If you are stopped and cited for a traffic offense in Texas, you may be facing more serious penalties than you think. Indeed, even traffic violations can result in substantial monetary fines and other penalties that can affect your life and general well-being, especially if you have a history of traffic offenses in the state. Yet it is critical to remember that you can contest traffic citations just as you might fight criminal charges that you are facing in Texas. One of our experienced Texas traffic violations defense attorneys is here to help you. We know how important it is to maintain your driving privileges in Texas while also avoiding significant monetary penalties and rising auto insurance rates.
To emphasize the importance of having an aggressive Texas traffic defense lawyer on your side, we want to tell you more about potential fines and other consequences for various traffic violations in the state, as well as information about when and how a person can be stopped. The following are five things you should know about Texas traffic violations.
- Texas Distinguishes Between Major and Minor Traffic Violations
- Some Traffic Violations Can Result in Criminal Charges
- Speeding is a Primary Reason for Traffic Citations
- Some Vehicles Are Cited for Traffic Violations More Often Than Others
- Penalties Range from Monetary Fines to Jail Time Upon Conviction
Under Texas law, there are major and minor traffic violations. Generally speaking, minor traffic violations will result in a monetary fine, while major violations can result in criminal charges and jail time.
As we explained above, minor traffic violations result in a fine or a citation as opposed to a criminal charge. Yet many major traffic violations lead to criminal charges, including but not limited to reckless driving, intoxication manslaughter, driving while intoxicated (DWI), and hit-and-run accidents.
Speeding is the leading cause of traffic citations in Texas, which is a traffic violation under Section 545.351 of the Texas Transportation Code.
Some vehicles are ticketed more than others, particularly for speeding. According to an article in Motor Trend, the Subaru WRX and Volkswagen GTI are cited for speeding tickets more than most other vehicles on the road.
If you are cited for a minor traffic violation or charged with and convicted of a major violation, penalties can range from a monetary fine to jail time. Even with a minor violation, you can end up being required to pay a fine of hundreds of dollars, and sometimes as much as $1,000 even for a first-offense when the minor violation involves failing to stop for a school bus.
Beyond the monetary penalty, you can face auto insurance increases, and you could lose your ability to be hired for certain jobs that require driving. For major traffic violations that result in criminal charges, convictions can lead to days, months, or years of jail time. For example, reckless driving can result in up to 30 days in jail, and a hit-and-run accident can result in up to 5 years in prison.
Contact Our Texas Traffic Defense Attorneys
If you have questions about traffic violation defenses or need assistance with your case, one of our experienced Texas traffic defense attorneys can speak with you today. Contact The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates today for more information.