My name is Michael Franchi, and I’m a Johnston County traffic attorney.
I represent people who haven’t had their best day.
Maybe you were speeding. Maybe you had too much to drink.
Maybe you made some mistakes.
Whatever the case may be, I’m here to help. I enjoy counseling people through the most stressful times in their life.
In the course of my time as a Johnston County traffic attorney, I’ve noticed that I keep hearing the same questions from my clients.
If you’ve gotten a speeding ticket in Johnston County, then you likely have many similar questions. I’d be honored if you’d hire me to take on your case – you can call me at 919-229-8326 – but at the very least I hope you’ll find the following answers helpful.
And if you have a question I haven’t covered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
FAQs for a Johnston County Traffic Attorney
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Johnston County Speeding Ticket
Am I required to go to court in Johnston County?
Will the court grant a continuance?
What is an “improper equipment”?
If I live out of state, what should I do?
If I live out of state, will my state learn about this ticket?
What You Can Do About a Speeding Ticket in Johnston County
Should I just pay my ticket online?
Can a Johnston County traffic attorney really help me?
Do I need to take a driving course?
Do I need to do community service?
Can I get this ticket dismissed?
Is there any chance this speeding ticket gets reduced?
Understanding Your Situation
Will my insurance go up?
Pleading guilty to a speeding ticket can result in your auto insurance going up. How much your insurance can increase depends on the charge you are ultimately convicted of and how the judge enters judgement. Hiring an experienced Johnston County traffic attorney can help you avoid these increases.
How much is the fine?
Total court fees and fines will range from $206 for a 9-over and $266 for an Improper Equipment.
However, it’s important to note that every traffic case in
- Improper Equipment: Court costs and fines total $258. This reduction often applies when the vehicle’s condition contributed to the offense.
- Speeding Reduced to 5/9 mph Over the Limit: Expect court costs and fines of $208. This reduction might be possible if the initial speed was only slightly above the limit.
- Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC): This option also incurs court costs and fines of $208. It’s a special plea that may prevent points from being added to your driving record.
- Speeding Reduced to 14 mph Over the Limit: Similar to the 5/9 mph reduction, this scenario also comes with costs and fines totaling $208.
Each case is unique, and the outcome can vary based on the specifics of the incident and the defense strategy employed. Understanding these potential reductions can help you better anticipate the true cost of a speeding ticket in
Will I lose my license?
While every case is different, there are many ways drivers can lose their license for traffic offenses in North Carolina. These include being convicted of:
(a) speeding over 75mph if the speed limit is less than 70mph (example: speeding 76mph in a 65mph zone),
(b) speeding in excess of 15mph over the speed limit when traveling over 55mph (example: speeding 75mph in a 55mph zone),
(c) speeding over 80mph,
(d) accruing 12 license points within a three-year period
(e) having two convictions for driving in excess of 55mph in a 12-month period (example: in January being convicted of speeding 64mph in a 55mph zone and in October being convicted of speeding 79mph in a 70mph zone), and
(f) being convicted of reckless driving and speeding in excess of 55mph in a 12-month period.
Before paying your ticket it is always a good idea to consult with an attorney about the impact on your license.
Am I required to go to court in Johnston County?
Someone needs to attend court in Johnston County, whether it is you or your attorney. Failing to appear for court can result in an additional $200 “Failure to Appear” fine. If you cannot make it to court, it is best to hire an experienced traffic lawyer.
Will the court grant a continuance?
In its discretion the court will grant a continuance for good cause. The court may grant a continuance to allow the driver time to complete a driving course. The court has the discretion to deny continuances, thus it is never a good idea to assume a continuance will be granted. We frequently advise our clients to complete a driving course and save for court costs as soon as possible.
What is an “improper equipment”?
Improper Equipment is a non-moving violation, which means it carries zero license points and zero insurance points. Because it has no effect on license or insurance, improper equipment is the charge that ideally all speeding offenses get reduced to. If your original speed is more than 25 mph over the speed limit then the DMV will not honor a reduction to improper equipment. Not every speeding ticket will be reduced to improper equipment, so it is best to contact a traffic lawyer to see if your charge will be eligible.
If I live out of state, what should I do?
If you got a speeding ticket in Johnston County, but you live outside of North Carolina, you will still be expected to come to the Johnston County Courthouse on your scheduled court date. If you live too far away or cannot come to court, it is usually a good idea to contact an attorney who can make an appearance for you.
If I live out of state, will my state learn about this ticket?
