Traffic Violations Defense Attorney in Pensacola, Florida

Getting a traffic ticket is one of the most frustrating and inconvenient experiences anyone can face.  

There's the fine, of course. But there's also the potential increase in your insurance rates and the time and money it takes to attend court hearings. Traffic tickets can have long-term implications, including; affecting your driving record and even your career if you make your living behind the wheel.   

Yet, it's important that these laws are enforced. Speeding, one of the most common traffic violations, is the cause of 26% of all fatal crashes, and other violations (like using a cell phone or running red lights) are responsible for many more. So while these seem like minor infractions, they can have major impacts.   

Nevertheless, it's crucial to have a criminal defense attorney on your side to give you the guidance you need when it comes to reducing or dismissing your penalties.   

The team at David Lee Sellers, PA, works with clients in Pensacola, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Milton, and the surrounding areas. If you have received a traffic ticket in any of these communities, the team at David Lee Sellers can help. 

Traffic Violations

Traffic violations may seem like minor offenses, but they can have serious consequences.   

One of the most common traffic violations is speeding. The exact speed limit varies depending on where you are, but going over the limit can result in a fine, points on your license, and even license suspension in extreme cases.   

Running a red light is another violation and can lead to dangerous accidents. If caught running a red light, you could face a ticket and points on your license.   

Failing to yield to pedestrians or other drivers can result in a traffic violation. It’s essential to always be aware of your surroundings and follow traffic laws. If you fail to yield and cause an accident, you could face serious consequences.   

Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most severe traffic violations. Not only can it result in hefty fines and points on your license, but it can also lead to potential jail time.   

Finally, there's reckless driving. This includes behaviors such as weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, and disregarding traffic signs. If caught reckless driving, you’ll be facing significant fines, points on your license, and even potential jail time.   

Moving Violations vs. Non-Moving Violations 

Have you ever been pulled over by a police officer for a traffic violation? If yes, then you might have heard that there's a difference between a moving violation and a non-moving violation.  

A moving violation is a traffic violation that occurs when a vehicle is in motion. This type of violation typically involves a safety risk or endangering other motorists.   

Examples of moving violations include speeding, reckless driving, running a red light or stop sign, drunk driving, and tailgating. If caught committing a moving violation, you may face points on your driving record, higher insurance premiums, or even suspension of your driving privileges.  

A non-moving violation is a traffic violation that occurs when a vehicle is stationary. This type of violation generally does not pose a risk to other drivers on the road. Non-moving violations include parking violations, expired registration, and broken tail lights.   

If caught committing a non-moving violation, you may face a fine or civil penalty-based ticket. However, these violations generally do not affect your driving record or insurance rates. 

Understanding the Point System

The point system is the method by which a state tracks and assigns a value to traffic violations committed by drivers. The more points you have on your driving record, the worse it is for your driving privileges. The point system can vary by state, but the basic logic remains the same.   

Certain traffic offenses, such as speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield, can result in a certain number of points being added to your driving record. Once you accumulate too many points, your driving privileges may be suspended or revoked.   

Traffic Violation Fines and Penalties 

Because there are so many potential consequences for points on your driving record, it's important to fight every traffic violation you're charged with.  

Hiring an experienced traffic attorney will help you avoid the pitfalls of the point system and its potential outcomes.  

In many cases, an attorney will help you contest the ticket and negotiate a reduced fine, and, most importantly, prevent points from being added to your driving record.  

Fighting a Traffic Violation

Speaking with a skilled attorney to dispute a traffic ticket is one way to fight a traffic violation ticket. Here are a few routes that your attorney can pursue 

Disputing the Officer  

The police officer who issued the citation has to maintain certain guidelines while observing traffic violators. Disputing the officer's testimony involves proving that he made factual errors, that he lacked credibility, or that he did not follow the proper guidelines. 

Disputing the Evidence

In many cases, the evidence is based on the police officer's observations, including your speed, your position on the road, and the traffic lights. Reviewing the evidence requires analyzing videos, and photographs, and identifying the discrepancies in the evidence presented by the prosecution.   

Mistake of Fact

A 'mistake of fact' is a genuine error that the driver made unintentionally, despite taking reasonable precautions.   

Such errors include expired licenses, outdated registration, or not wearing seatbelts inadvertently. This defense demonstrates that the driver is not responsible for an intentional violation but rather committed an error due to not being aware of the specific rules.   

The defense can also prove that the driver has taken measures to correct their mistakes and avoid future violations. 

Action Is Justified

If the driver can demonstrate that the circumstances were extenuating, the penalties and fines will reduce or dismiss entirely. For example, if the driver was driving above the speed limit to avoid an imminent danger, such as a medical emergency, a natural disaster, or an accident, they could justify their violation.