Eric Skager Law helps people in High Point when they’re stopped and given a traffic ticket. In today’s world, it’s not hard to get momentarily distracted behind the wheel—especially with smartphones constantly demanding our attention. But in North Carolina, the law is strict, but every case isn’t open-and-shut. My firm can help you through the process and make sure you’re treated fairly. Set up a free consultation today to learn how.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Texting While Driving Ticket?
Texting while driving might seem like a minor offense—but in North Carolina, it’s taken seriously. Tickets lead to fines, license points, and even bigger consequences if your record isn’t clean or if there’s an accident involved.
But just because you were ticketed doesn’t mean there’s no way forward. These charges are often based on an officer’s observations—which may or may not hold up in court. A good defense can challenge what really happened and whether the law was applied correctly. Here’s how we can help:
- Break down what the charge actually means and what’s at stake
- Review the details of the stop and whether your rights were respected
- Build a defense based on what you were actually doing—not just assumptions
- Work toward keeping the charge off your record or reducing the penalties
Having someone in your corner who understands how these cases work in High Point can make a huge difference. We’ll help you handle the situation and avoid letting a single moment behind the wheel follow you for years.
What Are Your Options If You’ve Been Charged With Texting While Driving?
It might feel like there’s no defense for a texting ticket—either you were on your phone or you weren’t, right? But the reality is a little more complicated, especially under North Carolina’s specific law. Some common defense options we look at include:
- You weren’t texting – The law focuses on manual entry of text while driving. If you were using GPS, changing a song, or interacting with your phone in another legal way, the charge might not stick.
- You were parked or stopped – The law only applies while your vehicle is in motion. If you were legally stopped—say, at a red light or parked—that can make a big difference.
- The officer’s view was limited – Many texting-while-driving charges hinge on visual observations made from outside the vehicle. If the officer couldn’t clearly see what you were doing, we can challenge the credibility of the citation.
- Your rights were violated during the stop – If the stop wasn’t legal or the search went too far, any evidence collected might not be usable.
We’ll dig into the specifics of your case, not just the surface-level accusation. There’s more room to fight these charges than most people realize—and we’ll help you do it.
What Are the Penalties for Texting While Driving in High Point?
North Carolina treats texting behind the wheel as a civil offense—but that doesn’t mean the consequences aren’t serious. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 20-137.4A, a violation comes with:
- A $100 fine (not including court costs, which add to the total)
- Points on your driving record (especially for CDL or underage drivers)
- Insurance rate hikes depending on your provider and driving history
- If you’re under 18 or hold a commercial license, the penalties can be more severe—including possible license restrictions.
And if the charge comes after an accident or as part of a broader citation (like reckless driving), the situation gets more serious—and fast. Judges in High Point often look at the full context of the stop when making their decision, so it’s all about taking the right steps in the aftermath of your stop–and ticket.
What Happens After You’re Cited for Texting While Driving?
Obviously, you don’t want to get a ticket for texting while driving–even though sometimes it’s unavoidable. Given the above penalties, though, you could be facing pretty serious dings to your license or insurance. But in practice, it’s important to know how the entire process typically goes:
- The stop and ticket – Everything starts with getting stopped. The officer pulls you over and issues the citation, usually based on what they saw through the window. They may ask questions or even inspect your phone—but you don’t have to hand it over without a warrant.
- Court notice – Depending on how the ticket is written, you may be required to appear in court. In Guilford County, this usually means a traffic session at the High Point courthouse.
- Pleading – You can plead guilty, not guilty, or request a dismissal or reduction. If you plead not guilty, we’ll work with you to prepare a defense and appear in court on your behalf if needed.
- Hearing and decision – In court, we’ll present evidence, cross-examine the officer if needed, and advocate for a dismissal or lighter outcome. In some cases, we can resolve things without you ever needing to step foot in the courtroom.
Having a lawyer on your side early on gives you more control over the outcome—and reduces the chance of this citation turning into a long-term problem.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Ticketed?
If you’ve been ticketed for texting while driving, don’t just pay the fine and move on. That payment counts as an admission of guilt—and it can stick to your record. Here’s what you should do instead:
- Look at the ticket – Read the ticket carefully. It’ll explain whether you’re required to appear in court and when your response is due. Missing a date can lead to additional penalties.
- Take notes about what happened – Write down what happened. Jot down anything you remember about the stop—where you were, what you were doing, how the officer behaved. That kind of detail can help shape your defense later.
These charges may seem small, but they can lead to big headaches down the road. We’ll help you handle it the right way, from the very first step.
Eric Skager Law Can Help With a Texting While Driving Ticket in High Point
At Eric Skager Law, we know how easy it is to end up with a distracted driving charge—especially in a world where everyone’s phone is constantly going off. Maybe you weren’t even texting. Maybe the stop wasn’t handled properly. Or maybe you just want someone to step in and make sure this doesn’t follow you longer than it has to.
No matter what happened, we’ll take your case seriously—and treat you with respect. If you’ve been cited in High Point, reach out today and let’s talk through your options.
