Most drivers in the state of Florida are guilty of going above the speed limit at least once over the years, if not routinely.
However, most drivers don’t intentionally speed and refrain from traveling one-to-two miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
However, some drivers make the mistake of excessively speeding on Florida’s roads, resulting in a speeding ticket and the various penalties that follow.
If you have been issued a speeding citation in Florida, here’s an overview of your options for how to get a speeding ticket reduced, as well as how a traffic violation lawyer may be able to help–
Penalties for Speeding in Florida
The penalties for speeding in Florida are depending upon how fast a driver was traveling over the speed limit. To be sure, traveling up to 15 miles per hour over the speed limit can result in three points against your license; traveling more than 15 miles per hour over the speed limit can result in four points added to your license; and speeding that results in an accident can add six points against your license.
In addition to points being added to your driver’s license, you may also face license suspension if the points added result in an accumulation of 12 points within a 12-month period, 18 points within an 18-month period, or 24 points within a 36-month period. The license suspension periods for said accumulations are 30 days, three months, and one year, respectively.
How to Reduce Speeding Tickets in Florida
If you get a speeding ticket, you have three options in Florida:
- Attend traffic school;
- Pay the civil penalty (and incur the penalties, such as points added to your driver’s license); or
- Request a court appearance to fight your ticket.
You can fight a traffic ticket in court if you believe that the ticket was improperly issued or are you are hoping to reduce the charge.
In order to do so, you will need to schedule a hearing. The instructions for fighting a ticket and scheduling a hearing should be explained on the back of your ticket.
You should call the clerk’s office in your county for more information, and to set a hearing date.
After scheduling your hearing, or immediately before doing so, you should seriously consider hiring a Florida traffic ticket attorney for representation.
An attorney can help you to understand the process of fighting and reducing a speeding ticket in Florida, explain to you your options, and gather evidence on your behalf and build your case.
The benefit of going to court to fight your traffic ticket is that if you win, the offense will be removed from your record and no points will be assessed against you. If you lose, however, you will face the full brunt of the consequences.
Another alternative to going to court is to attend traffic school. Attending traffic school can offset points that were added to your record.
Talking to an Attorney Is Always a Good Idea
For many drivers, getting a speeding ticket may be no big deal, especially if this is the first offense.
But if you want to avoid an insurance rate increase, points on your record, and a potential driver’s license suspension (especially if this is not your first traffic offense), trying to reduce the speeding ticket or fighting it may be a better option than simply paying the fine.
When you talk to an experienced traffic law attorney, you can benefit from an overview of your options. Hiring an attorney means hiring an advocate who is committed to protecting your best interests and reducing penalties against you.
Whether or not fighting back against a traffic ticket is a good idea is something your attorney can help you to make a determination about, and
Call the Law Office of Skubiak & Rivas P.A. Today
If you have questions about how to get a speeding ticket reduced, are unsure of your options when faced with a speeding ticket, or know that you want to fight a speeding ticket, call our experienced traffic law firm to work with a talented and knowledgeable lawyer.
Fighting your ticket may be the only way to keep your driving record pristine, prevent points on your record, and avoid paying a fine – our lawyers can help.
To learn more about how to reduce a speeding ticket and what your options are after being charged with speeding in Florida, call our lawyers today for a free consultation.
We represent clients facing various traffic offense charges throughout the state.
