Charleston Traffic Lawyer

Driving is a privilege, and we are all required to obey the laws. This includes earning a driver’s license by passing a written and driving test and paying the related fees. Traffic laws are important to know and follow to keep your record clean. You can consult with a criminal attorney to learn more about these regulations. If you have received a traffic citation, Dayne Phillips is an experienced Charleston traffic lawyer who is prepared to help.

What are the Most Common Traffic Violations?

There is a wide range of traffic violations in Charleston, but certain citations are more common than others.

Speeding

Speeding is frequently the reason motorists get traffic tickets. Excess speed is closely associated with fatal traffic accidents. A ticket can lead to serious fines and points on your driving record. The higher the speed, the more legal consequences you must handle. If you were driving extremely fast, you could face a charge of reckless driving.

Failing To Stop

Motorists are required to halt for stop signs, red lights, pedestrians in crosswalks, and whenever doing so is required for safety, such as if there is an accident ahead. Driving without braking at a stop sign or red light can lead to a ticket and a dangerous accident. However, these are not the only related offenses. For example, if you slow down but fail to come to a complete halt at a stop sign, you could receive a citation.

Failing To Signal

When we drive on public roads, we are not alone. We all need to abide by the rules to make our roadways safer. When you hit your blinkers to signal a turn, you let everyone around you know your intentions. Therefore, your surrounding drivers are better prepared to safely accommodate you. Failing to use signals can cause accidents by removing predictability and making driving less safe. This behavior can earn you a traffic ticket.

Following Too Closely

Motorists are required to allow one another ample room on the road. Therefore, following too closely or tailgating is illegal. The police will ticket people for driving too closely and for checking drivers who follow too closely by slamming on the brakes. Both practices are dangerous, and you should not employ one to correct the other.

Driving Under Suspension

You need a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle on the roads. If yours has been suspended, you cannot legally drive. Driving under suspension is a misdemeanor charge. A conviction from these charges can carry jail time and stiff fines.

Driving Without Insurance

Motorists are required to carry car insurance on their vehicles. This helps ensure that they can cover any losses that they may cause if negligent. The authorities may give you heavy fines or impound your vehicle if you fail to carry insurance.

DUI

A charge for driving under the influence (DUI) in South Carolina is generally a misdemeanor that carries the potential of jail time and costly fines. When an injury-causing or fatal accident is involved, you may face felony charges. A DUI conviction can have serious legal and social consequences that can affect your future. Obtaining good legal counsel in Charleston traffic cases is important.

Protecting Your Record

Many motorists believe that paying traffic tickets is the best way to resolve them. However, they can severely damage your driving record, accumulate points on your license, and ultimately cost you more. If the charges involve a crime, such as DUI or driving under suspension, it can have serious legal and social implications. Working closely with a seasoned traffic citation attorney in Charleston is always in your best interest.

Contact an Experienced Charleston Traffic Violation Attorney for Help

A savvy Charleston traffic lawyer understands that removing accusations of violations is the best outcome. Dayne Phillips will work hard to skillfully fight the traffic citation or charge you are facing. Contact the team today to learn more about what Dayne Phillips could do for you.