Lancaster Traffic Violation Defense Attorney
Most days are hectic, filled with rushing and trying to be somewhere on time, and our todo list just continues to grow. That’s why dealing with a traffic violation can be a major burden. But a Highway stop followed by a traffic citation can have serious ramifications on your Pennsylvania Driver’s License. Before you enter a plea of guilty to your traffic ticket in the greater Lancaster metropolitan area including but not limited to Manheim, Lititz, Quarryville, Mount Joy, Ephrata, or Columbia, get advice on the impact your traffic ticket will have to your driving record, points on your license, your privilege to operate a motor vehicle and your insurance premium. Get the help you need with a Lancaster Traffic Violations lawyer.
Don’t Let a Traffic Violation Impact Your Pennsylvania Driver’s License
There are many traffic violations in Pennsylvania that can cause points, loss of license or impact your insurance premium. Our experienced Traffic Law department represents clients in citations and magistrate hearings for the following type of traffic cases:
- Speeding
- Maximum Speed Limits
- Speeding in Work Zone
- Speeding in Active School Zone
- Driving Too Fast For Conditions
- Failure to Stop at Stop Sign
- Failure to Yield
- Following Too Closely
- Overtaking/Passing A School Bus
- Racing
- Careless Driving
- Reckless Driving
- Hit and Run
- Vehicular Homicide
- Aggravated Assault with Vehicle
- Fleeing or Attempting To Elude Police
- Leaving Scene of Accident (Death/Personal Injury)
- Leaving Scene of Accident Unattended Vehicle
- Driving While Suspended
- Driving While Operators Privilege Suspended or Revoked
Lancaster Traffic Violations
According to pennlive.com, more than a million Pennsylvania drivers are ticketed each year for offenses ranging from speeding and running stop signs all the way to DUI and driving on a suspended license. In fact, between 2012 and 2015 there were 5.6 million traffic violation tickets issued to Pennsylvania drivers—3,875 per day. Men were the “winners” with 62 percent of all traffic violation citations going to adult males and 1 in 10 drivers (of either sex) receiving a traffic violation ticket in 2015.
Speeding is the number one violation in the state, with about one-fifth of all traffic violation tickets being given out for speeding, followed by failure to obey traffic control devices (running stop signs and stop lights), driving without a valid inspection, driving an unregistered vehicle and driving on a suspended license.
Younger adults are more likely to exceed the speed limit than older drivers, with about 34 percent of all speeding tickets being given to those between the ages of 20 and 29. Finally, while the urban myth of red cars receiving the most speeding tickets continues to circulate, about 54 percent of speeding tickets are issued to drivers in black, silver or white vehicles—which makes sense because these colors make up the majority of the cars on the road.
If you’re facing a traffic violation in Lancaster, we are here to help you beat those tickets and reduce the penalties on your driving record. Our team of criminal defense attorneys have the experience, passion, and consideration to give you the best possible results. Contact us today at (717) 291-9400 or (877) 529-2422. Our Lancaster Office is located at 313 West Liberty Place, Lancaster PA 17603.
A Lancaster Law Firm Ready to Fight Traffic Violations
The vast majority of those who receive a Pennsylvania traffic violation will simply pay the ticket and move on, or they might choose to attend traffic school—which still requires paying the ticket. In the state of Pennsylvania, the DOT does not provide drivers with the opportunity to have traffic violations or points removed from their driving record by attending traffic school or a defensive driving program. The local Pennsylvania court overseeing your traffic violation could consider reducing or dismissing the traffic violation if you participate in some form of traffic school.
It is understandable why this may seem the most expedient way to handle your traffic violation—after all, you are probably just as busy as most Americans, and simply don’t have the time to take off work and argue your case before a judge, even if you feel you were unfairly ticketed. It is generally a better alternative to consider appearing in court for an arraignment and setting a date for trial so you can ask the court whether it would consider offering a reduced penalty or dismissing the traffic violation in exchange for your enrollment in some type of driver improvement program or a Pennsylvania online traffic school.
Should you decide to fight the ticket on your own, once you step into the courtroom, you will be required to argue your case convincingly enough that a judge will take your word over the word of the police officer. This is, unfortunately, highly unlikely. Unless the police officer fails to show up, it is likely you will lose your case and still be required to pay your ticket, along with court costs. Contrast that scenario with the one in which you appear with an experienced Lancaster traffic ticket lawyer by your side. Our attorneys are very familiar with the local and state court systems and have a working relationship with court personnel—familiarity which will definitely work in your favor.
