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.
Traffic Violations Attorney
Serving Gastonia, North Carolina
If you received a ticket for a traffic violation that you intend to fight, contact my firm—The Law Office of Eddie L. Meeks, PLLC—today to schedule a simple case assessment. I can offer you the detailed legal counsel and vigorous representation you need to fight your traffic violation charges. My firm is proud to represent clients across Gastonia, Charlotte, Lincolnton, Hickory, and the rest of North Carolina.