About 41 million Americans receive traffic tickets each year, totaling over 6 billion dollars in fines. Unlike criminal charges however, most people don’t even consider fighting these citations. After all, it’s just a fine that’s more expensive to fight, right? Here are 4 Reasons to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Wisconsin.
Not so fast. While most people pony up the money to pay the fines thinking that’s the end of it, it’s important to remember that not fighting your ticket is pleading guilty to the citation you were given, an action that can bring a variety of other consequences most people don’t consider until it’s too late.
We’ve highlighted the four most common and serious of these below:
1. Dramatically higher insurance rates
Pleading guilty to a traffic violation can cost you far more than your ticket considering the insurance rate hike you’ll likely see as a result. Just how much will your premium go up? That depends on the kind of ticket you received. Here’s the top four costliest tickets just for some perspective:
- 1. Driving under the influence (OWI, DUI, DWI)
- Average premium increase: 93 percent
- 2. Reckless driving
- Average premium increase: 82 percent
- 3. Speeding
- Average premium increase: 21 to 30 percent
- 4. Running a red light
- Average premium increase: 19 percent
2. Possible license suspension or revocation
If this isn’t your first traffic citation, multiple convictions can result in your driver’s license being suspended or revoked. Here in Wisconsin, driving with a revoked license can land you in jail for up to a year along with a $2,500 fine.
3. Evidence of negligence in a civil suit
If you were involved in an accident and received a citation, pleading guilty and accepting the conviction can be used to show you were negligent if the other party brings a civil suit.
Depending on the details of the civil suit, you may be liable to pay exorbitant amounts of money if the other party wins their case.
If you’re notified of any civil case being brought against you, or believe you may be subject to one in the future, it’s crucially important to consult with an experienced Beloit defense attorney immediately. Click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with us today.
4. Losing your CDL in Wisconsin
If you rely on a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to earn a living, pleading guilty to a traffic citation, in certain situations, could cost you your job and livelihood if your license is suspended or revoked.
Is it worth it to hire an attorney to fight traffic tickets in Wisconsin?
Even something as simple as a speeding ticket can mean significant fines and court fees in addition to increased insurance premiums and the costs of traffic school, not to mention the far-reaching consequences of a suspended license in Wisconsin.
Although your Beloit traffic citation may only be $100 – $250, it can end up costing you thousands or more in insurance costs. Depending on your insurance provider, you may be issued a 45% increase in your premiums for each ticket you get––even for speeding. That means after two tickets, your premium doubles.
With so many costs involved, it’s often far more cost effective to hire a skilled traffic attorney in Beloit, Wisconsin to find an economical solution to your problem.
What to do next:
At the Fitzgerald Law Firm, we will do everything in our power to have your citation reduced to a non-moving violation in order to preserve points on your license and avoid the expensive and lengthy process to restore driving privileges.
At The Fitzgerald Law Firm your initial consultation is always free and you will always meet directly with one of our attorneys. We understand that appointments during traditional working hours may not be convenient for all, and thus we strive to be available for evening, weekend, and off-site appointments.
To schedule your FREE 15-minute attorney consultation, Contact Us now.
Photo credit: Robert Couse-Baker
