For many people their interaction with law enforcement will result in getting a ticket. Sometimes this is a traffic ticket that can only result in a civil penalty such as a fine. However in Florida, an officer can issue a traffic citation that is actually a criminal traffic charge. Speak to Attorney Christian A. Straile, a local Gainesville lawyer and Ocala lawyer regarding your traffic violations in Ocala Florida or traffic violations in Gainesville Florida.
If you received a ticket for a traffic violation citation from a law enforcement officer in Florida you must determine whether the officer has charged you with a civil traffic infraction or a criminal traffic offense. Some examples of criminal traffic cases are reckless driving, driving on a suspended driver's license, driving outside license restrictions, no valid driver's license driving under the influence. You must read your citation carefully because driving on a suspended license or driving on a revoked license can be civil traffic offenses or criminal traffic offenses. Examples of civil traffic violations are speeding, failure to yield the right of way, running a red light, careless driving, etc. You must know the consequences in your case and whether your case is a mere traffic ticket that is civil or is actually a notice to appear in court to face a criminal traffic charge.
In every civil traffic offense you have three choices. First you could plead guilty and pay the fine for the traffic ticket. If you plead guilty you will get points. If you have enough points on your license, then your driver's license may be suspended. Knowingly driving on a suspended license is a crime in Florida. Second, if you qualify, you may elect to attend a basic driver improvement course or traffic school. If you select this option, you still have to pay the fine at the Clerk of Courts for the county where you received the ticket, but points cannot be assessed and your insurance rates cannot increase. Third, you may elect to fight your traffic violation or traffic ticket in court. A judge may order you to complete one of many of traffic schools. You have a limited amount of time to make your election. For a free consultation regarding your traffic offense contact Attorney Christian A. Straile a local Ocala traffic lawyer and Gainesville traffic lawyer.
In some misdemeanor cases, a law enforcement officer may issue a person a notice to appear which looks and feels a lot like a traffic ticket. A notice to appear may be issued in possession of alcohol or possession of marijuana cases. Even though this may look and feel like a civil ticket, theses are criminal cases. Contact a Gainesville lawyer or Ocala lawyer regarding you misdemeanor case now.