US Traffic Law – US Traffic Regulations
The US traffic law has become an area of enormous growth due, in part, to the implementation by many cities of red light cameras, which have raised legal and ethical questions among the public. Traffic stops have also become an unofficial way for cities to raise revenues, thus being used as a form of tax collection. This practice also raises ethical questions as it creates a conflict of interest for those issuing tickets, with emphasis on revenue generation over public safety. Nonetheless, US traffic law is critical for public safety, as hundreds of thousands of people die each year from drunk driving, reckless driving, speeding, and other traffic infractions.
Legal Challenges to Red-light Cameras – US Traffic Law
In some states, legal challenges to red-light cameras have been raised, at times bringing about a suspension of the programs. Some courts have decided that cities cannot delegate traditionally law enforcement duties to third-party vendors who provide the technology. Some attorneys are therefore urging those who’ve been issued a ticket to contact an experienced attorney or firm that deals with traffic matters to potentially challenge the ticket, with the legal cost substantially lower than the ticket.
Tickets and Insurance Premiums – Traffic Law
Because insurance premiums may be tied to traffic tickets, it may be advisable in certain cases to consult an attorney to to beat the charge or to avoid accruing points on one’s driving record that may affect insurance premiums. These raised premiums may last for years. Simply paying the ticket may amount to an admission of guilt. An attorney that has dealt with a large number of traffic cases may be able to look at a client’s driving history, the ticket issues to the driver, and thus offer a strong defense to prevent the accrual of points. In some cases an attorney can even prevent a license from being suspended or revoked.
How do traffic tickets affect car insurance premiums?
When car insurance companies determine your premiums, one of the most significant factors they look at is your history of traffic tickets. The more traffic violations and speeding tickets you have on your record, the more likely you are to get in an accident and cost your car insurance company money.
It is important to note that ignorance of the law is not a defense for breaking it. Arguing that one was specifically targeted is also unlikely to be successful argument in court. A judge hearing the case is likely to decide that the enforcement of the law is paramount.
One must also be careful about challenging a ticket pro se in court on the assumption that the ticket-issuing officer will not show up for the scheduled hearing, resulting in the charge being dismissed. Sometimes, particularly for more serious offenses, the officers will show up. If one is to challenge a ticket pro se, it’s best to have a solid legal basis for the challenge in case the officer shows up.
DUI Charges
Because of the fines for driving while intoxicated, the issuing of citations for this offense has also become a source of revenue for some counties. Unfortunately, some drivers may be accused of driving under the influence by an officer when in fact they are not, in the officer’s haste to meet a quota or due to poor judgment. Because of the legal consequences to such a serious offense, legal representation may be advisable. An experienced attorney may also be able to call into question the legality of the search or arrest of a driver, or to obtain a reduced sentence for the accused.
DUI Traffic Law – Driving under the influence
Typically, DUI will be charged as an enhanced misdemeanor or a felony if one of the following extenuations apply:
- The driver had an extremely high level of alcohol or drugs in his system, well beyond the legal limit;
- This is a repeat offense – the longer your history of DUIs, the more severe charges you will face. ;
- The driver was driving recklessly at the time of the offense;
- There was someone seriously injured in the accident.
- The punishment will also depend on any victim’s death or injury if there is a significant negative impact on public safety.
At Tough Defense, we will provide resources to arm the public with information and access to some of the best traffic law attorneys nationwide.