Understanding the Consequences of Not Fighting Traffic Violations in Lancaster
The most important thing you must remember is that should you choose to write a check and drop it in the mail to pay your speeding ticket or other traffic violation, is that by doing so you have admitted your guilt and will receive a conviction for the offense. Depending on whether your traffic violation is a civil infraction or a criminal offense, such a conviction can have very serious repercussions. Any moving violation conviction, whether civil or criminal, will result in points being added to your driving record. A criminal conviction—even for a traffic offense—will stay on your record for a very long time, causing other problems. When you apply for a job and your prospective employer conducts a background check, this criminal conviction will show up, potentially costing you a job you are well-qualified for.
When you fill out an application to rent a home, your prospective landlord will run a background check and may choose not to rent to you because of the criminal conviction. You could be unable to obtain a government student loan or obtain a professional license due to the criminal conviction resulting from the traffic citation you decided to pay rather than fight. In short, there are many compelling reasons to hire Lancaster traffic ticket attorney and literally no reason not to. Your Lancaster traffic violations attorney will fight for your rights, doing his or her best to ensure this traffic ticket does not cost you much more than the amount of the fine.
Specific Traffic Offenses your Lancaster Traffic Violation Attorney Can Help You With
As you are likely aware, Pennsylvania has numerous police officers on the roadways at all times. The types of traffic tickets commonly issued to those in the state—and the number of accompanying points which will be added to your driving record—include the following:
- Speeding (6-10 mph over the posted speed limit—2 points
- Speeding (11-15 mph over the posted speed limit—3 points plus a 15-day license suspension if the incident of excess speed occurs in a construction zone)
- Speeding (16-25 mph over the posted speed limit—4 points plus a 15-day license suspension if the incident of excess speed occurs in a construction zone)
- Speeding (26-30 mph over the posted speed limit—5 points plus a 15-day license suspension if the incident of excess speed occurs in a construction zone)
- Speeding (31 or more mph over the posted speed limit—5 points plus a 15-day license suspension if the incident of excess speed occurs in a construction zone. The hearing officer may add additional penalties as well.
- Failure to stop for a school bus—5 points
- Improper passing in a tunnel or on a bridge—3 points
- Failure to obey authorized person directing traffic—2 points
- Careless driving—3 points
- Illegal U-turn—3 points
- Failure to stop at railroad crossing—4 points
- Running a stop light or red light—3 points
- Failure to yield—3 points
- Tailgating (Following too closely)—3 points
- Violation of restriction on a person’s driver’s license (wearing glasses, etc.)—2 points
- Leaving the scene of an accident—4 points
Any conviction for a moving violation will add points to your driving record. When you have reached six points on your driving record for the first time, you will receive a written notice to take a special written point examination which includes your knowledge of safe driving practices, departmental sanctions and related safety issues. You have 30 days to pass the exam or your driver’s license will be suspended until the exam is passed. If you pass the exam within the 30-day period, 2 points will be removed from your driving record.
If your driving record is reduced to below six points, then for a second time reaches 6 or more points, you will be required to attend a Departmental hearing, where your driver’s record will be reviewed. Following the hearing, you could be subject to a 15-day driver’s license suspension, you could be required to take an on-road driver exam, or no action could be taken. If your licenses is suspended or you are ordered to take the exam, 2 points will be removed from your driver’s license either once the suspension is up or if you pass the exam within 30 days.
If your driving record has the points reduced below 6 points and for the third or subsequent time you reach 6 or more points, you will be required to attend a Departmental hearing. At this hearing, your driving record will be examined, and a determination will be made as to whether a 30-day license suspension is warranted. Should you reach 11 points on your driving record, you will have an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. The length of that suspension will depend on how many times you have had a license suspension in the past:
- First suspension—5 days suspension per point on driving record
- Second suspension—10 days suspension per point on driving record
- Third suspension—15 days suspension per point on driving record
The penalties for Pennsylvania traffic violations can multiply rapidly. When too many points are accumulated, your insurance premiums will go up and your driver’s license could be suspended. Having an experienced Lancaster traffic violation attorney who is highly experienced in handling traffic cases can help you avoid the points that can actually end up costing you thousands of dollars for many years in the future. One of the biggest financial impacts will be the sharp rise in your insurance rates, plus a license suspension could cause you significant inconvenience as you attempt to get to work, to school, and to run necessary errands. Do not fight your traffic ticket on your own—and do not simply pay the ticket. Either of those “solutions” will result in substantial repercussions for a very long time to come.
