Although no one is happy when he or she receives a traffic ticket, that person could be much less happy if he or she does not consult an attorney upon being issued that traffic citation. It is important to know that a simple traffic ticket could result in a suspension of your driving privileges. Your first inclination may be to simply plead “guilty”, pay the fine, and just move-on. However, that is probably not the right decision.
Before you enter a “guilty” plea, you should be aware of the consequences (some of which are very serious) that will result therefrom. If you plead guilty to some traffic violations, it will result in an automatic suspension of your driving privileges. Listed below are some of the traffic violations that receive an automatic driving privilege suspension:
75 Pa. C.S. §3736, Reckless Driving – 6 month suspension;
75 Pa. C.S. §3345, Overtaking a School Bus – 60 day suspension;
75 Pa. C.S. §3367, Racing on a Highway – 6 month suspension;
75 Pa. C.S. §1371, Operating with a Suspended Registration – 3 month suspension;
75 Pa. C.S. §3341(b), Failure to Comply with R.R. Crossing Gate – 30 day suspension;
75 Pa. C.S. §3734, Driving Without Lights to Avoid Arrest – 6 month suspension;
75 Pa. C.S. §1543(a), Driving Under Suspension – 1 year suspension for 1st offense;
75 Pa. C.S. §3736, Driving Under Suspension – DUI Related – 1 year suspension for 1st offense.
Therefore, if you plead “guilty” or are found “guilty” of any of the offenses listed above, you will lose driving privileges and your operator’s license will be suspended. Also, if you have been charged with Driving Under a Suspended License – DUI Related, there is a mandatory sixty (60) day minimum jail sentence which can be up to ninety (90) days.
In addition, there are many traffic violations that will cause your automobile insurance premiums to increase. In some cases, insurance companies will drop you from their policy. Nonetheless, most traffic violations have hefty fines, court costs, and points assigned against your driver’s license.
The attorney’s fee for representing an individual charged with traffic violations is certainly affordable and is; typically, well worth the expense. Since the consequences of simply pleading “guilty” could far outweigh the cost of an attorney, it is prudent for you to consult an attorney prior to entering a “guilty” plea or showing-up to court without an attorney.
One (1) final point, police officers and court personnel are not allowed, by law, to give legal advice. Oftentimes, these individuals do no know the consequences involved with a conviction for a traffic violation. They are simply court employees and do not fully know the consequences for violating the law. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you do not consult court personnel or police officers on which way to proceed on a traffic violation case. Rather, you should call Sisinni Legal and ask for Attorney Andrew J. Sisinni who will provide you with a free consultation advising you of the consequences of the traffic offense and your rights in Court.