Attorney McElwee has handled thousands of speeding tickets and other driving infractions for his clients over the years, with a successful record of obtaining reductions or dismissals for most.
If you receive a ticket, there are several important considerations you should take into account:
(1) Traffic tickets can trigger both driver’s license points and insurance points. Both can have very negative consequences, placing your license at risk and creating a big financial hit in the form of increased insurance costs. You should almost NEVER simply pay off a traffic ticket, as doing so is taking full responsibility for the infraction and accepting the points that come with it. The vast majority of tickets can be reduced via negotiations with the district attorney, which can lessen or completely eliminate the points.
(2) If you’re an out-of-state driver charged with a driving infraction in North Carolina, don’t assume you can pay it off and it won’t get reported back to your home state. North Carolina has reciprocity with almost every other state under the Driver License Compact (DLC) or Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC). In most cases, they’ll report the ticket back to your home state and you’ll still suffer the driver’s license and insurance points.
(3) Your previous driving record is a factor. If you already have points, or if you’ve had a traffic ticket reduced in the past, you may have to take additional steps to keep your record clear this time. Oftentimes you can still get a reduction, if you’re willing to take a safe driving class or some other corrective steps. We can help you assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, as there’s not much we haven’t seen and been able to help with over the years.
(4) An attorney can usually help. From time to time you will hear of people who have gone to court and successfully represented themselves over a speeding ticket. However, lawyers understand the system and processes, and know how to avoid unintended consequences. Very often they can also get a better deal from the State than you are able to get for yourself. An attorney can usually save you the inconvenience of going and waiting your turn at court as well – which sometimes translates to hours when the docket is full.
(5) For an attorney, the process is usually very simple and straightforward. This is why McElwee Law Firm doesn’t charge you an arm and a leg for a simple speeding ticket or stop sign violation. Obviously, some matters are more complicated and cost a little more to resolve. Rest assured, we’ll let you know up front if your traffic ticket falls in that category. For most, we can take care of your ticket with a quick trip to court, or maybe even a phone call. We understand it’s our knowledge of the process, our good relationship with the court, and the convenience that you’re paying for.
If you’ve received a ticket, give us a call. We strive to be the most affordable attorney option around… as we understand most tickets can be resolved without a great deal of time expended.
We have offices in Winston-Salem and North Wilkesboro and handle traffic infractions throughout the area.
Visit our traffic ticket website, www.carolinatrafficticket.com, for more information about how we can help with your ticket.