Eric Skager Law can help you if you’re driving through High Point and are given a traffic ticket. There’s a lot working against out-of-state drivers when they drive through the area, but getting a ticket doesn’t mean you have to accept the punishment that comes after. My firm can explain your options and help you through the process–even if you’re no longer here in High Point. Set up a consultation today to learn more.
Why Would I Need a Lawyer?
If you’ve been ticketed while driving throughout High Point, one of your first questions is probably pretty simple: why would I need a lawyer? You don’t have to get one, but having one obviously makes things much easier—especially when you live hours away. There’s a wide variety of violations that could leave you with a ticket in High Point, and the process can be confusing and inconvenient when you’re not local. Here’s how my firm can help you:
- Walking you through what happens next so you’re never left guessing.
- Helping you gather everything you need to support your case.
- Reviewing the details to figure out the best way forward.
- Handling the court process and paperwork to protect your rights and save you the trip back to North Carolina.
And the truth is, how well your case goes often depends on what you know—and what you can show—about what really happened on the road.
What Kinds of Information Can Help Me Fight My Traffic Ticket?
Getting a traffic ticket close to home is annoying enough—but getting one in another state can feel like a real problem. If you were passing through High Point, maybe visiting family or driving back from the coast, you might have been pulled over for something minor that now feels like a major hassle.
- What the ticket says. There’s a big difference between a regular speeding ticket and a more serious charge like reckless driving. The exact wording on your ticket tells us what penalties you might face and what options are on the table.
- Where and when it happened. High Point has a few areas that catch drivers off guard—like Main Street, Wendover Avenue, or I-85, where the speed limit changes suddenly. Knowing the exact location and time can help us understand what might have caused the stop.
- Any notes from the officer. Sometimes officers jot down quick observations or comments about what they saw. Those little details can help us spot inconsistencies or show that the situation wasn’t as clear-cut as it seems.
- Your driving history. If you’ve got a clean record, that can work in your favor. It gives us leverage to ask for a reduced charge or even a dismissal, especially if this was a one-time mistake.
- Any proof you have. Dashcam footage, photos, or statements from passengers can all make a difference. Maybe a sign was blocked by construction or the weather made visibility poor—anything that helps explain what happened can strengthen your defense.
Even the weather, the time of day, or how traffic was flowing can matter. A ticket rarely tells the full story—but we can with the right information. The more complete it is, the more effectively your side of the story can be told. And once those details are in place, you have real options for how to handle your ticket—no matter how far away you live.
What Options Do I Have If I’ve Gotten a Ticket and I’m From Out-of-State?
If you live outside North Carolina and you get a ticket, you’re probably wondering what happens next—and whether you need to come back to deal with it. Fortunately, you’ve got a few options:
- Pay the ticket. This is the quickest option, but not always the smartest. Paying means you’re pleading guilty, which can lead to points on your license and higher insurance rates—both in North Carolina and your home state.
- Fight the ticket. If you believe the ticket was unfair, you can challenge it in court. Our firm can often appear for you, so you don’t have to travel back. We’ll handle the filings, the hearing, and all talks with the court while keeping you updated.
- Negotiate. Sometimes we can work with the court to reduce the charge to something that won’t impact your record or insurance. This option often saves you money and avoids long-term consequences.
No matter which options you choose, the key is to respond on time and take action early. Ignoring a ticket can lead to license suspensions or even a warrant in some cases. With the right help, though, you can take care of everything smoothly and with as little disruption as possible.
Why Might I Get a Traffic Ticket in High Point If I’m From Out-of-State?
High Point sees a lot of traffic from out-of-state visitors—drivers heading to events, families passing through, or travelers just trying to get to the next stop. With so many major routes running through the city, it’s easy to make a small mistake that leads to a ticket. Most of the time, this leads to tickets because of:
- Distracted driving. If you take your eyes off the road to look at your phone, eat, or do anything else while driving through High Point, you can get pulled over, especially if you’re holding a device instead of using hands-free.
- Speeding. This is probably the most common for out-of-state drivers not familiar with different zones, particularly on roads like Wendover Avenue, Main Street, or I-85.
- Running red lights or stop signs. Even accidentally rolling through a stop sign or running a red light at busy intersections in High Point can earn you a ticket and raise your insurance rates.
- Reckless driving. Driving in a way that puts others at risk in High Point, like speeding excessively or weaving through traffic, carries heavier fines and possible license suspension.
- Failing to yield. Missing the right of way at intersections or crosswalks in High Point, which can happen if you’re new to the area, can still result in fines and points on your record.
- Illegal turns. Making illegal U-turns, turning from the wrong lane, or forgetting to signal on High Point streets are easy mistakes that can lead to a ticket.
None of that makes you a bad driver—it just means you were in unfamiliar territory. But once that ticket’s in your hand, the next steps can feel confusing, especially when you live hours away.
Get Legal Help For a Traffic Ticket in High Point When You’re an Out-of-State Driver
Getting a traffic ticket is stressful enough when you’re close to home, but when it happens and you’re from another state, it can feel impossible to deal with. At Eric Skager Law, we regularly help out-of-state drivers resolve their tickets in High Point without the travel, confusion, or stress.
If you’ve been ticketed while driving through High Point, reach out to set up a one-on-one consultation.