Yes, most likely. The Driver License Compact is an interstate compact used by 46 States (excluding Georgia, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Wisconsin) to exchange information concerning license suspensions and traffic violations of non-residents and forward them to the driver’s home state. Its theme is One Driver, One License, One Record. The home state would treat the offense as if it had been committed at home, applying home state laws to the out-of-state offense. The action taken would include, but not be limited to, points assessed on a minor offense such as speeding and suspension of license or a major violation such as DWI/DUI. It is not supposed to include non-moving violations like parking tickets, tinted windows, loud exhaust, etc.
What happens if I was speeding in a work or school zone?
A $250 fine can be imposed for speeding in a work or school zone. Additionally, insurance and license points could be assessed. Prosecutors typically are much less willing to allow these types of charges to be reduced.
Is reckless driving worse than speeding?
Reckless driving is a serious traffic charge in NC. It carries 4 license points and 4 insurance points. Additionally, if you have had a speeding ticket in the last 12 months, a reckless driving conviction can result in your license being suspended.
What happens if I miss my court date?
If you miss your court date you should call an attorney immediately. For the 20 days after missing your court date you will be in “Called and Failed” status. If after 20 days you still have not come to court, a “Failure to Appear” will be issued and additional fines will be assessed. An attorney can help get you back on the court calendar and potentially eliminate the additional fines for failing to appear.
What You Can Do About It
Should I just pay my ticket online?
“By paying online, you are pleading guilty to the offense, which can have serious license and insurance consequences. Even if a law enforcement officer has advised you that you can save yourself a trip to court by paying online – do not follow this advice without first speaking with an experienced traffic lawyer! By paying online prior to your court date, the outcome of your case is finalized.”
Paying your
- Increased Insurance Premiums: One traffic citation can cause your insurance rates to skyrocket, putting a strain on your finances.
- License Suspension Risks: Depending on the speed zone, a conviction for speeding over 15mph above the limit could lead to your
North Carolina Driver’s License being suspended.
These are serious outcomes that extend beyond just paying a fine. Therefore, consulting with a traffic attorney who knows the ins and outs of local traffic laws is crucial. They can offer guidance tailored to your specific situation, potentially mitigating the negative impacts of a guilty plea.
Consider all options and consequences before making a decision—your future driving privileges and financial stability may depend on it.
Can a Johnston County traffic attorney really help me?
A traffic lawyer should have two primary goals in mind when approaching traffic tickets: (1) ensure the client’s license does not get suspended and (2) avoid insurance increases. At Minick Law we use this approach every day to help our traffic clients. We complete a thorough review of your driving record and strategize the best way to approach your case.
Do I need to take a driving course?
A driving course will often be helpful for: (a) a driver 21 years old and younger who receives a speeding ticket and (b) a driver of any age who is charged with speeding over 90mph.
In certain situations, attending a driving school class might make you eligible for greater levels of reduction in your traffic case. However, it’s crucial to evaluate the details of your traffic citation before enrolling in any course. Consulting with an attorney can help determine whether a driving school is beneficial for your specific situation.
Feel free to reach out to a legal professional for advice on whether taking a driving course can positively impact your case. By taking this step, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure that you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.
Do I need to do community service?
In some cases, it may be beneficial to complete community service hours, in addition to a driving course. We can help you assess if you would benefit from completing community service in exchange for a reduction in your traffic charges.
Can I get this ticket dismissed?
Dismissal of speeding tickets is rare in Johnston County, NC, and will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
Is there any chance this speeding ticket gets reduced?
Yes, many traffic offenses can be reduced to a lesser speeding charge or a non-moving violation, like improper equipment. A traffic lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and your driving record to see what your traffic charge needs to be reduced to in order to avoid license and insurance issues.
Can I use a prayer for judgment (PJC)?
North Carolina has a very unique and powerful tool called the Prayer for Judgment Continued (“PJC”). A judge has the ultimate discretion to grant or deny a defendant’s request for a PJC. If a judge grants a PJC, then a driver can use 1 PJC every 5 years to avoid license points. Moreover, the drivers on a shared auto insurance policy can collectively use 1 PJC every 3 years to avoid insurance points related to some traffic charges.
Where can I get a copy of my driving record?
North Carolina drivers can access their driving record here. Your attorney will need a copy of this record to evaluate your case.
What’s the Cost of a Traffic Lawyer in Johnston County ?
When you’re facing a traffic citation in
Average Costs
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Standard Speeding Tickets: Generally, you can expect to pay around $100 to $150 for legal representation for a basic speeding ticket. This fee can vary based on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s experience.
