New Bern Traffic Ticket Attorney

Helping Clients with Traffic Tickets in New Bern, Havelock, & Throughout Craven & Pamlico Counties 

Receiving a traffic ticket in North Carolina can be a frustrating experience, but it doesn’t have to be dealt with alone. At Chesnutt & Clemmons, our New Bern traffic ticket lawyers have years of experience representing clients and fighting against their fines, penalties, and the increased insurance rates that may result from a conviction. We aim to guide you, help you navigate the legal process, and resolve your situation favorably. Before you pay off your speeding ticket or other traffic-related offenses, call Chesnutt & Clemmons. 

Taking prompt action when receiving a traffic ticket is crucial. Delays can not only complicate matters but may also limit your ability to contest the ticket effectively. Understanding the type of violation and potential consequences is the first step toward a favorable outcome. Our team is dedicated to alleviating your anxiety and stress by meticulously reviewing your case details and advising on the best possible strategy through every phase of the legal process.

We offer our legal services in English and Spanish. If you do not live in the area, a waiver can be obtained for some issues so that you do not have to appear in court while we advocate. If an appointment is needed, we regularly offer weekend appointments, and appointments in our Morehead City, NC office accommodate our clients' scheduling needs. 

Have you received a traffic ticket? Call Chesnutt & Clemmons today at (252) 300-0133 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our traffic ticket attorneys in New Bern. ¡SE HABLA ESPAÑOL!

Common Traffic Violations in North Carolina 

Many violations could result in a traffic ticket. A few offenses can include:

• Speeding ticket: Consequences for speeding tickets may be more serious than you think in North Carolina. Depending on the speed you are charged with, whether you’re in a school zone or work zone, and whether you are speeding more than 15 mph over the posted speed limit or are charged with a speed of more than 80 mph, the fines and penalties can be much more significant than expected. Not to mention the potential impact on your insurance rates for years. 
• Reckless Driving: This charge can be issued in addition to a speeding ticket and is a Class 2 misdemeanor. Penalties could include up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, along with increased insurance costs. Suspension of your driver’s license is also possible.
• Expired Registration Card/Tag: While most insurance companies do not consider this a moving violation, it is a Class 3 misdemeanor that can result in fines and court costs and will show up on your background check in the future. Most officers will issue a citation, but your car may be impounded or towed in extreme cases. 
• Driving While License Revoked, Non-Impaired Revocation: This is a Class 3 misdemeanor, punishable by a $200 fine and up to 20 days in jail.
• Driving While License Revoked, Impaired Revocation: This is a Class 1 misdemeanor, different from the non-impaired version, that can carry up to 120 days in jail, in addition to fines and penalties. It may also cause your license to be revoked for an additional period of one year for the first offense, two years for the second offense, and permanently for a third or subsequent offense.
• No Operator's License: Driving without a valid driver’s license can result in fines, court costs, points on your driving record, and points on your insurance. This charge can occur in several circumstances, including failing to have your license in your possession while driving or being from another country and not possessing the necessary paperwork to drive in North Carolina. 
• No Insurance: Depending on whether you have been convicted of this offense previously, the potential punishments for driving without the required auto insurance can include a civil penalty of up to $150, a separate $50 reinstatement fee, potential jail or probation for up to 45 days, and suspension of your license plates and registration. 
• Window Tinting Violation: Having window tint that fails to meet the requirements under North Carolina Law is a Class 3 misdemeanor.
• Failing to Yield: Failure to yield to motorists can result in a $35 fine. If you fail to yield to a pedestrian, the fine is raised to $100, and $250 if you fail to yield to an emergency vehicle. Failure to yield to motorists or emergency vehicles adds three points to your driving record, while failure to yield to a pedestrian adds four points.
• Passing an Emergency Vehicle: This violation is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor and comes with a fine of up to $250.00.  This differs from passing a stopped school bus, a Class 1 misdemeanor in North Carolina, carrying a minimum fine of $500.00 and a maximum punishment of up to 120 days in jail.
• Failure to Use Seatbelts: Failure to use seatbelts results in a $25.50 fine with additional court costs.
• Provisional License: If you hold a Provisional License, a conviction of moving violations, such as speeding tickets, can potentially result in the suspension of your Provisional License. Provisional Licensees already have increased auto insurance premiums, and the impact of a traffic ticket on these rates is reason enough to call us before you pay off a ticket.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): If you drive for a living, traffic citations can impact your driving record, insurance rates, and your ability to work. Don’t risk your job and CDL taking a traffic ticket too lightly. 
• Failure to Appear: If you are charged with a motor vehicle offense, your failure to appear may result in the revocation of your driver’s license indefinitely until the issue is resolved, and the N.C. The Division of Motor Vehicles may assess additional fees against you. In some cases, a failure to appear can lead to an order for your arrest. If a cash bond is required and posted, the bond will be forfeited, and the N.C. DMV will treat your failure to appear as a conviction that may add points against your driving and insurance records or lead to license revocation.

