Above all else, BE NICE. You weren’t doing anything wrong? Be nice. The cop is being a jerk? Be nice. You’re issued a ticket you feel you don’t deserve? Definitely be nice... It’s all on video and, in case there’s a trial, or you have to argue your rights in court, your behavior and attitude toward the officer will be relevant. That said, you have rights! You are no trequired to answer any questions aside from your name, address, and date of birth (which are all on your license, making verbal communication unnecessary if you’re unable to speak or choose not to). Feel free to use the following statement or similar, if necessary: “With all due respect officer, if I’m free to go, I want to go. If I’m not free to go, I want my lawyer immediately,” and if you are questioned further, “I do not want to talk or answer questions without my attorney present, and I do not consent to a search of my vehicle or my person before I talk to them.” Again, nicely.
Probably. The unfortunate truth of the matter is that even a simple ticket can be a complicated issue. Laws vary from county to county, and a prosecutor’s recommendation can vary from day to day or courtroom to courtroom! Are you aware of all the traffic rules and potential consequences/benefits to each plea option? We are. Depending on your violation, there are various possible outcomes. Deferred adjudication, a reduction of charges, or even a dismissal are all commonplace in the courtroom with a good attorney.
Yes… but why? Paying your ticket is almost always the same as pleading guilty. This stays on your record and can raise your insurance rates, along with adding points to your license. Many times, with the cumulative penalties from multiple agents, you’ll pay more by handling your own violation than you would have had you hired one of our experienced and knowledgeable attorneys.
It depends on your violation. Dismissals may be available if you have a valid driver’s license, you were not driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the violation, and you haven’t taken a driver safety course in the last 12 months. If one of the following is true, a dismissal is impossible or incredibly unlikely (though we can attempt if that’s your desire, or there are extenuating circumstances):● Driving 25 MPH or more over the speed limit● Driving at 95 MPH or faster● Passing a school bus● Leaving the scene after involvement in a vehicular accident● Violating construction zone rules with workers presentOther serious violations (up to the discretion of the officer and the court) may also prevent a ticket dismissal.
The first thing you should do is contact our office to schedule your free consultation. Whether over the phone or in person,there is nothing like speaking directly to someone who knows what they’re talking about and can give you some guidance. Maybe you don’t need an attorney,that’s fine—we’ll tell you that and let you know what steps to take to handle it yourself. To speak with our office in detail about your specific situation, please call us at 512-268-9415, email help@mzlawfirm.com, or use the format the bottom of this page.
187 Elmhurst Drive, Suite AKyle, Texas 78640
Office: 512-268-9415Fax: 512-532-7766
208 Grand Ave Pkwy, Pflugerville, TX 78660
Office: (512) 268-9410Fax: 512-532-7766
