Law-abiding citizens often believe the best thing to do when you get a traffic ticket is to pay it on the spot. Not so, says Chris Kopecky, founder and lead counsel of The Traffic Lawyers, P.A. Based in Overland Park, Kansas, and serving Kansas, Missouri and Iowa, his lawyers know all about what to do you when you get a ticket, be it in any of the three states.
You get a speeding ticket. Should you pay it immediately? The answer is no, because oftentimes a seemingly innocent traffic ticket may have various ramifications concerning your driver’s license or insurance rates.
If you receive three moving violations in the state of Kansas within a 12-month period, for example, you risk losing your privilege to drive. And if you receive eight points on your license in an 18-month period on the Missouri side, you also lose your right to drive for at least 30 days.
Clients Unaware
Oftentimes, clients are not aware of what is already on their driving record. They inadvertently pay a ticket quickly so they do not have to think about it anymore. By doing that, they are putting themselves in a difficult situation in regards to their license.
There are some occasions where we are able to set aside a guilty plea when someone quickly pays their ticket without contacting an attorney; however, this is on a court-by-court basis. It is possible, depending upon the ticket, to lose your ability to get student loans, or other types of state licensing if you plead guilty to the wrong ticket.
Consult a Lawyer
It is always in your best interest to consult an attorney before making any decision that may affect you long-term. It may not only affect your ability to drive but it may have a long-term effect on your auto insurance rates as well. There have been many examples of one single ticket affecting a person’s insurance rates on a large magnitude for three years.
It is important to do a cost-benefit analysis after consulting your lawyer to know what might be the best course of action. Call The Traffic Lawyers of Kopecky Law to find out whether you should pay that ticket today - or not.
This article is for informational purposes only. You should not rely on this article as a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances, and you should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. Publication of this article and your receipt of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.
