That Traffic Ticket May Be More Serious Than You Think
If you’ve been cited for a traffic violation in Tennessee, you may think it is no big deal, throw the ticket in a drawer, and forget about it. Surprisingly, traffic tickets can add up to significant consequences for numerous drivers in certain situations.
In Tennessee, most traffic tickets, such as speeding tickets, are classified as Class C misdemeanors. Other moving violations, such as reckless driving, are classified as Class B misdemeanors and carry more severe consequences. Still others, such as reckless endangerment, are classified as Class A misdemeanors and carry the most severe consequences.
It’s important to note that if you fail to pay your traffic violation ticket or fail to show up in court, you will automatically be convicted of the offense. This means that you will face the consequences of the conviction, such as added Driver Improvement Points to your license. In more serious cases, you could also lose your driver’s license. In almost all cases, you will pay increased automobile insurance costs. Here is a list of some of the consequences you may face:
- Fines
- Court costs
- Probation
- Points added to your driving history
- Revocation or suspension of your driver’s license
- Increased automobile insurance premiums
Many people think it will be less expensive to pay the traffic ticket instead of hiring a lawyer to fight the ticket, but that is not true in many instances. Paying the ticket can have many long-term consequences, such as higher insurance premiums and added driver points that may result in the loss of your license. If you accumulate twelve or more points within one year, your license can be suspended. You are entitled to a hearing before your license is suspended, and your lawyer can help you prepare for the hearing and fight the charges.
If you have been cited for a traffic violation in Tennessee, consult a traffic ticket attorney to determine your rights before paying or ignoring the ticket. Your lawyer may be able to get the ticket dismissed or resolved in a way such that many of the severe consequences are avoided.