MOTOR VEHICLE VIOLATIONS ATTORNEY IN WEST HAVEN, CONNECTICUT

Most traffic offenses, such as speeding and failure to obey traffic signals (e.g. running a red light; turning illegally) are infractions or violations–these are not crimes and the only penalties authorized by law for them are fines. Some more serious offenses, however, are misdemeanors, which are crimes and carry possible jail sentences. These offenses include Reckless Driving (Conn. Gen. Stat. 14-222), Evasion of Responsibility (14-224) and Operation After Suspension (14-215). Driving Under the Influence, 14-227 (DUI/DWI/OWI), is always a serious crime with major criminal and motor vehicle licenses.

TEENAGE DRIVING ISSUES

Young drivers have certain restrictions on their licenses, violations of which can trigger suspensions and other undesirable consequences. For more information on teen driving issues, check out our specific page on the subject.

METHODS OF FIGHTING TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

Although traffic infractions and violations can be resolved quickly by mail and without going to court, doing so is equivalent to a plea of nolo contendre–you are not admitting guilt but not contesting the ticket either. You will still pay the full value of the ticket and the offense will go on your driving record, which could also include points or driver retraining obligations. This may affect your insurance premiums. To find out the possible points and penalties for your offense, download the free table that we created.

If you choose to contest the ticket–by marking Not Guilty and mailing it back–you will have the opportunity to go to court where the State (through a State’s Attorney) may reduce the fine, nolle (drop) the charge or offer another possible, favorable disposition. Additionally, if you and the State cannot come to an agreement, you can proceed to a hearing before a magistrate. This is basically a trial only that there is no right to a jury. The State still must prove the charge and will have to do so by putting on witnesses and evidence; often the ticketing police officer. You will also be allowed to cross-examine the police officer and call witnesses, including yourself.

SO WHY HIRE A LAWYER TO HANDLE A TRAFFIC CASE?

The easiest solution is not always the best solution. While a ticket fine may not be that much and paying it by mail may save you the time and aggravation of going to court, it can be more costly in the long run with the possible increase in insurance premiums and collateral motor vehicle consequences (driver re-education; license points). The stakes are even higher for a person with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

An attorney will know the law and be able to advise you on the best course of action as well as any problems with the ticket itself and the State’s case against you that may result in the ticket being dropped.

We handle traffic tickets in all of the New Haven area courts–New Haven, Meriden, Derby, Milford and Waterbury–and also Norwalk and Bridgeport--and would be happy to talk to you about your case. Please call or e-mail to set up a time to talk.