Can Traffic Violations Lead to Criminal Charges?

Many traffic violations result in a ticket, a fine, and a court date. That can be annoying enough to deal with, but some violations can also lead to criminal charges. If you want to avoid getting sentenced in criminal court, you are probably going to need some help. A Queens traffic ticket lawyer from our firm may be able to assist you.

What Are Some Examples of Criminal Traffic Violations?

If you go too fast and hit a speed trap or blow through a stop sign, you probably won’t end up facing criminal charges. These infractions are usually addressed with a ticket or, if you’re lucky, a warning from the officer who pulls you over. However, many traffic violations can be criminal offenses as well. Some common examples include:

• Driving while impaired (DWI)
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Fleeing from an accident
• Reckless driving
• Running from a police officer
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• A failure to appear in court

Committing a traffic violation like one of the above or committing multiple offenses can result in some serious charges. You are going to need to defend yourself and take every step necessary to avoid some severe penalties.

What Are the Potential Punishments for Criminal Traffic Violations?

Punishments for many of the traffic violations mentioned above are quite severe. At the very least, you may need to pay a fine. Some of these fines are a few hundred dollars, while others rise to $1,000 or more. Then you may have to face punishments like:

• Jail time
• The revocation of your license
• The installation of an ignition interlocking device
• Points on your license

Penalties can be much more severe if someone gets hurt as a result of your actions or if you have a history of violations. You could also face additional personal and financial consequences. Your car insurance premiums may rise, and something like a DUI charge could harm your reputation if you’re working in any kind of professional field.

Do I Need a Defense Attorney?

A traffic ticket with a small fine is one thing, but if you are facing serious criminal charges after committing traffic violations then you should really consider talking to an attorney from our firm. We can look at the facts of your case and figure out the best possible defense for you. If there is a way to poke holes in the prosecutor’s case and create reasonable doubt, we will find it.

Contact Our Law Firm Today

When traffic violations lead to criminal charges, defendants need to do everything that they can to avoid penalties that could derail their lives. If you find yourself in this kind of situation, contact Vasiliou Law and ask about our free consultations. We can take a closer look at your case and begin devising an effective defensive strategy.