Many people are quick to write off traffic offenses, assuming they can pay a simple fine and move on. However, if you are convicted of certain types of traffic offenses, the consequences could be far more severe than you were expecting.
If you have received a traffic citation or face arrest for a traffic offense, an Upper Moreland traffic crimes lawyer from McKenzie Law Firm, P.C. can fight for you. Our team can help you dodge the fallout of a traffic crimes conviction. You can explore your legal options today during a free consultation.
How an Upper Moreland Traffic Crimes Attorney From Our Firm Can Help
Our traffic crimes lawyer in Upper Moreland, PA, will be by your side to fight against the traffic crimes you’ve been charged with. When we work on your case, we will:
- Pre-arrange bail
- Evaluate the evidence against you
- Get unlawfully obtained evidence dismissed
- Question police tactics and observations
- Negotiate with prosecutors
- Advocate for your rights throughout the process and at trial
For a free legal consultation with a traffic crimes lawyer serving Upper Moreland, call (610) 680-7842
Client Testimonials and Reviews
Our team of traffic crimes attorneys at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., are here to help you avoid the severe consequences of a guilty verdict. You can check out our recent client testimonials and reviews to find out more about what our former clients have to say about the legal defense they received:
“David helped me through a tough time and delivered on everything discussed. Amazing service and kindness. Would recommend.”
-Matt Wagner
“I was very impressed with David upon meeting him for the first time. Presented himself well, spoke intelligently, and was genuinely empathetic with regard to my concerns. Never before had I worked with an attorney who responded to my calls and emails as quickly as David did. He was able to achieve the best possible results for my case and I would retain him again in a heartbeat if I ever needed representation again. Thank you David.”
-Jeff Matta
“David works magic. He managed to get my DUI from a second offense down to a first offense. I could have been serving 3 months in jail but managed to avoid that because of David. He is very reliable and responds promptly. Would highly recommend him to anyone.”
-Corinne D’Angelo
Upper Moreland Traffic Crimes Lawyer Near Me (610) 680-7842
What Happens If You Are Convicted of an Upper Moreland Traffic Offense?
You can face a wide array of consequences if you are found guilty of a traffic offense in Upper Moreland. Generally, if law enforcement issued you a citation, you might be expecting to pay a fine and move on with your life. However, points will likely be added to your driving license, which could affect you financially with the state and your insurance company.
If you are convicted of any serious traffic offenses, you could face more severe penalties. Some of the more common criminal penalties for traffic violation convictions include:
- Incarceration
- Fines
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- Other consequences
Incarceration
The time you could spend in jail or prison will depend on the traffic offense you are convicted of. For example, if you are convicted of driving with a suspended driver’s license, you could expect to spend as much as 90 days in jail if a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction caused your initial suspension. However, if you face a reckless driving conviction, you could expect to spend up to 90 days in a Pennsylvania county jail.
You could face felony-level criminal charges for the most severe types of traffic crimes. For example, if you are convicted of aggravated assault by a motor vehicle, you could face up to seven years in a Pennsylvania state prison.
Fines
The fines you can expect will also vary based on the type of traffic crime you’re accused of committing. Driving without a license typically carries a fine of up to $200 in Pennsylvania. However, in some instances, if you can provide proof of your driver’s license within 15 days of the incident, you could avoid more serious offenses, such as aggravated assault with a vehicle. If convicted of a felony offense, fines could reach up to $15,000.
Suspension of Your Driver’s License
Another common consequence of traffic violations is the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. Generally, first-time offenders may face a driver’s license suspension of 30 to 90 days.
However, a driver’s license could be suspended or revoked for a maximum of five years for habitual traffic offenders. This may make it difficult or impossible for you to get to doctor’s appointments, work, purchase groceries, and otherwise complete daily activities.
Other Consequences
Incarceration, fines, and the suspension of your driver’s license are not the only ways your life will be affected if convicted of a traffic crime. Authorities may also require you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle, which will require you to complete and pass a Breathalyzer before the vehicle starts.
You may also find you must complete community service hours, agree to random regular drug or alcohol testing, complete a drug or alcohol treatment program, complete a driver training program, and more.
You will also likely find that your insurance rates dramatically increase. According to the Pennsylvania point system, the state will add points to your driving record. The more points on your record, the higher your insurance will be. You will also have to pay the state a surcharge fee.
Click to contact our Criminal Defense Lawyers in Upper Moreland, PA today
Defenses Against Traffic Crimes in Upper Moreland, PA
When you are accused of committing a traffic offense of any kind, an Upper Moreland traffic crimes attorney must carefully evaluate how to approach your defense based on several factors, including:
- Whether this is your first offense
- Whether a child was involved
- Whether a weapon was involved
- The evidence against you
For many traffic crime cases in Montgomery County, PA, our attorney can work with the prosecutor to obtain a plea agreement. Here, we could get the traffic crime charges reduced to a citation or get them dismissed entirely.
You might also have an opportunity to enter a pretrial diversion program where, upon completion of the terms of the program, the prosecutor will dismiss the charges against you. However, failure to follow these requirements means the prosecutor can move forward with the initial traffic crime charges and penalties.
If your traffic crime case goes to an Upper Moreland court, some potential defenses could include:
- Challenging police radar readers and other equipment
- Challenging how police read the radar results
- Prosecutorial or police misconduct
- Driving out of necessity or emergency
- Mistake of fact or false identification
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Examples of Traffic Crimes in Upper Moreland, PA
You could be stopped for multiple traffic offenses in Upper Moreland, PA. Certain traffic crimes will only result in a citation, while others may warrant an arrest. Traffic offenses that may result in a citation include:
- Driving over the speed limit
- Making illegal U-turns
- Failure to yield
- Failure to use a turn signal
- Failure to adhere to crossing gate rules
- Failure to follow directions of those directing traffic
- Speeding in a school zone
- Improper passing
- Following too closely
- Careless driving
- Driving at an unsafe speed
- Driving without a license on your person
However, some traffic offenses that may result in criminal charges include:
- Traffic violations by commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders
- Driving with a suspended license
- Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Racing on a highway
- Overtaking a school bus
- Speeding in a work zone
- Attempting to elude a police officer
- Vehicular homicide
- Aggravated assault with a motor vehicle
Contact Us Today for Help From an Upper Moreland Traffic Crimes Attorney
Although a traffic offense may initially seem minor, the impact could be far more severe. When you want to protect yourself financially and avoid some of the more significant consequences of a guilty verdict, an Upper Moreland traffic crimes lawyer at McKenzie Law Firm, P.C., can work on your behalf for a favorable case outcome.
Learn how to approach your traffic crimes defense when you contact our office for a confidential consultation. You can reach us by phone or through our secure contact form to get started as soon as today.
Call or text (610) 680-7842 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
