The Law Office of Lance Turnbow handles traffic tickets throughout the Central and South Texas regions. If you receive a traffic ticket, DO NOT PAY IT without consulting an attorney. Paying the ticket is equivalent to pleading guilty to the offense. This can result in higher insurance premiums and possibly expensive surcharges under the new “Texas Points System.”
Texas Points System
In 2003, Texas enacted the Driver Responsibility Program or “Points System”. The Points System allows the state to charge drivers a surcharge to maintain their drivers license. Each moving violation amounts to 2 points, and if it results in an accident, it amounts to 3 points. Once a driver accrues 6 points he or she must pay a $100 surcharge to maintain their license. Under the Texas Points System, if you are convicted of 4 moving violations in a 12-month period, your license can be suspended. If your son or daughter has a provisional license, it can be suspended after 2 moving violations in a 12-month period. Also, someone convicted of driving without liability insurance faces license suspension after the second offense. That’s two convictions at any point in your driving history.
I have several options I can pursue to minimize the effects of a traffic ticket. Obviously, if you feel strongly that you are not guilty of the offense, I will be glad to go to trial and fight for you. If you prefer not to go to trial, you still have some viable options.
Deferred Adjudication
Many people are eligible to be placed on deferred adjudication when facing a traffic offense. Deferred adjudication is similar to probation but, with deferred adjudication, if you receive no future offenses (usually for a period of 3-6 months), no final conviction is entered for the offense. This means your insurance rates are unaffected by the ticket. Any of the following moving violations can affect your insurance rates: speeding, running a red light, running a stop sign, improper lane changes, failure to control speed, failure to yield right of way.
Defensive Driving Courses
If you have a fairly clean driving record, you might be eligible to have your ticket dismissed by taking a defensive driving course. Once the course is completed and the court is furnished with proof of completion, the citation is dismissed.
The Law Office of Lance Turnbow will defend your traffic ticket for a very reasonable fee. If you have received a traffic citation, please call to set up an appointment for your FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.
MINOR IN POSSESSION/CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL (MIPs/MICs)
MIPs and MICs are Class C Misdemeanors in Texas. While no jail time can be imposed, offenders can be fined up to $500 for the offense. If you receive an MIP or MIC citation, DO NOT simply pay the fine. If you feel you have been wrongfully charged, I will fight for your rights at trial. If you do not want a trial, other options are available. Many people qualify for deferred adjudication, a program that keeps the offense from being entered as a final conviction. Usually a small fine is imposed, a few hours of community service are ordered and an alcohol awareness class is required. If you receive an MIP or MIC citation, contact the Law Office of Lance Turnbow for your FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION. I can explain several options that a prosecutor or court clerk most likely will not discuss with you. I will aggressively defend your MIP citation in a professional manner for a reasonable fee.
