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Frequently Asked Questions
I was issued a citation for speeding. The back of the ticket says I can just mail in my payment before court. Why do I need a lawyer?
A citation for speeding in a non-school zone and non-work zone for 1 to 15 mph over the limit is a "waivable" offense, meaning you can pay it without anyone going to court. This is almost never a good idea. By paying it you are pleading guilty as charged. The citation will be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and 2-3 points will be assessed against your license. You will also receive insurance points in most cases, particularly if you are cited for speeding more than 10 mph over the limit. Speeding over 55 can result in 2 insurance points, and a 45% increase in your insurance rate, each year for the next three years. That is, if your insurance rate is $500 per year, it can increase to $725 per year for just one ticket. That is an increase of $225 each year for three years, $675. And that is in addition to the fine and court costs which are also over $110.
DMV can also suspend your license for two offenses of speeding over 55 mph in 12 months. Mishandling even a minor offense can easily cost you $1000 and could cost you your license.
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My Citation is for speeding. My Citation says I must appear in court. Can you appear on my behalf?
Speeding 16 mph over the limit or more is a class 2 Misdemeanor. In most speeding cases, though, an attorney can still appear on your behalf with a properly written waiver of appearance.
Speeding more than 15 mph over the limit and also over 55 mph will result in a mandatory license suspension.
(For example, 71 in a 55 zone, or 81 in a 65 zone)
Often, your attorney can negotiate with the district attorney (the State) and plea to a lesser offense, which will help keep your license and save $$$ on your insurance.
Speeding in excess of 75 mph will result in 4 insurance points and an increase in your insurance rate by 90%, each year for the next three years.
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Can my spouse/parent/friend appear for me?
In almost all cases, no. Only you or your attorney may appear.
What happens If I ignore the ticket?
If you ignore the ticket, NC will suspend your driving privilege. NC will report the violation to your state, and according to the National Drivers License Compact, will report any license suspension to your state. Your state will then suspend your license until the NC charge is resolved. How your ticket in NC is handled will affect your insurance and your license in your state.
IN ALL CASES:
If you do not handle your case on your court date or pay it if allowed, NC will suspend your license and report the suspension to your state.
An additional $100 late charge will be assessed by the State for not handling this charge on your court date.
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My license is from another state. What effect will this ticket have on me?
Your states insurance and point law will apply. You may want to contact an attorney in your state, or discuss your citation with your insurance provider in order to determine the impact on your license and insurance. If you are charged with speeding 16 mph or more over the limit, or if you want to try and get the charge reduced, a court appearance is mandatory unless you have an attorney. If you ignore the ticket, NC will suspend your driving privilege. NC will report the violation to your state, and according to the National Drivers License Compact, will report any license suspension to your state. Your state will then suspend your license until the NC charge is resolved. How your ticket in NC is handled will affect your insurance and your license in your state. We will try our best to handle your citation with an eye toward what the eventual effect will be in your state, but urge you to contact an attorney in your state if you have specific questions.
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Denise Martin,
Office Manager
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