Navigating the legal system can be difficult, especially if you’re facing charges that could have a big impact on your life. It’s important to know the difference between traffic violations and criminal charges when deciding if you need a lawyer for traffic court or a lawyer for criminal defense.
This article will tell you when to hire each type of lawyer and what their specialties are.
Knowing Traffic Violations
Traffic violations happen when drivers break the law by driving on streets and highways. These violations usually fall into three categories:
Infractions: Simple mistakes like speeding, running a red light, or not giving a signal. Fines or points on your driving record usually come with them.
Driving under the influence, reckless driving, or driving without a valid license are all serious crimes. Penalties can include higher fines, license suspension, or even jail time.
Felonies: Severe offenses such as vehicular manslaughter or multiple DUI convictions. Felonies can result in significant prison time, large fines, and long-term consequences on your driving record and personal life.
Role of a Traffic Court Lawyer
Lawyers who specialize in handling traffic violations are called traffic court lawyers. They know traffic laws and can help in many ways.
A traffic court lawyer can help you in traffic court and reduce the penalties or get the charges dropped.
Traffic court lawyers help you negotiate with prosecutors to reduce fines, avoid points on your license, or avoid a license suspension. They can advise you on the best course of action for your case, whether it’s fighting the ticket, accepting a plea deal, or going to traffic school.
Different Types Of Criminal Charges
Criminal charges are crimes that are considered harmful to society and are handled by the state. These charges are divided into different groups.
Misdemeanors: These are crimes like petty theft, simple assault, or minor drug offenses. Penalties can include fines, probation, community service, or up to a year in jail.
Felonies: Serious crimes like murder, rape, armed robbery, or major drug offenses. Felony convictions carry severe penalties, including long prison sentences, substantial fines, and lasting impacts on your rights and freedoms.
What an Attorney for Criminal Defense Does?
A criminal defense attorney can help people who have been accused of crimes. They:
- gather evidence, interview witnesses, and make a plan to fight the charges.
- negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties, which can help avoid harsher sentences.
- help you in court, from when you are arrested to when you are tried and when you get punished.
- make sure your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process, including the right to a fair trial and the right to remain silent.
When You Should Hire A Traffic Court Lawyer?
A traffic court lawyer may not be needed for minor traffic violations, like speeding tickets or parking violations. However, a lawyer can still be beneficial in cases where:
- You want to contest the ticket and avoid fines or points on your record.
- You have accumulated multiple tickets and face potential license suspension.
- You are a commercial driver whose livelihood depends on a clean driving record.
Conclusion
A traffic court lawyer versus a criminal defense attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. Traffic court lawyers are best for handling traffic violations and helping you through traffic court. Criminal defense lawyers are important for defending against criminal charges that could have serious consequences.
