Clearwater Traffic Ticket Lawyers

Effective Legal Defense for Traffic Citations in Pinellas County

At any given time when you are driving, you could be pulled over by Clearwater law enforcement officials for any reason. When you are pulled over, it is vital that you stay as calm and polite as possible. Ensure you are told what you are being charged with and the exact reason you have been pulled over.

If you are given a traffic ticket or arrested for a more serious driving offense, it is vital that you consult with a Clearwater defense attorney at Tinny, Meyer & Piccarreto, P.A. right away. We can ensure you are represented in court, should your case go to trial.

Defending Against Criminal & Non-Violent Traffic Offenses

At our firm, we have significant experience in the defense of criminal traffic offenses, non-violent moving violations, and all types of traffic citations. Anytime you find yourself in need of a Clearwater criminal defense lawyer, you can count on our legal team to help. As a team of former prosecutors, our attorneys have 35 years of combined experience in the field of criminal defense.

Our firm has represented drivers in Clearwater and throughout Pinellas County for the following types of traffic violations:

• Driving on a suspended license
• Driving on a revoked license
• Reckless driving
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Street racing
• Unlawful speed
• Failure to yield

Is It Worth Fighting Your Traffic Ticket?

Unlike a criminal charge, you may not be particularly motivated to contest a traffic ticket. It seems like a minor offense without serious consequences, but you may regret not putting up a fight. Here’s why:

Traffic tickets are not impossible to fight. Making an effort to contest it will be worth it if your ticket is ultimately thrown out. Even if there is some truth to an officer’s reasoning for issuing you a citation, you can still craft a successful defense and may at least win reduced penalties.

Not fighting a traffic ticket can cost you thousands in the long run. You may be thinking, “It’s only a $100.00 ticket,” but it will cost you a whole lot more once your traffic offense is reported to your insurance company. If you do not contest your ticket, you will be on the hook for increased car insurance rates, which can increase by up to 30% in the years following your ticket. (That’s right—years.) If you opt to just pay your ticket rather than putting up a fight, an increase in your insurance rate could force you to pay the cost of your ticket and then some every month for years to come.

Paying for your traffic ticket amounts to an admission of guilt. If you do not fight your ticket and opt to go along with payment of fees, awarding of points on your license, and other painful penalties, you will lose your ability to fight the consequences thereafter. This is because paying for a traffic ticket is legally viewed as a concession and an agreement that you committed the alleged traffic violations exactly as detailed on your citation, resulting in official consideration of guilt.

Understanding Florida's Three Strike Rule for Traffic Tickets

The Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) law states that if you get three strikes in 5 years, you will be classified as a habitual traffic offender, which carries a penalty of 5-years license suspension. A habitual offender is defined as a person whose record shows an accumulative number of similar and specific offenses within a five-year period.

If you plead guilty or take a deal for a criminal traffic violation with two already on your record, you will not be able to fix the situation once it’s inputted into the system. The DMV will receive notice of your three charges and suspend your license for five years. Many defendants aren’t aware of the HTO laws until it’s too late, which is why choosing a criminal defense attorney with experience in these matters is extremely important. If you have multiple criminal driving infractions, your driver’s license might be in jeopardy from habitual offender enhancements that can be applied to your case. It’s important to choose an attorney with experience fighting DUI and habitual offender cases.

Contact a Pinellas County Traffic Ticket Lawyer Today

Very few drivers put up a fight after receiving a traffic ticket, even when they feel the consequences are too harsh or undeserved. Many who do attempt to fight traffic tickets are ill-equipped to do so and go in alone, which rarely results in a citation being thrown out and often results in frustration and wasted time. However, with qualified legal representation and an experienced Clearwater traffic ticket lawyer on your side, your chances of getting a positive result are greatly improved.

Whether you have been ticketed for a violent traffic offense, leaving the scene of an accident, or merely driving a few miles over the speed limit, call one of our Clearwater traffic ticket attorneys right away. Our legal team at Tinny, Meyer & Piccarreto, P.A. is prepared to make sure you are treated fairly in court and given a chance to avoid the harsh consequences of your alleged traffic offense.

How to Prevent Legal Penalties from Traffic Offenses

The legal consequences of a traffic citation or criminal traffic offense can be severe, including large monetary fines and imprisonment. It is in your best interest to seek the advice of an experienced Clearwater defense lawyer whether you’re been accused of a serious criminal traffic offense or a simple traffic ticket. Do not plead guilty before speaking with our firm, even if you believe it is the most simple solution.

Our firm offers several advantages to our clients, including a 24-hour emergency line and three convenient locations in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and New Port Richey. Please call us at (727) 245-9009 to request a free criminal defense consultation. We serve clients throughout Clearwater, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties