Eric Skager Law can guide you through the traffic ticket process in Winston-Salem. Even though they happen every day here, getting a ticket can really throw off the rest of your day. And if you don’t take it seriously, the consequences can last much longer. But you still have options and rights, and my firm can help you understand them. Set up a free consultation today.

Why a Lawyer Makes Sense With a Traffic Ticket

You’ve probably gotten a speeding ticket or some other type of traffic ticket before. And while they’re given out every day here in Winston-Salem, it’s worth thinking about what might happen if the situation is more serious.

With certain tickets, your driving record, insurance, and future license could be at stake. Worse yet, violations also carry consequences that go beyond the initial fine. So while you might think you can handle this on your own, it makes sense to have all your options laid out clearly from my team. When you sit down with me, I can help you figure out:

• What you were charged with
• What could happen if you simply pay the ticket
• Whether there is a way to have the charge reduced
• What you can do if you want to fight the ticket
• How the ticket could affect your driving record or insurance

As you can probably tell, there’s a lot of different ways certain traffic tickets can go. That’s why you shouldn’t just brush it off. Sitting down with me is a great way to have a better idea of what you’re up against, and a good starting point is looking at the information.

Information I’ll Need to Help Me With a Traffic Ticket

Since everything about the traffic ticket process starts with actually being stopped and cited here in Winston-Salem, it’s pretty clear that the bulk of the information that you’ll need to going to involve:

• The date and location of the traffic stop
• The specific violation listed on the ticket
• Any court date or other deadlines
• Your driver’s license information
• Insurance information
• Anything else you remember about what happened during the stop

Basically, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer with a traffic ticket. It all comes down to the specifics, and that includes what you might be ticketed for.

What Can Lead to a Traffic Ticket in Winston-Salem?

There are plenty of different reasons you can end up with a traffic ticket in Winston-Salem. The problem is that they can stack up. One stop can lead to multiple citations, each with their own issues and punishments. Most of the time, though, a stop is going to stem from things like:

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Reckless driving
• Following too closely
• Improper lane changes
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Driving without proper insurance
• Failure to yield
• Passing improperly
• Driving while impaired, including driving under the influence

Where the ticket happened doesn’t necessarily change the underlying violation, but the circumstances surrounding the stop can still matter. For example, getting pulled over on a busy road like University Parkway can involve very different circumstances than a traffic stop in your neighborhood. Ultimately, though, what a ticket means is that you’re going to have to go through the legal process.

How Does the Traffic Ticket Process Actually Work in Winston-Salem?

So, you’ve been pulled over, the officer gives you a ticket, and now you’re wondering what happens next. As you might expect, it involves a few different possibilities:

• Paying the ticket, which can resolve the case, but it can also have consequences for your driving record and insurance. Before you pay, make sure you understand what that decision means.
• You can ask for a reduction. Depending on the ticket and your situation, you can ask to have the charge reduced or otherwise resolve the case in a way that limits the consequences.
• Going to traffic court. This is usually the best option if you have stronger evidence or you’re facing more serious charges (like jail time). Obviously, this takes a lot more time and effort, but it’s something that my team can help you through from start to finish.

You also don’t necessarily have to figure all of this out on your own. My firm can review the ticket, explain your options, and help you determine the best way to move forward with your case. The important thing is to pay attention to the deadlines on your citation and take the ticket seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I just pay my traffic ticket?

Paying the ticket can resolve the charge, but it also means pleading guilty to whatever the charge is. You should think about that if you’re facing something like a DWI or reckless driving.

Can a traffic ticket affect my insurance?

Usually, yes. Tickets can add points to your license or your driving record, and your insurance company looks at things like that when they go to charge your premiums.

What if I missed my court date?

If you missed your court date, don’t ignore it. Failing to appear can be an added charge, which can make your situation worse.

Eric Skager Law Can Help You With a Winston-Salem Traffic Ticket

A traffic ticket might seem like a small problem, but the consequences can follow you beyond the initial stop. Before you pay it and move on, Eric Skager Law can take the time to help you understand your options and what you should do moving forward. Set up a free consultation today.