FAQ
Frequently Asked Traffic Law Questions
Q: Isn't it usually cheaper for me to just pay the fine listed on my traffic ticket?
A: It is almost never "cheaper" to just pay the fine for a traffic ticket. The price for the fine may appear to be smaller, but you will more than likely end up making an expensive mistake. After you have submitted your check to the court, two important things take place: (1) The court will place the ticket on your state driving record, and (2) Your insurance company will see the ticket on your driving record which will likely increase your insurance rates. In the state of Missouri, the ticket will also cause you to assess points onto your driving record, which in turn can lead to suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. Plus, if you drive for a living or have a CDL, a ticket could possibly impact your employment.
Q: Do I have to appear in court?
A: Most of the St. Louis area courts do not require you to appear if you have obtained a lawyer to represent you in a traffic matter. Without an attorney, you may be required to appear. Sometimes when you hire an attorney, your attorney is only required to appear in court. We can inform you after you contact us regarding your ticket if you will be required to appear in court.
Q: What does "amending" a traffic ticket or "request a recommendation" mean?
A: The majority of the courts in the St. Louis area have policies that allow individuals charged with traffic offenses to plead guilty to certain non-moving or no-point violations, instead of the original traffic charge, and then pay a higher fine amount. The specific policies vary by jurisdiction, but most courts will amend the charge to "illegal parking" or "excessive muffler noise" for a fine plus court costs. An attorney requests a recommendation from the prosecutor to have the moving violation changed to a non-moving violation.
Q: Can I negotiate an amended plea with the prosecutor myself?
A: Yes, if you have the option of taking the time to show up on your court date with everyone else there waiting to make a court appearance, standing in line to talk to the prosecutor and asking him or her personally for a deal, and receiving a plea offer from the prosecutor. For the general public, that process can take hours. In addition, it is also very likely that when you receive the plea offer it will be in "legalese" which the prosecutor will not explain to you and you may not even know if it is a good deal or not.
Q: If I hire a lawyer, am I guaranteed an amended ticket?
A: A very large majority of traffic tickets that are eligible for amendment when a lawyer requests it, are amended. However, there is no guarantee. The amendments are given by the city and county prosecutors on a discretionary basis. The amendment may be granted based upon specific facts of the violation, the person's driving record and policies in effect at the time of the request.
Q: If my license has been suspended, can I still drive?
A: Under some circumstances, driving privileges can be reinstated. Once the period of suspension is completed, the driver's license is again valid. However, in the mean time, an individual can apply for "hardship" driving privileges under certain conditions. The specifics of the case will determine whether or not this is an option, and you should discuss this with your attorney.