In Ohio, there were over 3 million tickets issued over a five-year period for traffic violations. These infractions are categorized as either moving or non-moving traffic violations. Most minor traffic violations result in a ticket, a fine, and fees. No points are assessed on your license. However, a major traffic violation can result in up to 6 points on your license, license suspension, license revocation, serious fines, and even jail time. It can also cause your insurance rates to skyrocket. For these reasons, it is important to call a Cleveland traffic lawyer as soon as possible after receiving a moving violation so you can get guidance about your available options, what your next steps are, your rights can be preserved, your innocence proven, or a deal negotiated.
In most states, when you are convicted of a moving traffic violation, “points” will be assessed on your license. Different types of moving violations result in a different number of points being assessed, according to the rules of the state in which the ticket is received. Generally, the more significant the violation, the more points you will get on your license. For instance, in Ohio, two points will go on your license if you are convicted of speeding more than 5 mph above in an area that has a speed limit under 55 mph. The impact of a two-point violation should not be minimized; a series of two-point violations can lead to license revocation. On the other hand, you will get six points on your license (plus other serious consequences) in Ohio for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you get 12 points or more on your license during a two-year period, your license will be suspended for six months. After the six-month suspension, you will be required to complete a remedial driving course and pass a road test in order to get your license back.
A Cleveland traffic lawyer offers your best chance of having your ticket dismissed or pled down to a lower-point or no-point violation, thereby potentially saving your driver’s license.
The Ohio Motor Vehicle Bureau (MVB) keeps track of the points on your license.
Information about traffic violations, points, and collisions is included on every driver’s MVR (Motor Vehicle Report). Auto insurance companies access your MVR to determine how much your annual insurance premium will be.
I used Robert to help me fight a pretty steep speeding ticket. Robert was able to successfully get my ticket reduced to a 0 point violation and small fine.
We had an excellent experience with Mr. Botnick for a disorderly conduct charge. Very pleasant to work with, professional, and gave us a lot of confidence approaching the case.
I had a great experience with Mr. Botnick. He gave me an honest consultation about my speeding ticket that gave me confidence in his work.
Robert was able to get a fairly hefty traffic violation down to no conviction/no points. He is efficient and professional in his work. I highly recommend him in Northeast Ohio!
Mr. Botnick was very helpful in my time of need and accomplished the results I was honestly hoping to receive. I would certainly recommend reaching out to him if you are in need of help.
I worked with Robert to help fight my traffic ticket. He was incredibly responsive and helpful, and was able to keep two points off my ticket. Thank you again!!
The short answer is — probably.
Insurance companies have access to every driver’s Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), which includes information about traffic violations, points, and collisions. The insurance company will look at a variety of factors in determining your insurance premium, including your prior driving record, whether this ticket is your first traffic offense, the length of time between moving violations, your age, and the type of vehicle you are driving.
If an insurance company determines that you are at greater risk of getting into an accident based on these factors, your premium will go up. If your driving record is particularly bad, they may refuse to renew your policy or insure you at all.
If you are unable to obtain car insurance in the regular insurance marketplace, you will need to contact the Ohio Automobile Insurance Plan (OAIP). OAIP offers car insurance to drivers who are considered high-risk. The rates for insurance in this group are the highest in the state. The OAIP is considered a last resort for drivers who are unable to obtain car insurance through the regular marketplace.
Failure to adhere to various court procedures and missed hearing deadlines will limit your legal remedies and potentially prevent you from having your license suspension reversed. A local lawyer who specializes in traffic law will be able to explain your options, and give you the best chance at defending yourself and possibly reinstating your license or not having it suspended at all.
If you drive while your license is suspended and you are stopped, you face potentially very serious consequences, such as:
There are serious consequences associated with traffic violations. Even “minor” two-point traffic tickets can add up quickly and result in the loss of your license and a higher insurance rate.
Facing one or more traffic tickets? Worried that your license might get suspended? If you are unsure of what to do next and need help navigating the Ohio traffic ticket laws, contact The Botnick Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Your driving privileges are at stake. Call us now to get the help you deserve. An experienced Cleveland traffic lawyer can help get you through this. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.
The process to charge someone that’s been accused of a crime begins with an arrest. If the police have reason to believe that someone has committed a crime, the accused can be taken into custody. Police will usually start by asking basic questions like name and address to identify a person, and then they’ll often pivot to more specific questions related to the incident. At some point during this, you should have been read your “Miranda warnings.”
You have the right to remain silent to avoid disclosing evidence that could potentially be self-incriminating, as well as the right to an attorney to defend you in court. Those are your unwavering rights that must be recited upon taking someone into custody. Take note of when these rights are read to you, as it could be helpful information for your attorney.
When you’ve been taken down to the station, police will fingerprint you and get your photograph to update their records. Once this is done, you should be granted the opportunity to contact your criminal defense lawyer. If you don’t have a lawyer, get a loved one to book a consultation with a lawyer on your behalf. It’s important that you do NOT disclose any details about your case over the phone with your loved ones, as those calls are monitored.
After you’ve made it through the booking process, the police may begin conducting their investigation with you. Depending on the situation, this might include a personal search, collecting samples, interviewing/interrogating, police lineups, etc.
You’ll be held at the station until you can be brought before a judge. The initial court appearance will happen within 48 hours or less of the arrest. Here, the judge will review the case and decide if there’s any reason to keep you in holding or if bail can be granted. If bail is granted, you’re allowed to be released upon certain conditions.
Depending on the seriousness of your allegations, you may have a preliminary hearing at which a judge can determine whether enough evidence exists to charge you with that level of crime. You’ll be able to plead “guilty” or “not guilty.” If you plead not guilty, your case will be sent to trial. You may get the opportunity to enter a plea deal. That’s something your attorney will advise you on.
In the discovery stage, the case against you is made much more transparent. The prosecutor will share the evidence they have against you with your defense attorney. During this time, your attorney can make additional requests for evidence if need be. All of the evidence on the table will be considered, and your lawyer will work with you to form the best plan for your defense.
If a plea deal is unable to be reached, the case will enter trial. During the trial, the prosecutor begins by presenting the case to the jury. They share any evidence they have against you and have witnesses make their statements for the prosecution. This can be tough to sit through. Afterward, it’s your lawyer’s turn to take the stands and share your side of the story. Your lawyer can question the prosecutor’s witnesses and all of the evidence that was used against you. There are many different strategies that your lawyer will use to defend you during the trial.
In a best-case scenario, you will have been found not guilty by the end of the trial, and the charges against you have been dropped. If you are found guilty, the judge must determine what your sentence/penalties will be. The sentencing will happen at another hearing, usually a few weeks after your trial ends.
Many times people will think that they will be better off financially if they were to just pay their traffic ticket instead of hiring an attorney to help. This is not always the best decision. Paying your ticket is an admission of guilt – meaning that your insurance rates will likely increase which will almost always end up costing you more money in the long run. Not to mention the fact that a blemish on your driving record could impact job prospects in the future.
In many cases, a single speeding ticket is enough to see insurance rates increase an average of 25%! On average, drivers with at least one speeding ticket pay almost $400 more per year than those with a clean driving record.
Choosing a traffic lawyer is an important decision. You want to have confidence that they will fight for your rights and that they have the necessary experience. Here are a few questions you can ask a traffic lawyer before deciding to work with them:
We have successfully represented clients across Northern Ohio. If you are facing criminal charges, we can help you too. Don’t delay. The district attorney is building their case against you right now.
The Prosecutor will not take your charges lightly — Will you?
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