What Are the Penalties For Traffic Violations in North Carolina?  

Depending on the severity of the violation, alleged offenders can face various fines, jail time, and other license or auto insurance penalties. An accumulation of points from multiple traffic convictions can lead to the suspension of your driving privilege. Be sure to consult with our New Bern traffic ticket lawyer first before paying. If you pay for your ticket, you have pleaded guilty to the offense and can face severe ramifications. Working with our New Bern traffic ticket attorney can help you lessen your fine or avoid it altogether. 

Understanding the intricacies of traffic laws is vital to mitigating potential penalties. Many underestimate the long-term effects of a simple offense on their driving privileges and financial situation. Penalties can escalate quickly if not addressed properly. One of the most significant repercussions is the long-term increase in auto insurance rates, which adds a substantial financial burden over time. Additionally, unpaid tickets or repeated violations might result in community service orders or mandatory driving courses as part of the penalty.

Why Address Traffic Tickets Promptly?

Timely responses to traffic tickets can save you from escalating penalties and legal complications. Traffic tickets in New Bern might seem minor, but they can become complex if ignored. North Carolina’s point system can quickly accumulate, leading to severe consequences such as license suspension. Even a single speeding ticket can significantly raise your insurance rates, and unresolved tickets might incur additional costs, including reinstatement fees and court costs.

Addressing a traffic violation promptly avoids the stress and uncertainty of compounded legal and financial issues. Seeking a proactive approach through a qualified traffic ticket attorney near you, such as Chesnutt & Clemmons, can present legal options that mitigate consequences. Negotiating with local courts may lead to reduced fines or dismissal of charges, savings that surpass the immediate cost of legal representation. Moreover, positioning your defense strategically within the allotted response time can positively impact the final outcome.

The Role of Local Knowledge in Traffic Violation Defense

New Bern, part of Craven County, presents unique traffic challenges stemming from its blend of urban and rural roadways. Navigating local traffic laws can be complex, and having a traffic ticket attorney in New Bern who understands the nuances of local roads can make a significant difference. Local attorneys are familiar with common pitfalls within the local road networks and can offer advice tailored to the area. This local approach can be especially beneficial when addressing offenses frequently occurring on routes such as U.S. 70 and Highway 17, where speeding and other violations are prevalent due to high traffic volumes and speed limits that vary drastically over short distances.

Understanding how local traffic enforcement operates, including the methods deployed by local law enforcement, is critical in constructing a defense. Our traffic ticket lawyers in New Bern possess in-depth knowledge of the local legal system, including the preferences and tendencies of area judges and prosecutors. This familiarity allows Chesnutt & Clemmons to develop strategies to reduce or nullify penalties efficiently. Our dedication to New Bern’s communities drives us to maintain a detailed understanding of relevant traffic laws and offenses impacted by local conditions, ensuring your best chance of a positive outcome.

Worried your traffic ticket might cost you more than just a fine? Speak with a trusted New Bern traffic ticket attorney today to explore your options and protect your driving record.