San Antonio Traffic Offense Lawyers
Protecting Your Rights & Driving Privileges in Texas
There is a wide range of traffic offenses within the state of Texas. These range from minor citations that only require a small fine to be paid to major crimes that could lead to a sentence of many years of incarceration. No matter what the charge is, it is important to get in touch with our San Antonio traffic offense attorneys immediately.
Most people who get a traffic ticket just want to pay the fine and move on with their lives. This is not advisable, however, because even small traffic citations can rack up points that could lead to one’s license being suspended or revoked. Larger offenses could lead to even worse consequences, including heavier fines and imprisonment. The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC can help you avoid these repercussions while protecting your driving privileges.
Call us at (210) 702-2203 and our dedicated team can get started on clearing your traffic offense charges.
Texas’ Driving Point System
In the state of Texas, law enforcement officials utilize a driving point system, defined by the Texas Transportation Code Ann. § 708.052. This system gives offenders points if they have breached traffic codes. When a certain amount of points has been assigned, the driver will have to pay annual charges to the Texas Department of Public Safety. For example, if the driver has accumulated 6 total points, they would have to pay $100 annually, along with $25 for every individual point. Usually every traffic offense consists of two points, but more serious violations will be assigned three points. While these may not seem serious at first, the fines can quickly accumulate over the years.
Types of Traffic Offenses
There are many kinds of violations that can lead to the consequence of having two or three points added to your record, according to 37 Tex. Admin. Code § 15.89.
Some of the most common traffic offenses that result in points being assigned include:
- Driving at least 10% over the posted speed limit
- Failing to properly pass on a highway with appropriate signals
- Failing to halt at a stop sign or traffic light
- Unsafely changing lanes without checking or signaling
- Demonstrating reckless driving
- Hit-and-runs
- Neglecting to obey traffic lights, signs, or signals
- Driving over the speed limit in a school zone
- Fleeing from a law enforcement officer
Advocating Against Your Traffic Charges
If you have recently been charged with a traffic offense, The Law Office of Derek S. Ritchie, PLLC wants you to know there are better options available. In many cases, traffic charges could be made by mistake, while in other cases, the offenses do not deserve such a high penalty. Count on our dedicated San Antonio criminal defense lawyers to defend your rights fairly and accurately.