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Traffic Court
The majority of persons charged with traffic offenses do not
have a lawyer, but there are circumstances when a lawyer is useful or even
essential.
- Do you need a lawyer in traffic court?
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YES, if you are charged with a
offense that could result in jail time or loss of your licence, you need a
lawyer. The offenses that meet this criteria are; DUI (drunk driving),
reckless driving, hit and run, involuntary manslaughter, habitual offender, or
driving on a suspended or revoked license.
- When is it helpful to have a lawyer in traffic court?
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Whenever you feel the officer has
failed to listen to your explanation or when you believe you have a good
explanation for your actions. (defective equipment, no notice of suspension
etc.) Your time is valuable. (Judges routinely hear cases with lawyers first,
allowing you to attend to your business.)
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Attorneys are often able to talk
with the police officer, state trooper or Commonwealth's Attorney to get them
to agree to a lesser charge. If a deal to a lesser charge cannot be
accomplished, the Judge will often listen to the pleas of the attorney. After
all the Judge knows you are paying the lawyer a fee and therefore you must
take this charge seriously. If the charge is reduced or dismissed you can save
many time the fee by keeping your insurance premiums low.
- Should I represent myself?
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Only in cases that will not affect
your insurance rates or where jail is not an option to the court.
- What do I tell my lawyer?
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Tell your lawyer the truth, even if
you are guilty. Lawyers are prohibited from revealing client confidences. Do
not hide any facts or information from your lawyer.
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