Understanding Surchargeable Traffic Law Violation

A traffic law violation is no laughing matter. Getting a ticket can be enough to put a damper on your day. It means in some way, you've broken a traffic law and because of that violation, the police have cited you. Depending on the violation, you may be ordered to appear in court to if the violation is surchargeable. There are some very specific conditions that create a surchargeable violation which include being found guilty by the court, being assigned by a court to a driver's program or defaulting which means failing to pay or come to court. Maintaining a valid driver's license is important to driving safely and legally. When you do not have a license, you should not be driving.

Types of Surcharges

There are basically two types of surcharges that you can receive on a traffic violation:

• Minor traffic violations – These are non-criminal violations that including violations such as running a red light, failing to stop at a stop sign, changing lanes without using a turn signal, making an illegal u-turn and driving without a license
• Major traffic violations – These are criminal violations which include violations that may result in the death of someone, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fleeing from an accident you've caused or been in and resisting the police officers at the site of an accident.

Dealing with the Law

When you need to deal with the law regarding a traffic law violation, you would be well served to remember that these law enforcement officials deal with people every day who have broken the law. Sometimes police officers and court officials may come off as abrasive and even slightly rude. It is important to remain calm, to state your case clearly, to answer all questions that you are asked, and if you are found guilty to make plans to commit to the driver reeducation that you are required to take so that you can keep your license.

When you receive a traffic violation, be sure to check over the ticket to see what charges are being filed. Determine whether or not you have to go to court. If you do, be on time and state your case honestly before the judge. If you are found guilty, you will have to follow the directives given by the judge, whether it is to go to a driver's program for re-education or some other directive. Failure to do so can result in the suspension of your license and community service for a number of weeks or months. In a worst case scenario, too many repeated traffic violations can result in permanent loss of your driving privileges and an extended prison sentence of several years.

Have you or someone you know been cited for a traffic violation? If so, contact one of our experienced traffic violation lawyers in your area today!