We've all been there. You were in a rush, suffered a momentary lapse in judgment, and got caught speeding, following too closely or were cited for failure to stop at a stop sign. Moving violations are among the most common reasons citizens are stopped by the police, and many people follow one of two approaches. The following are some of the more common traffic ticket infractions:

• Speeding
• Speeding in Work Zone
• Speeding in a School Zone
• Improper Turn
• Running a Red Light
• Running a Stop Sign
• Illegal Passing
• Hit and Run
• Following too closely
• Passing a Stopped School bus
• Reckless Driving
• No Operator’s License
• Unsafe Movement
• Aggressive Driving
• No Insurance

A lot of people unfortunately just pay the fine for their traffic ticket. This course of action is unwise, and most North Carolinians are unaware of the repercussions for failing to speak with an attorney before paying a traffic ticket. When you pay a fine, you plead guilty to the charge. You forfeit the ability to fight the charges levied against you and the opportunity to have the citation amended or perhaps even dismissed. You will face costly points on both your driver’s license and automobile insurance.

Other people unfortunately follow the incorrect advice provided by the Police. Think about that logically; should you follow legal advice from the Police officer who just gave you the citation? The Police Officer is not an attorney; he/she does not understand the proper way to handle a traffic citation. The Police Officer’s job is to give you the citation; not advise you how to handle the citation. You should understand that attending a ‘driving school’ at the advice of the Police officer automatically utilizes your Prayer For Judgment Continued (PJC), which is often the wrong legal approach in such a case. This approach can have significant consequences on your auto insurance, and it may not accomplish the goal you are seeking unless done properly.

On the other hand, there are a variety of legal strategies that a qualified lawyer can utilize to your advantage when you receive a traffic or speeding ticket. To properly handle your case, Chris Shumate will analyze the facts of your case, your traffic record, and approach your case with an individualized legal plan.

People who commit traffic violations in North Carolina are usually charged with either an infraction or a misdemeanor criminal offense. Because they are considered to be minor crimes, moving violations do not usually carry the possibility of jail time, but they can result in the revocation of your driver's license and enhanced penalties for later offenses should they occur. Traffic citations cause an increase in your insurance rates in addition to the monetary penalties that come with a moving violation conviction. Hiring a Charlotte traffic citation attorney allows you to protect your rights and gives you the option to defend yourself. An accomplished lawyer may be able to have your charges lessened or get your traffic ticket dismissed.

Chris Shumate is an outstanding attorney who focuses on cases involving moving violations. As a Charlotte attorney, Mr. Shumate is familiar with law enforcement in the area and his experience in the courtroom will serve you well. His office provides professional, client-focused representation for all traffic citations including: speeding, hit and run, DWI / DUI, driving while license revoked, failure to stop at a stop sign or red light, reckless driving, and many others. If you were cited for a moving violation of any kind, give Shumate Law Offices a call at (704) 371-5059 today and receive a free consultation.