FAQ’s about Alabama Traffic and Speeding Tickets
Can I really get a free consultation with The Smith Law Firm at no obligation?
Absolutely! In order to fully understand your traffic ticket case and know if I can help your situation I need to get the facts from you. There is never a charge for this. Once I have all the details of your case I will promptly give you a proposal of what fee would be.
What services does The Smith Law Firm provide for my traffic ticket case?
We offer turnkey settlement services to keep your driving record clear without your appearence in court. Our legal services include; contacting the court, the prosecutor and/or the court personnel on your behalf; working with you to put together any evidence required; negotiating a resolution subject to your approval; handling the paperwork and financial considerations such as payment for any court costs, fines or contempt fees.
What type of payments do you accept if I decide to use your services?
We accept major credit cards through PayPal.com. Western Union and money orders from Walmart or convenience stores and personal checks and money orders via the U.S. Postal Service.
Should I just pay the ticket and save the trouble?
No. You should know that if just pay a speeding or traffic ticket in Alabama, you are pleading guilty to the offense and you will face the consequences of such conviction. While at the time you are pulled over these tickets may seem no more than just a nuisance, the long-term consequences of being convicted of the charges or “just paying” a speeding or traffic ticket in Alabama can be very serious and extremely costly.
Some of the potential problems are:
• A fine and/or court costs.
• Probation.
• Points added to your driving record
• Suspension or revocation of your license.
• The ticket will be on your record for the next THREE YEARS in many jurisdictions and longer in some.
• Car insurance premiums increased and/or denial of insurance.
• They show up on background checks done by prospective employers and can even be used as evidence against you if you are sued as a result of an automobile collision.
If a recent ticket has put you in danger of suffering any or all of these hardships, don’t worry. The Smith Law Firm has the experience and skill to represent you and help you avoid these expensive results. The facts of each case varies, so contact us for an evaluation of the circumstances of your particular case.
Shouldn’t I just pay the Alabama Traffic ticket in the mail?
On the backs of most tickets, you will find what is known as the “window fine.” The instructions will advise you that you can pay this fine through the mail. However, they do not advise you of the effect of paying the ticket. If you pay the window fine through the mail, you will be found guilty and in many cases, the convictions will appear on your driving record. You may also see an increase in your insurance rates. You should contact an experienced traffic ticket lawyer to discuss your rights. The Smith Law Firm will do their best to work with you to minimize or dismiss your speeding ticket.
I’m from out of state. My home state will never find out about the ticket I got while travelling through Alabama.
False. Alabama Department of Public Safety reports convictions for traffic citations, including speeding tickets, to your home state. Check with your local Department of Safety or equivalent agency to find out the consequences of getting a ticket in Alabama. Each state imposes its own penalties. As a matter of fact, in some states, your driver’s license could be suspended if you are convicted of excessive speeding (i.e. 20+ MPH over the posted speed limit).
How long will my speeding ticket stay on my record and who has access to my permanent record?
The DMV and law enforcement agencies have immediate access to your driving record. In addition, for “good cause” reasons, employers, attorneys and insurance companies may be granted access. Unless expunged by court order, offenses stay on your permanent record. However, your insurance company may only be concerned with offenses during the last several years when setting your premium.
Will my insurance rates go up if I get a speeding ticket?
Your insurance premiums could increase from 25% to 400% after a traffic conviction. Many people just pay the ticket when a knowledgeable attorney in many cases is able to save their driving record and keep their insurance rates from increasing. Traffic violations will follow you for years and can cause increased penalties for any future violations.