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Columbus Traffic Ticket Attorney Focused On Protecting Your Driving Record

Last updated on July 3, 2024

Many people make the assumption that a ticket for speeding or any other traffic violation is a simple matter that just goes away when the fine is paid. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Paying a ticket is an admission of fault that can potentially add points to your license and increase your insurance premiums. Contact an attorney at Laura Helmbrecht, Attorney at Law, to learn more about your legal options.

Protect your driving record.

Since 2006, our Columbus traffic law lawyer has guided countless clients through challenging legal matters. We will examine all aspects of your ticket, including where the violation occurred and any prior violations, to determine the best course of action. Depending on the severity of the violation and the number of points on your license, you can face serious consequences such as fines, jail time, loss of driving privileges and increased insurance premiums. Our goal is to limit your exposure to these consequences.

Franklin County Traffic Court Lawyer

Traffic tickets are serious matters. Our firm will aggressively fight to defend clients from the severe consequences that follow numerous infractions. We are equipped to answer questions and represent clients with a wide range of concerns, including:

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio’s Traffic Laws

What happens next after I receive a traffic ticket?

Most traffic tickets do not require personal appearances by the driver. However, you do not want to pay the ticket as some officers will tell you that you can simply pay instead of appearing in court. Paying the ticket will result in automatic points going on your record. If you hire an attorney, the attorney can file a not guilty plea or continue the arraignment to allow time to negotiate the resolution of the case. In most instances, you do not have to appear in court, and the attorney will enter your plea with a plea in abstentia.

What if I have a bad record and receive another ticket?

In Ohio, if you have had two previous moving violations within the past year, the third can be charged as a 4^th degree Misdemeanor. This carries a potential 30 day jail sentence and a fine of up to $250. It is important to hire an attorney when you first receive a ticket so these tickets do not rack up. Also, it is important to negotiate a resolution of the third ticket where it is amended to a minor misdemeanor where there is no possibility of jail time. Multiple tickets can cause detrimental consequences for insurance rates. Moving violations and points cause insurance rates to increase which may result in hundreds of extra dollars spent on insurance coverage.

What if I do not have a valid driver’s license or insurance?

In Ohio, the vehicle must be covered under an insurance policy. If you are driving a friend’s vehicle, that vehicle must be covered. If you have your own policy under another vehicle, you cannot use your coverage for the vehicle you were driving when you received the ticket. Also, you cannot allow your insurance to lapse. If you pay a ticket where it is marked on the ticket “no financial responsibility shown” your license will be suspended on a first offense until your insurance requirements are met. On a second offense, you will be suspended for one year and two years on a second offense. You will be required to pay reinstatement fees and carry bonded insurance. However, an attorney may ask for driving privileges. Every driver in Ohio must have a valid driver’s license. If you have a valid international license or license from another state, you may drive on these in Ohio for up to one year. If you have neither, then you must apply for a valid driver’s license. If you are pulled over in Ohio for no driver’s license, the charge is No Operator’s Licence which is a violation of Ohio Revised Code 4510.12. which is an unclassified misdemeanor but may be enhanced upon multiple offenses.

Can I Lose My Driver’s License? Yes.

If you receive too many traffic tickets, your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked. Each time you get a ticket — no matter how minor the infraction — you receive a certain amount of points on your driving record. Most moving violations receive two points. More serious violations receive more. If you receive more than 12 points in two years, your license will be suspended by the BMV. It is important to deal with tickets as they happen, working with a skilled traffic lawyer to prevent points from accumulating and threatening your driving privileges.

Tickets Also Affect Your Insurance

Insurance companies levy stiff increases against drivers who have tickets, especially if they accumulate multiple tickets. Even after you pay the ticket, you could be looking at hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in increased premiums and costs. This could last for more than three years.

What Are My Options Following A Ticket?

You have the option to fight a ticket. While you could fight it on your own, you are much more likely to be successful and have the ticket dismissed or lowered if you work with an experienced traffic law attorney who understands these procedures and how to best advocate for clients. Keep a record of what happened. This includes taking photographs, getting contact information for witnesses and keeping a written record of all communication.

What Do I Do If I’m Pulled Over?

Always remain courteous while interacting with police. Comply with his or her requests, which usually include asking for your license and registration. While you want to comply slowly and politely, you do not want to admit to anything, unnecessarily. A radar could have been used improperly, and your admission could be used against you as evidence. Simply keep the exchange brief and courteous.

What If I Miss My Court Date?

A warrant could be issued for your arrest. Contact Laura Helmbrecht immediately at 614-929-3164 for assistance with researching and quashing your warrant(s) and for assistance with negotiation of the underlying traffic ticket.

Contact Our Firm

If you have questions regarding traffic violations, contact Laura Helmbrecht, Attorney at Law, by calling 614-929-3164 or by completing our online contact form. We offer initial consultations, and we accept all major credit cards for payment. Do not wait — call right now.