Some people mistakenly assume that the vehicle code is only relevant to a drunk, intoxicated, negligent, or reckless motorist who will have their driving license suspended or revoked. In truth, any action that is not pursuant to traffic laws could have serious consequences. Violating any traffic law is against the law, and as such, must be taken seriously. As such, it is best to consult with a hands-on Phoenix criminal defense attorney early on.
Many state agencies and traffic courts allow drivers to check traffic tickets online. This can help you save time and spare you from additional penalties or even an arrest warrant for multiple unpaid tickets.
Driving on a suspended license is prohibited, which means it is best to avoid any action that could lead to the suspension of a license and accompanying driving privileges. A suspended driver’s license could result from being charged with driving under the influence (DUI), missing a court hearing, failing to fulfill probation terms, or, until recently, failure to pay traffic offense tickets.
At present, parking tickets no longer come with the threat of a misdemeanor criminal offense. However, even if misdemeanors are out of the picture, it is best to address traffic citations and tickets as promptly as you can. When you get pulled over and receive a traffic citation, attend to it in a timely manner. Otherwise, additional fines and penalties could accrue.
When you get a ticket, the officer gives you a copy of the citation. This would contain the citation number (usually written at the top), a description of the violation and code section, the location and time of the violation, and the officer’s name. Also printed on the citation is the web address you can visit to check your traffic ticket online (using your driver’s license number and case number).
In some cases, traffic violators do not receive a notice in the mail after a traffic stop. Others lose the citation they received at the time of the violation. In both cases, it is difficult to be sure about how much you owe, when it is due, or whether you can attend traffic school to protect their driving points and insurance rates.
If you cannot look up a traffic ticket online, you should try searching for the phone number and address of the courthouse issuing your ticket. Your ticket could have been submitted to justice or the municipal courthouse, depending on where you were cited.
If you have criminal traffic or misdemeanor violation, do not attempt to interpret a court order or deal with criminal charges yourself. It is recommended that you consult with a reliable Phoenix criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can. To comply with relevant state laws, you must appear before the judge on your scheduled appearance date. In general, failure to appear will result in an admission of responsibility, and judgment will be entered for the State.
The court could report the failure to appear to MVD and direct that your license be suspended and remain suspended until the civil penalty is paid in full. Additional fees will be added to the total due. Depending on the actual circumstance, if you fail or actively refuse to pay fines and penalties for a traffic ticket, unsettled tickets could lead to serious consequences.
Additionally, habitual offenses are a different story entirely. It is unlikely that you will face license suspensions and be charged with a misdemeanor for a speeding ticket that you eventually settled. However, being a habitual offender or disregarding traffic tickets from previous traffic violations could lead to serious punishment.
All civil penalties are due in full on or before the scheduled court appearance date. Otherwise, you must request a time payment plan and prove that you cannot pay in full. In this case, the Court will review your financial information to determine your eligibility for an installment plan. However, note that there is a fee added to all fines and penalties not paid in full on the day they are imposed.
You may appear on your scheduled court date to admit the violation with an explanation to the judge, which the traffic court will consider in determining the civil penalty. The court clerk will then take your payment and issue a receipt. To know the primary forms of payment that are accepted, you may contact the municipal or justice court that the citation indicates.
In general, however, courts often accept personal checks, money orders, cash, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover as payment. You may pay the amount listed on the bond envelope and mail in your payment, and certain courthouses accept payments over the phone.
Through the help of a criminal defense attorney who specializes in traffic violation and misdemeanor cases, you could avoid conviction and even have your case dismissed. This, of course, will largely depend on the actual circumstance, your defense strategy, and how your legal counsel will handle the proceedings in the criminal court.
If you find yourself in trouble with law enforcement, promptly seek legal assistance to avoid further damaging your driving and criminal records. Get a Phoenix criminal attorney who would fight for your rights. Start by calling our Arizona criminal law firm, Snader Law Group, LLC, for reliable legal help and assistance.
