harsher fines and punishments compared with non-moving violations.

Understanding the Point System

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) assigns “driver license points” to each traffic offense or violation. Here are some basic point values associated with each traffic violation:

• Littering while driving – 1 DMV point

• Speeding – 2 DMV point

• Speeding in a school zone – 3 DMV point

• Failing to stop for a siren – 3 DMV points

• Failure to yield right of way – 3 DMV points

• Stop sign/stop light violation – 3 DMV points

• Hit and run with property damage – 4 DMV points

• Reckless driving – 4 DMV points

• Driving on the wrong side of the road – 4 DMV points

• Following too closely behind another car – 4 DMV points

• Aggressive driving – 5 DMV points

• Passing a stopped school bus – 5 DMV points

If a driver is convicted of a traffic violation in North Carolina, driver license points will be assessed on their driving record. A skilled attorney can enlighten you about the penalties and consequences of a conviction and strategize an effective defense.

Traffic Violation Fines and Penalties

In North Carolina, your driver's license may be suspended if:

• You accumulate 12 points within a three-year period

• You accumulate 8 points within three years following the reinstatement of your license

Length of Suspension or Revocation

• First suspension – 60 days

• Second suspension – 6 months

• Third or subsequent suspension – 1 year

Once your driving privileges have been reinstated, all previous driver license points will be canceled. An experienced lawyer can review the facts of your case and determine the best way to fight the accusations against you.

Fighting a Traffic Violation

When facing traffic violation allegations, your attorney may fight your charges by:

• Disputing the evidence against you

• Disputing the police officer's account of the traffic incident

• Challenging the law enforcement officer's judgment call

• Establishing that your action was justified

• Showing that it was a mistake of fact

A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can outline an effective strategy to fight the traffic violation, protect your driving privileges, and help you avoid the devastating consequences of a conviction.

How Legal Counsel Can Help

Trying to fight your traffic fines, tickets, or other traffic violations without experienced representation could increase your possibility of suffering the maximum punishment. A traffic violation conviction could result in possible jail time, hefty fines, loss of driving privileges, increased insurance premiums, and other long-term ramifications. It is imperative for you to retain a highly-skilled traffic violations attorney to protect your legal rights and help build your defense strategy.

At The Law Office of Eddie L. Meeks, I have the resources to represent and defend individuals wrongfully accused of violating traffic laws. Using my comprehensive understanding of North Carolina traffic laws, I will guide you through every phase of the legal proceedings. Whether you're facing charges for a moving or non-moving traffic violation, I will dispute the allegations against you with factual evidence, put you in a position to beat the traffic ticket, or attempt to negotiate a reduced fine with the judge.