Traffic Law

If you don’t show up in court – you may lose your Missouri license: If you miss a court date, the court may suspend your driving privileges. This means you can’t legally drive. To drive again, you must get your driving privileges reinstated. We can help you find out what you need to do to get reinstated and back on the road.

If you don’t pay a court fine – you will lose your Missouri license: If you had a traffic ticket, and you didn’t pay the fine on time, your driving privileges will be suspended. This means you can’t legally drive. To be able to drive again, your license has to be reinstated.

Legal Process After a Traffic Accident (step-by-step)

The legal process following a traffic accident can be complicated, and understanding each step is crucial to ensuring you protect your rights. Here’s a breakdown of the general process:

1. Report the Accident: Always contact the police if an accident occurs, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police report can be a key piece of evidence in any legal proceedings.
2. Exchange Information: Both drivers should exchange names, insurance details, license numbers, and vehicle information. Don’t admit fault at the scene; simply gather the facts.
3. Document the Scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, any damage to vehicles, and any visible injuries. This documentation could prove invaluable if the case goes to court.
4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek medical treatment. Sometimes injuries become apparent only hours or days after the accident.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance provider to report the accident, but be careful about the details you share. Anything you say can impact your claim.
6. Consult an Attorney: If the accident involves significant damage or injury, or if there’s potential liability, it’s wise to consult an attorney. They can provide guidance on your legal options and help protect your interests.
7. Negotiate or Litigate: Your attorney may negotiate a settlement with the insurance companies or the other parties involved. If a fair resolution isn’t reached, the case may proceed to court.
8. Court Proceedings: If litigation is necessary, your attorney will represent you in court. The process includes gathering evidence, filing motions, and presenting the case before a judge or jury.

FAQs

What happens if I miss my court date for a traffic violation?

Missing a court date can lead to serious consequences, including a warrant for your arrest, additional fines, and a suspension of your driving privileges. If you miss your court date, contact the court immediately to reschedule. In some cases, you may be able to resolve the issue without further penalties, especially if you have a valid reason for missing the date.

Can a traffic violation be removed from my record?

Yes, it may be possible to have a traffic violation removed from your record, depending on the nature of the violation and your state’s laws. Options like traffic school, plea deals, or contesting the violation in court can sometimes result in the charge being dismissed or reduced. An attorney can help you explore your options for keeping points off your driving record.

What Categories do Traffic Violations Belong to?

Traffic violations generally fall into several categories: moving violations, non-moving violations, criminal traffic violations, and equipment violations. Moving violations, like speeding or running a red light, involve actions that directly affect traffic flow or safety. Non-moving violations typically refer to offenses like parking tickets. Criminal traffic violations involve serious offenses such as driving under the influence (DUI) or reckless driving. Lastly, equipment violations involve issues with vehicle components, like a broken tail light or an expired inspection.

How Long Does a Violation Stay on Your Record?

The length of time a traffic violation stays on your record varies by state and the severity of the offense. In many cases, minor violations like speeding can remain on your record for 3 to 5 years. However, more serious offenses, such as DUIs or reckless driving, may stay on your record for up to 10 years or even longer. In some cases, you may be able to have a violation expunged or removed through legal means if you meet certain conditions.

What's the Least (and Most) Severe Traffic Violation?

The least severe traffic violations are typically minor infractions such as parking violations, driving without a seatbelt, or having an expired registration. These violations usually result in a fine or a warning and don’t carry significant penalties. On the other hand, the most severe violations include DUI (driving under the influence), reckless driving, and hit-and-run accidents. These offenses can carry hefty fines, license suspension, and even jail time, especially if they lead to serious injury or death.

We Fight to Keep You Driving

We strive to keep points off your license in Missouri: Many times, we can ask the prosecutor to amend traffic tickets in a negotiated plea. Each Kansas City area prosecutor has his or her own procedures and practices for negotiating traffic tickets. Sometimes, a moving violation charge in Kansas City (such as speeding, careless and imprudent driving, failure to signal, improper signal, following too close, etc.) can be pled (negotiated) to a non-moving violation like having defective equipment. Sometimes, the prosecutor wants the client to do a driving class or complete community service (for high-speed cases) as part of earning an amended charge. Call us at (816) 221-6006 and see what we think can be done for you.

Non-moving violations do not put points on your license. So, generally, if you don’t have points on your license, you can keep driving. If you hire us, we will work with the local prosecutor to strive for the best outcome possible under the unique facts of your case.

We show up for you in a Kansas City area traffic court, so you don’t have to: If you hire us, we will always show up for you in a Kansas City area court to handle your traffic ticket. This means you don’t have to miss time from work, and you don’t have to worry about losing your driver’s license for failing to show up in court.

We inform you about your deadline for paying traffic ticket fines in the greater Kansas City area: When you handle your cases on time, you can avoid losing your driver’s license because of a failure to appear. When you hire us, you will know exactly when your fine is due and how to pay it. Many times, we can email you an online payment link and after the charge is amended, we can resolve the matter without you leaving your home.

We can help you in many different traffic related charges, including:

• DUI/DWI
• Warrant for Arrest
• Failure to Appear in Court
• Speeding
• Driving While Suspended
• While Revoked
• Careless & Imprudent Driving
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident
• Failure to Signal
• Improper Signal
• Hit and Run
• Failure to Provide Proof of Insurance
• Following too Close
• And many more!

Before paying a Kansas City area traffic ticket and entering a plea of guilty to a traffic charge without the help of a lawyer, call our firm and talk with Tony Miller or Tim Yasso about the possible consequences of doing so.

We offer free traffic law consultations and reasonable rates. Let us put our experience to work for you!

Contact Troppito Miller Griffin, LLC to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today. 816-221-6006

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