Almost everyone will get at least one speeding ticket in their life.  Who has not experienced that sinking feeling of passing a patrol car and then looking down at your speedometer and seeing that needle well past the posted speed limit?

So, what do you do when you get a speeding ticket?  Do you need a lawyer?  Generally speaking, it is not cost effective to hire an attorney to represent you for a speeding ticket.  However, there are exceptions to this rule and you should be aware of the consequences that a guilty plea will have on your driving record an insurance before you pay a speeding citation. Speeding citations can in some circumstances suspend your drivers license!

The following categories of people should strongly consider consulting an attorney or at least educate themselves if they receive a speeding ticket:

Commercial Drivers – If you are a commercial driver and rely on your ability to operate a commercial vehicle for a living you should always consult an attorney about any citation you receive.

People who have a bad driving record – If you have a bad driving record and have accumulated points on your license you may want to consult an attorney.  Your license may be suspended if you accumulate too many points.

Young Drivers – Be aware that drivers under 21are subject to different rules than driver over 21.

Over 15 mph citations – If you are driving 15 mph over the posted speed limit you may be subject to additional penalties and a “super speeder fine”.

If you decide to go to court without an attorney you may wish to discuss with the prosecutor, solicitor or in some courts the Judge himself the possibility of attending a driving school to avoid the citation appearing on your driving record.  Some courts also offer a “pre-trial diversion” programs for speeders, which often involves not getting citations for some period of time and may be combined with a driver safety course.

I hope the above information helps and remember the best way to avoid traffic court is to slow down!