Tickets, tickets, tickets.
Some tickets will cause points to be added to your record and your insurance costs to increase.
Some tickets will cause your license to be suspended.
Should I just “pay” the traffic ticket?
No. Why? Because in North Carolina, there are opportunities to get the ticket changed to lessen the consequences. For example, if you have a speeding ticket, then you may qualify to get the ticket dismissed or changed to a non-moving violation.
Will a speeding ticket cause points to be added to my driving record?
Yes. But, if the speeding ticket is changed to a non-moving violation, then you will get zero points on your record.
What is a Prayer for Judgement or PJC?
A “Prayer for Judgement” is a legal term that represents the court declaring that no conviction will result because of the ticket. A “Prayer for Judgement” aka “PJC” is not the same as getting the ticket dismissed. If the ticket is dismissed, then the ticket will not appear on your record.
What is better, a non-moving violation or Prayer for Judgement?
A non-moving violation is better because there is no limit to the amount of non-moving violations that the DMV or insurance company will recognize. For insurance purposes, only 1 PJC is recognized for each household every three years. For DMV purposes, 2 PJCs are recognized every five years.
What is the benefit of hiring an attorney to represent me in court for my traffic ticket?
First, the attorney will appear in court for you. But there are some exceptions, some tickets require you to appear in court- it depends on the severity of the ticket. Second, the attorney will be familiar with the court procedures and policies.
Will my driver’s license get suspended for a traffic ticket?
It depends on the ticket and it depends on your driving record.
If you have 12 points on your record within a 3-year period, then the DMV will suspend your license. The suspension may last 60 days, 6 months, or 12 months. It depends on your record.
What happens if I’m speeding 15 mph over the speed limit in a 55 mph zone?
Your license will be suspended for minimum of 30 days for the first time, 60 days for the second time, 1 year if its within a 12 month period, or 1 year if you were speeding over 75 mph. Confused yet? Contact Trivino Law - Attorney Jaylene Trivino is very familiar with the DMV point system.
I was in a car accident, and the police officer gave me a ticket. What should I do?
You should NOT pay the ticket- you should speak with an attorney to find out your options. Generally, if your car insurance covered the claim damages, then you are in a good position to get the ticket dismissed.