Getting traffic tickets can be a traumatic experience. Many people wonder if they need to hire an Orange County traffic ticket attorney to fight the case in court and maybe have the fine reduced.
Keep in mind that if you decide to enter a guilty plea, the offence goes on your driving record and can stay there for a number of years. It’s always better to hire the proper legal representation and following are a few boxes that you can check to make sure you’ve got the right lawyer for your situation.
An Orange County traffic ticket attorney should:
Have the necessary skills to be able to negotiate a lower fine. They should be able to help you get a lesser charge. Look for the attorney that has experience dealing with the judges and prosecutors in your area.
- These skilled professionals should be able to help you keep your driver’s license even if you have a series of previous convictions. If you have some negative points on your driving record, these attorneys can present your case before a judge and help you to keep your driving privileges. Make sure any lawyer you are considering has been successful in this area.
- One of these legal representatives should be aware of how a conviction can affect your insurance rates. Make sure to ask any lawyer you are thinking about using if they understand the relationship between a conviction and higher rates.
- A good Orange County traffic ticket attorney will represent you in court and save you the cost and bother of a court appearance. People don’t always factor in the cost of needing to take time away from work to appear before a judge after they’ve been charged with the driving offence.
The Cost
It’s important to understand there is no set fee for representing you in traffic court. Some lawyers charge a flat rate for your case while others will charge per hour. Finding the Orange County traffic ticket attorney that’s best for you depends on deciding which of these categories you’d prefer.
It stands to reason a routine traffic ticket will cost less to represent than a driving under the influence charge. It’s a good idea to start any interview by asking the lawyer how many similar cases they have worked with. You’ll also want to find out how long they have been practicing in any particular area.