|
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, it is imperative that you contact an attorney as quickly as possible to ensure your rights are being protected. A lawyer can help you avoid oversights and mistakes early in your case that may have a detrimental impact as it develops.
Our lawyers possess the experience and knowledge necessary to guide you through the legal process while ensuring that your constitutional rights are being protected. After a careful examination of the facts of your specific case, we will advise you whether a trial or plea bargain would be in your best interest.
Our lawyers represent clients in both state and federal court in a variety of areas, including:
- Traffic charges
- DWI/DUI
- Speeding Tickets (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Possession of an Open Container
- Reckless Driving
- Driving While License Revoked / No Operator's License
- Failure to Maintain Lane Control
- Hit and Run
- Other traffic violations
- Drug charges
- Intoxicated and disruptive
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of controlled substances
- Drug Trafficking
- Other drug offenses
- Violent crimes
- Assault
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Domestic violence protective order violations
- Child abuse
- Communicating Threats
- Other violent offenses
- Property crimes
- Trespass
- Larceny
- Forgery
- Injury to real or personal property
- Possession of Stolen Goods
- Breaking and Entering
- Shoplifting
- Financial Card Theft / Fraud
- Other property crimes
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Speeding Tickets
Why Should I hire a lawyer?
When dealing with criminal charges, hiring a lawyer is always the best decision. A lawyer may help reduce or eliminate your fine, may be able to avoid your having to go to court, and may help minimize potential problems with your driver license and insurance.
Brown, Ward & Haynes, P.A. offers a free consultation for traffic charges.
Why shouldn't I just pay off my ticket?
In certain circumstances, you will be given the option to mail in your fine along with a copy of your citation and your case will be closed without having to attend court. The effect of this action is a guilty plea to the charged offense and it may result in unexpected consequences, such as license revocation, that could have been avoided with a lawyer's assistance.
A lawyer can discuss the specific facts of your case with you and provide a complete summary of the many options on the way to a satisfactory conclusion of your case.
What information will the lawyer require to represent my interests?
First and foremost, the attorney will need a copy of your citation. Citations state the charge(s) against you and also show the lawyer your court date, the county in which the traffic stop occurred, the charging officer's name and department, and other useful information.
Your lawyer will also need to know what, if any, traffic charges you have been convicted of in the past. Previous traffic convictions can impact the way in which your lawyer attempts to handle your case and whether you could be facing a potential revocation for your current charges.
Finally, your lawyer will need your current driver license information and whether you have a commercial driver license (CDL). This information is key, because CDLs can be treated differently under the law than noncommercial licenses.
How much will a lawyer charge for his services?
Fees differ from lawyer to lawyer and case to case, but they are required to be reasonable. If the case is the type that will require a great deal of time and effort on the part of the lawyer, the fee will be higher than one where the demands are minimal.
Although a lawyer may give you the option of choosing an hourly fee, the majority of lawyers will charge a flat rate to handle a speeding ticket. A flat fee is a one time charge for handling your case.
In addition to the lawyer's fee, what other costs and fines might I incur?
The North Carolina Legislature and Administrative Office of the Courts make changes to court costs and fines very often, and the amounts also vary depending on the speed of the vehicle in relation to the speed limit. At a minimum, court costs and fines will total $200.
If you missed your original court date and the lawyer has to have your case placed back on the court calendar, call a lawyer immediately. If you are too late, you may have to pay the State of North Carolina an additional fine of $200.
How long will my case take?
Most court dates are set between one and two months from the date of the alleged offense. If your lawyer has all of your paperwork, your matter can usually be handled on the first court date. If you require additional time to complete a defensive driving course or simply need time to save money for fines and costs, your lawyer may be able to continue your case to give you additional time.
| 
