Why a ticket is worth a second look
Paying a ticket is a guilty plea. Once you pay, the conviction goes to the Division of Motor Vehicles and, in most cases, to your insurance company. That can mean driver license points, insurance points, and a higher premium that lasts well beyond the fine.
Before you pay, it helps to know what the ticket will really cost you over time. We look at the charge, your driving record, and the court where the case is set, and then tell you plainly what we think your options are.
Tickets we handle
- Speeding, including very high speeds that can put your license at risk. See our page on speeding tickets.
- Driving while license revoked and driving without a valid license.
- Reckless and careless driving.
- No insurance, expired registration, and equipment tickets.
- Red light, stop sign, and failure to yield tickets.
- Tickets for commercial drivers, where the rules for your CDL are stricter.
- Serious driving crimes such as hit and run and fleeing to elude, which are criminal charges, not simple tickets.
Possible outcomes
Every case is different, and we never promise a result. Depending on the charge, the facts, your record, and the court, options that may be on the table include:
- A reduction to a charge that carries fewer or no points.
- A prayer for judgment continued, which can keep some tickets from counting against your license or insurance.
- In some cases, a dismissal or reduction after you fix a problem, such as getting insurance or renewing a registration, if the prosecutor agrees.
- A driving course or other conditions the court allows.
- A trial, when the facts call for one.
We explain which of these are realistic in your case before you decide anything.
Do you have to go to court
Many traffic cases can be handled by a lawyer without the driver in the courtroom. Some cannot, and a judge can always require you to appear. Whether you must come depends on the charge and the court. We tell you in writing what you need to do, and when.
If you live out of state or got the ticket while passing through Guilford County, ask us about this early. A ticket in North Carolina can still affect a license issued by another state.
How we work on traffic cases
We investigate rather than process. We read the citation, check your driving record, and look for problems with the stop or the charge. We tell you the hard truth about your choices, and we explain our fee in writing before you hire us.
Call us at (336) 281-2008 or request a consultation online. Bring your ticket, your court date, and your driver license. Hablamos español.
This page is general information about North Carolina law, not legal advice. Every case is different, and no lawyer can promise a result.
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Questions people ask us
Should I just pay my traffic ticket in NC?
Paying a ticket is a guilty plea, and it usually leads to license points and insurance points. Before you pay, it is worth learning what the conviction will cost you over time and whether other options exist. A short consultation can answer that.
Can a lawyer go to traffic court for me?
In many North Carolina traffic cases, a lawyer can appear for you and you do not have to come to court. Some charges and some judges require you to be there. We tell you in writing whether you must appear.
How many points will my ticket put on my license?
It depends on the charge. North Carolina has both DMV license points and separate insurance points, and they are counted differently. We check the exact charge and explain both before you decide.
I got a ticket in Greensboro but live in another state. What should I do?
Do not ignore it. A missed court date in North Carolina can lead to license trouble in your home state. Call us before your court date so we can explain your options and whether you need to travel.