NC Traffic Law Blog

Most people think of a traffic ticket as a nuisance: just pay it off and move on, right? While that may seem like the easy and simple option, in North Carolina that instinct can be expensive, because some tickets aren't just tickets. They're criminal charges. And when you’re dealing with criminal charges, you’re probably going to want a criminal defense lawyer.

Is my ticket an infraction or crime? It depends.

Under North Carolina law, many rules-of-the-road violations are infractions, which are noncriminal. But there are also plenty of common charges that many people are surprised to find out are actually misdemeanors. For example, driving more than 15 mph over the limit, or faster than 80 mph, is a Class 2 misdemeanor. So is reckless driving. A Class 2 misdemeanor carries up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, and a conviction becomes part of your criminal record.

Your license is on the line

The DMV assigns license points for moving violations, and accumulating 12 points within three years can lead to suspension. Some speeding convictions can even trigger suspension on their own.

So is your insurance

North Carolina's Safe Driver Incentive Plan allows insurers to surcharge your premium based on moving-violation convictions, a cost that can follow you long after the fine is paid, and that can cost you thousands of dollars in the long run (based on the average NC family insurance plan).

Ignoring it makes everything worse

If you ignore your ticket and miss court, the clerk will report your failure to appear to the DMV, and the DMV will have your license suspended indefinitely.

The bottom line

If your citation charges a misdemeanor, you are facing a criminal case, and you should treat it like one by consulting a criminal defense law firm before your court date. Even for a simple infraction, an attorney can review your options and work to protect your driving record and insurance rates. A short consultation now can spare you years of consequences later.

If you received a traffic ticket that you think may have misdemeanor level charges, don’t put it off. The sooner we get our team of criminal defense attorneys looking at your case, the sooner you can put your ticket behind you. Give us a call at (919) 200-0822 to speak with one of our staff about your case, or sign-up online today at iTicket.law and secure representation for your case in minutes.