Columbia Traffic Violations Lawyer

How Long Do Traffic Violations Stay On Your Record in South Carolina?

Traffic violation penalties have several consequences, including fines, higher insurance rates and appearing in an employer’s background check of you. These convictions typically remain on your record for a period of 5 years. Traffic violations range from the minor offenses such as a parking tickets to extremely serious such as vehicular homicide.

Common Types of Traffic Violations

Additionally, minor moving violations include:

• Going through a red light or stop sign
• Making an illegal U-turn such as in the middle of an intersection
• Not yielding when merging onto a highway
• Cutting through a gas station or shopping center parking lot in order to avoid a red light

If you have one or more violations, it’s in your best interest to consider hiring an attorney to fight a traffic violation charge. The Law Offices of Marion M. Moses, LLC, represents South Carolinians threatened by traffic violations. Having practiced law for more than 18 years, our criminal defense attorney can mount a strong defense and fight to have your charges dismissed.

If you have been charged with a traffic violation in Columbia, contact our South Carolina traffic lawyers at (803) 771-7011 today.

What are the Penalties for Speeding?

A speeding charge is a very common traffic violation. Many people disregard the requirements and penalties after they receive the citation. However, you must take speeding tickets seriously. The fines can be high, and auto insurance companies may consider you a driving risk — and this can lead to higher premiums or difficulty with finding an insurer.

Fines for Speeding Tickets include:

• 10 mph or less: Fines are between $60-$80
• 11 mph-15 mph: Fines are between $80-$135
• 25 mph or more: Fines are between $185-$445

What is Considered Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving is a serious charge that entails higher penalties. South Carolina defines it as a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of property or persons while driving.

What are the Penalties for Reckless Driving?

Penalties for reckless driving in South Carolina include:

• Six points being added to your license for your first offense
• A suspended license for three months after a second offense within five years
• A substantial fine
• A jail sentence of up to 30 days

If you have been ticketed for speeding or reckless driving, an experienced traffic violations attorney can review the charges, help decide if you have a strong defense and represent you in traffic court. If you are facing a significant moving violation, it’s in your best interest to speak with a knowledgeable attorney about your rights and options.

What is South Carolina’s Open Container Law?

The law also penalizes a driver who has an open bottle of beer, liquor, or other alcoholic beverage in the car while driving. There is an assumption that the bottle is open because the driver is drinking. Such incidents can result in a charge of driving under the influence (DUI), a very serious crime.

Receiving multiple traffic violations, such as speeding tickets or moving violations, can lead to higher fines and even the suspension of your license. And if you continue to drive on a suspended license, you potentially face additional charges.

Contact Our South Carolina Traffic Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation

The Law Offices of Marion M. Moses, LLC, represents clients accused of all types of traffic violations in Richland and Lexington counties, as well as other counties throughout South Carolina. Attorney Moses is experienced at defending traffic violation cases, and our firm helps our clients have traffic charges reduced or dismissed.

Here are several benefits of hiring our South Carolina traffic lawyer:

• We are experienced with traffic laws, so we know best how to challenge them in order to get you the most favorable outcome possible
• We will provide legal advice and guidance on how to proceed with cases and represent you in court
• We can handle all paperwork on your behalf, such as filing motions and challenging evidence
• We can help minimize the severity of a violation by negotiating with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss charges

Contact us online today or call us at 803-771-7011 to schedule a free initial consultation about your case.