Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Tickets

An officer may have given you a traffic ticket because they believed you were speeding, parking illegally, driving without a license or violating traffic laws. While a traffic ticket may not seem like a big issue, it can lead to serious consequences.

Our Brunswick attorneys at Sullivan Law are here to help you handle your traffic ticket. We will answer any questions you may have, including:

What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket?

If you receive a traffic ticket, then you should reach out to an attorney to discuss your case. Our attorneys can discuss the seriousness of a traffic ticket, potential consequences and strategies to resolve the issue. The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can bring peace back into your life.

What are the possible consequences of a traffic ticket?

The potential consequences of a traffic ticket will often depend on the type of violation. For example, running a red light and speeding could lead to fines and points on your driving and insurance record. However, driving without a license, reckless driving or drunk driving could lead to harsher punishments, such as license suspension and incarceration. It is important to talk to an attorney about your case to address the potential consequences of a traffic ticket.

Can I contest a traffic ticket?

It is possible to appear in court to contest a traffic ticket. A strong legal defense and key pieces of evidence could help mitigate or dismiss charges.

What are common defenses against traffic tickets?

There are several ways to defend against a traffic ticket in court, such as showing that a violation was not committed or the use of inaccurate police equipment. Our attorneys can represent you in court.

How long will the process take?

It may take a few weeks to a few months to resolve a traffic ticket claim depending on the complexity of the case. Our attorneys at Sullivan Law will help you explore your legal options to resolve a traffic ticket as soon as possible. The sooner you reach out to our attorneys, the sooner we can resolve your traffic ticket.

Can you guarantee that my ticket will be dismissed?

No. When it comes to a legal issue such as a traffic ticket, there are no guarantees – unless you do not contest the ticket. In that case, you are guaranteed to face serious penalties, such as fines and points on your license. It is our goal to give you the best outcome possible when resolving your traffic ticket, which may involve reduced or dismissed charges.

What information do I need to provide my attorney for my traffic ticket case?

As your attorney, we need to know some information about you and your traffic ticket to move forward with a strong defense. We will explore what led to a traffic ticket, the time and date you were ticketed, the location of the violation, the name and badge number of the police officer who ticketed you, your case number and your court date. You may also need to disclose your past driving record so that we can understand the severity of your situation.

Do I need to appear in court, or can my attorney represent me?

Sometimes. An attorney can represent you in court without your presence being necessary for a number of different offenses, and may even be able to negotiate a plea agreement. For serious offenses, such as drunk driving charges, you may be required to appear. Our lawyers can advise you after learning the specifics of your case.

What are the possible consequences of just paying my traffic ticket?

Paying a traffic ticket is an admission of guilt that carries significant long-term consequences. Immediately upon payment, points are added to your driving record, typically resulting in insurance premium increases of 20% or more that can last up to three years. For most drivers, this means hundreds in additional insurance costs.

Commercial drivers face even more serious repercussions, as paid tickets can jeopardize their CDL status and employment. The violation becomes a permanent part of your record, visible to future employers. Some violations require mandatory court appearances even after payment, leading to missed work and additional expenses. Additionally, accumulating too many points through paid tickets can result in required defensive driving courses at your own expense.

Is there a way to fight a red light camera ticket?

Red light camera tickets can be successfully challenged through several legal strategies. Our attorneys examine whether the camera system was properly certified, maintained and calibrated according to state regulations.

Warning signs must be posted at the intersection according to specific guidelines, and their absence can invalidate the ticket. The timing of yellow lights must meet minimum state standards. The photographic evidence must clearly show your vehicle and license plate, with precise documentation. We can help present evidence if you weren’t the driver or if emergency circumstances justified entering the intersection. Many red light camera programs have also faced successful legal challenges regarding their constitutionality and revenue-sharing arrangements.

Can ignoring a traffic ticket lead to an arrest?

Yes, ignoring a traffic ticket triggers a sequence of escalating consequences. When you fail to respond, the court issues a Failure to Appear (FTA) notice, adding substantial penalties. Continued nonresponse results in a bench warrant for your arrest, meaning any interaction with law enforcement could end in arrest. The DMV suspends your license until you resolve the ticket and pay all fees. Operating a vehicle with a suspended license can result in criminal charges. Your case may be referred to collections, damaging your credit score. Professional licenses and government benefits might also be suspended.

Even if you’ve already missed deadlines, our attorneys can help minimize these consequences. The financial impact of ignoring a ticket often far exceeds the original fine, as late fees, court costs and reinstatement fees quickly accumulate.

Talk To An Attorney Today

We offer free consultations for traffic tickets. You can reach out to our North Carolina lawyers at Sullivan Law by calling 910-250-9289 or sending us an email. We have flexible appointment hours, including after-hours and weekends.

For your convenience, we have flat fees available, as well as online credit card pay.