Contact Our Lancaster Traffic Violations Lawyers
If you have been issued a ticket for a traffic violation in Lancaster, it is important to know how to fight these violations to protect your driving record. The highly experienced traffic violations attorneys at the Ciccarelli Law Offices can help you during this difficult time. We will fight aggressively for your rights after a traffic violation. Contact the Ciccarelli Law Offices today by email or by phone at (717) 291-9400 or (877) 529-2422 immediately to begin building a solid defense against these serious charges. By retaining an experienced traffic attorney, such as the Lancaster PA traffic lawyers at Ciccarelli Law Offices, you may be able to waive your appearance in court, saving you time and aggravation, while a member of our firm represents you. We know when your case is worth fighting, and how to get you the minimum sentence or to get your case dismissed all together.
Communities in Lancaster County
Lancaster, Manheim, East Hempfield, Manor, Warwick, East Lampeter, West Hempfield, West Lampeter, Ephrata, Elizabethtown, Salisbury, Rapho, Columbia, East Cocalico, Mount Joy, Lititz, Penn, Upper Leacock, West Donegal, Millersville, East Donegal, West Earl, Brecknock, West Cocalico, Earl, Providence, East Earl, Clay, New Holland, Leacock, Paradise, Martic, Caernarvon, Pequea, East Petersburg, Strasburg, Little Britain, Elizabeth, Akron, Denver, East Drumore, Conestoga, Colerain, Sadsbury, Conoy, Bart, Fulton, Mountville, Quarryville, Drumore, Marietta, Eden, Adamstown, Terre Hill, Christiana, Witmer, Willow Street, White Horse, Washington Boro, Wakefield, Talmage, Swartzville, Stevens, Soudersburg, Smoketown, Silver Spring, Schoeneck, Salunga, Safe Harbor, Rothsville, Ronks, Rheems, Reinholds, Refton, Reamstown, Penryn, Nickel Mines, New Danville, Neffsville, Narvon, Morgantown, Mechanics Grove, Maytown, Mastersonville, Martindale, Lyndon, Leola, Leaman Place, Landisville, Lampeter, Kissel Hill, Kirkwood, Kinzers, Intercourse, Hopeland, Holtwood, Hinkletown, Hempfield, Gordonville, Goodville, Georgetown, Gap, Fivepointville, Fertility, Farmersville, Falmouth, Elm, Dillerville, Creswell, Conewago, Cocalico, Churchtown, Buck, Brownstown, Brickerville, Bowmansville, Blue Ball, Blainsport, Bird-in-Hand, Bausman, Bainbridge
Zip Codes in Lancaster County
17022, 17073, 17501, 17502, 17503, 17504, 17505, 17506, 17507, 17508, 17509, 17512, 17516, 17517, 17518, 17519, 17520, 17521, 17522, 17527, 17528, 17529, 17532, 17533, 17534, 17535, 17536, 17537, 17538, 17540, 17543, 17545, 17547, 17549, 17550, 17551, 17552, 17554, 17555, 17557, 17560, 17562, 17563, 17563, 17564, 17565, 17566, 17567, 17568, 17569, 17572, 17575, 17576, 17577, 17578, 17579, 17580, 17581, 17582, 17583, 17584, 17585, 17601, 17602, 17603, 17604, 17605, 17606, 17607, 17608
Ciccarelli Law Offices | Lancaster County Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Have you been stopped or cited for traffic violations including but not limited to serious traffic violations like a reckless driving, or school bus violation in Lancaster Pennsylvania? Make sure that you have experienced legal counsel who is committed to achieving the most favorable possible outcome to your case.
Ciccarelli Law Offices provides legal defense for clients all over Lancaster County and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Call (717) 291-9400 right now to take advantage of a free consultation that will allow our traffic attorneys to review your case. Call us at 717-291-9400 or toll-free at 877-529-2422 or contact us online.