If you have ever received a traffic ticket, you know how quickly fines can grow. It may seem simple at the beginning, but by the time the additional costs are added, the total can become overwhelming. As a traffic ticket lawyer, I can sympathize with people who see a seemingly small $35 fine grow to $500. When you add to that the possibility of getting your license suspended, it becomes obvious that you have to do something.
Pay Now; Court Later
Until 2015, any individual who wanted to fight a ticket in court was faced with a substantial barrier. If you decided to hire a traffic ticket lawyer and go all the way, you first had to cough up the money you owed for the fine. Win or lose, the government got their money first. This has changed. A new law allows you to be able to have your day in court first.
Qualifying for Amnesty
The amnesty program currently put into place may also improve your situation in another way. It is effective until March 31, 2017. It is not, however, a carte blanche agenda. Your fines must be due before or on January 2013. You must also have not made any payments on that specific ticket prior to September 30, 2015.
Senate Bill 85 is also a reduction and not an elimination of current fines. Depending upon your income, the reduction can be as much as 80 percent. On average, however, it will probably be closer to 50% of the total owed.
Amnesty and Your Traffic Violations
Under this program, you may qualify only if you meet certain criteria. This also addresses what types of traffic tickets for which you can seek amnesty. Among the traffic tickets acceptable for reduction are:
- Speeding
- Failure to stop at a stop sign
- Running a red light
- No proof of registration
- No proof of insurance
You cannot, under any circumstance, apply for a reduction of those tickets that are the result of:
- Parking
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of either drugs or alcohol
In essence, any misdemeanors are not a part of the amnesty program. Furthermore, if you owe victim restitution or are currently wanted for specific outstanding warrants, your request may also be denied.
Consult a Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Although the amnesty program is a step in the right direction, it will not help everyone. It does, however, open up your ability to have your day in court – without paying your fines in advance. We will be there to guide you through the process. As a respected traffic ticket lawyer with an excellent track record, I will work hard to win your case, restore your license and avoid you paying a fine.