Are you facing a traffic ticket in Greenville or Spartanburg, SC? While it may seem like a minor issue, the consequences of a traffic violation can be severe and long-lasting. From increased insurance rates to potential license suspension, a traffic ticket can have a significant impact on your life. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side.
At Sentinel Law Firm, we understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with a traffic ticket. That’s why we offer dedicated and aggressive representation to help protect your rights and minimize the consequences of your violation. Our attorneys have a wealth of experience in handling a variety of traffic violations, including speeding, reckless driving, and DUI.
One of the most important reasons to hire an attorney for a traffic ticket is to help you avoid points on your license. Points can accumulate quickly and can lead to license suspension or revocation. The point system is a way for the state to track and penalize drivers for traffic violations. Each violation carries a certain number of points, and if you accumulate too many points, your license can be suspended or revoked. An attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce or dismiss your charges, potentially saving you from losing your license.
Some of the common traffic tickets in South Carolina and their corresponding points are below:
Reckless Driving – 6 Points
Passing a Stopped School Bus – 6 Points
Hit & Run, property damage only – 6 points
Speeding, over 25 mph – 6 points
Speeding, between 10 mph and 25 mph – 4 points
Speeding, 10 mph or less – 2 points
Disobedience of any traffic control device or officer – 4 points
Failing to yield right of way – 4 points
Driving on the wrong side of the road – 4 points
Passing unlawfully – 4 points
Turning unlawfully – 4 points
Driving through or within a safety zone – 4 points
Failing to give a signal or giving an improper signal when stopping, turning, or suddenly decreasing speed – 4 points
Shifting lanes without safety precaution – 2 points
Improper dangerous parking – 2 points
Following too closely – 4 points
Failing to dim lights – 2 points
Operating with improper lights – 2 points
Operating with improper brakes – 2 points
Operating vehicle in an unsafe condition – 2 points
Driving in improper lane – 2 points
Improper backing – 2 points
If a driver in South Carolina acquires 12-15 points, this results in an automatic suspension of their license for 3 months. At 16-17 points, this increases to a 4-month suspension. At 18-19 points, it increases again to 5 months. At 20 points or more, the suspension becomes 6 months.
Another important reason to hire an attorney for a traffic ticket is to help you avoid costly insurance increases. Insurance companies use the point system to determine your risk as a driver. The more points you have, the higher your rates will be. This can add up to hundreds of dollars per year in increased insurance costs. Insurance companies use traffic violations as a way to raise your rates, sometimes by hundreds of dollars per year. An attorney can help you contest the ticket and potentially have the charges reduced or dismissed, which can help you avoid a costly rate increase.
In Conclusion:
Finally, hiring an attorney for a traffic ticket can also help you avoid hefty fines and court costs. A conviction for a traffic violation can result in hundreds of dollars in fines and court costs. An attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce or dismiss your charges, potentially saving you from having to pay these costly fines.
Hiring an attorney can help you avoid points and keep your insurance rates low. An attorney can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce or dismiss your charges, which can help you avoid points on your license. An attorney can also help you contest the ticket in court, potentially getting the charges dropped and avoiding points altogether.
At Sentinel Law Firm, we understand the impact that traffic violations can have on your life. If you’re facing a traffic violation in Greenville or Spartanburg, SC, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Our attorneys will work with you to understand your situation and develop a strategy to help you avoid points and keep your insurance rates low. Let us help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.
