Do I Need a Traffic Lawyer?
Should I Just Pay My Ticket?
You may have received a traffic ticket that doesn’t require a court appearance. At first, this might seem like a relief! After all, going to court means missing work, traveling to the courthouse, and standing in front of a judge. Understandably, paying off your ticket might seem like the easiest option. But be careful. We often receive calls from individuals who paid their tickets, only to later receive a letter from the Secretary of State informing them that their license is about to be suspended. This can create serious problems.
For some people, paying the ticket and moving on may not cause major issues, as their license won’t be suspended. However, they could still face other consequences, such as higher insurance rates or disciplinary actions from their employer—especially for those with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). But for others, simply paying the ticket can lead to a suspended license.
Drivers Under 21
If you’re under 21 and you just pay off your ticket, you’re either skating on thin ice or you’ll soon get a letter from the Secretary of State about a license suspension. In Illinois, two moving violation convictions for drivers under 21 results in a suspension. So, if you’ve paid your ticket just to get it over with, be cautious—another conviction could suspend your license. The stress isn’t worth it. Call a traffic lawyer to prevent a conviction. That’s exactly what we do at our firm—we work hard to avoid traffic convictions for our clients.
CDL Holders
Traffic tickets can be particularly complex for CDL holders. A traffic ticket could disqualify your CDL for a period of time, depending on the type of ticket and your driving history. Navigating these complexities on your own can be overwhelming. Simply paying a ticket or receiving “court supervision” for a serious offense could result in your CDL being suspended. An experienced traffic lawyer knows the laws and guidelines that affect CDL holders and can help protect your livelihood. The stakes are too high to simply pay the ticket—you could lose your job and your means of supporting your family.
Navigating Traffic Laws and the Traffic Courts
Some traffic tickets, such as those resulting from car accidents, driving without insurance, or misdemeanor offenses, require extra care in how they’re handled. Mismanaging these tickets could lead to severe consequences. A traffic lawyer can guide you through the best options and explain how traffic laws apply to your situation.
Equally important to understanding traffic laws is understanding how the courtroom works. Each courtroom is different, and each county has its own procedures. These can vary significantly from one courtroom to another. Some courtrooms allow same-day trials, while others don’t. Some permit Zoom proceedings, whereas others require in-person hearings. Additionally, every judge and prosecutor is unique in their approach. This can be a lot to navigate, and no one who receives a traffic ticket is expected to know all of this. That’s where a traffic attorney comes in—especially one familiar with the specific courthouse you’re assigned to
A traffic lawyer who is familiar with the courthouse will know the judge, the prosecutor, and the specific rules and procedures of that courtroom. This experience can make a huge difference for a client. Having a lawyer who knows the strategic options based on the specific courtroom you’re assigned to can greatly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. You may even get a ticket dismissed quickly. At The Traffic Defense Firm, we have experience in numerous courtrooms and can help guide you to the best possible result.
Favorable Outcomes
If you are contesting your traffic ticket, having a traffic lawyer on your side greatly increases your chances of prevailing at trial. There are various reasons you might choose to go to trial, such as proving your innocence or challenging improper procedures. Even if you don’t want to go to trial, a traffic attorney will know how to secure the best possible outcome for you. We almost always avoid convictions for our clients through methods like court supervision, deferred prosecutions, or even setting cases for trial and having them dismissed. An individual representing themselves in traffic court is up against an experienced prosecutor. Often, a pro se defendant won’t know what to ask for in a negotiated deal or what they’re eligible to receive.
So, Should You Just Pay Your Ticket?
The short answer is no. At the very least, be aware of what you’re pleading guilty to and understand what the conviction could mean for you. For the best approach, consult a lawyer to learn about the potential consequences of paying the ticket. We offer free consultations, and if we feel that you don’t need an attorney, we’ll tell you. But if paying the ticket could lead to a suspended license, higher insurance rates, a suspended CDL, or a criminal record, we’ll make sure you know that too. Give us a call at (773) 657-4427 to discuss your ticket(s) and get the advice you need.