Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Speeding Ticket in PA?
Not all speeding tickets are created equal, so whether you should have criminal defense lawyer help you with your defense depends on many issues. These may include how fast the police claim you were driving; the monetary fine involved – as well as points on your driving record; financial repercussions on your car insurance premium and on your income; and if you need to drive to make a living.
The more serious the charges, the more you should consider retaining a traffic ticket attorney or criminal defense lawyer to help.
If you just pay the ticket, you’re admitting guilt and will receive whatever penalty is associated with the plea, including point assessment and/or license suspension, depending on your point accumulation. If you contest the charges with a lawyer’s help, you may be able to negotiate an agreement to a lesser violation, with less points. Or you could go to trial on the ticket and try to obtain a not guilty verdict.
Speeding ticket guidelines in PA
You can get a ticket for traveling over the posted speed limit. However, keep in mind that Pennsylvania law states that driving at a speed “greater than is reasonable and prudent” under existing conditions is prohibited. This is also known as traveling too fast for conditions; for example, if you’re driving in rain or snow in the evening, at 45 mph in a 45 mph zone, you could get a ticket.
PA speeding ticket points
All speeding tickets in Pennsylvania impose a monetary fine, but the financial repercussions go beyond paying fines. Speeding can also result in points being assessed against your license, which can mean higher vehicle insurance premiums. If you get 11 points, your license may be suspended. An attorney can attempt negotiate a reduction in the speeding charge so that fewer or no points are assessed.
Here are point guidelines for speeding tickets in Pennsylvania:
- Driving 6 to 10 mph over the posted limit results in two points.
- Driving 11 to 15 mph over the posted limit results in three points.
- Driving 16 to 25 mph, over the posted limit results in four points.
- Driving more 26 mph or more results in five points.
A ticket for driving 11 or more miles an hour in a work zone can result in a 15-day license suspension. A driver younger than 18 will have his or her license suspended for six or more points or a conviction for driving 26 or more mph over the posted speed limit.
How long do points stay on your license in PA?
Three points are removed from a driver’s record for each 12 consecutive months without any additional points being assessed.
Your license will be suspended for 90 days the first time you accumulate six points or more. Thereafter, additional suspension time is assessed for each accumulation of six points.
Speeding tickets and commercial drivers’ licenses
Those with commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) need to be especially careful when it comes to tickets, because it can impact your ability to make a living driving a commercial vehicle.
For instance, two “serious traffic violations”, (as defined by PENNDOT) in three years will cause a 60-day disqualification from driving a commercial vehicle.
How to fight a speeding ticket in PA
Contact me to evaluate your traffic citation case. Call my office at 267-566-0173 or 215-355-7260 or fill out my contact form to schedule a consultation.
About The Law Offices of Neal E. Newman
Attorney Newman has represented clients in Pennsylvania for over 45 years. If you need an experienced attorney to help guide you through the personal injury claims process or with any criminal defense matters, Attorney Newman is ready to help. Contact The Law Office of Neal E. Newman today to schedule a consultation.