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Complex Violations: If your case involves more serious violations, such as reckless driving or DUI charges, costs can rise significantly. In these instances, fees may range from $300 to $1,000 or more.
Factors Affecting Cost
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Lawyer’s Experience: More seasoned attorneys typically charge higher fees. However, they might also offer more efficient and effective defense strategies.
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Case Complexity: Simple cases with clear evidence are usually less costly compared to complex cases that require extensive investigation or litigation.
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Geographic Location: While
Johnston County may have a standard range, costs can fluctuate based on demand and local market rates.
Additional Costs
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Court Fees: Beyond attorney fees, be prepared for potential additional expenses such as court fees or fines that result from your case’s outcome.
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Consultation Fees: Some attorneys charge an initial consultation fee, though many offer free consultations to assess your case.
Hiring a traffic lawyer can be an investment in safeguarding your driving record and minimizing penalties. Always discuss all potential costs upfront to ensure there are no surprises as your case progresses.
When and How are My Court Costs and Fines Due to Johnston County?
Paying your court costs and fines in
Payment Timeline
- Deadline: You are required to pay the full amount within 40 days of your case’s closure. It’s important to stick to this timeline to prevent any further fines or complications.
Payment Methods
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Online: Many individuals find it convenient to pay their fees online. This option often becomes available after the case is concluded, making it a straightforward choice for many.
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In-Person or Mail: Alternatively, you can visit the Clerk of Court’s office or send your payment via mail. Ensure your payment is received by them well within the due date to avoid any issues.
Tips for Timely Payment
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Double-Check: Always double-check deadlines and available payment methods right after your case to ensure compliance.
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Plan Ahead: Set reminders or mark your calendar to keep track of the payment due date, giving you ample time to gather and send the required funds.
By adhering to this guide, you can efficiently manage your court-related financial responsibilities and avoid any unnecessary stress or additional fines.
Can I Save Money by Going to Johnston County Court by Myself?
Deciding whether to tackle a court appearance for a traffic ticket on your own or hire legal help can be challenging. Let’s dive into the potential cost savings and other considerations.
The Time Factor
Representing yourself might save on attorney fees, but remember that court appearances can be time-consuming. Expect to spend several hours waiting for your turn to speak to an Assistant District Attorney. Additionally, traffic cases often require multiple visits to court to pursue an optimal outcome.
Weighing the Costs
Taking time off work, school, or family duties to attend court can lead to indirect costs. Missed workdays mean a potential loss of income that might outweigh the immediate savings on legal fees.
Expertise Matters
Navigating traffic laws and understanding the potential implications on insurance and driving records can be complex. If you handle these matters without experience, you risk unintended consequences like increased insurance premiums.
The DIY Approach
Consider this analogy: fixing a plumbing issue at home. If you’re skilled, you can manage without hiring a plumber. However, without expertise, you might cause more damage, leading to higher costs later. Handling your court case is similar. Familiarize yourself with
Conclusion
While you could save direct costs by representing yourself, weigh potential indirect costs and risks. Hiring a knowledgeable attorney might ultimately be a more secure investment for peace of mind and a favorable outcome.
How to Locate Your Misplaced Johnston County Traffic Ticket
Misplacing a traffic ticket can be frustrating, but finding it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you locate that lost
1. Check Your Records and Mail
Start by looking through any personal records or mail. Traffic tickets are often delivered via mail, and there might be a chance it’s tucked away in a stack of letters or documents.
2. Visit the Johnston County Courthouse
The
3. Search Online Records
Many counties, including
4. Contact Local Law Enforcement Agencies
Reach out to the local police department or sheriff’s office. They may be able to provide details on any outstanding tickets if you provide sufficient identification and personal details.
5. Explore State Online Resources
Check
6. Hire Legal Assistance
If you’re still struggling, consider enlisting the help of a lawyer specializing in traffic law. They have the expertise and access to resources that can expedite the process of finding your ticket.
Additional Tips
- Keep all documents organized electronically and physically to avoid future mishaps.
- Set reminders for any due dates associated with your traffic tickets once located.
By methodically following these steps, you’ll increase your chances of successfully locating your lost
Received a Traffic Citation in Johnston County ?
Expert Legal Guidance is Just a Call Away
If you’ve found yourself facing a traffic citation in
These legal professionals possess a deep understanding of
Why Hire a Traffic Attorney?
- Comprehensive Knowledge: Attorneys in this field are well-versed in local traffic laws and can use this expertise to your advantage.
- Negotiation Skills: They strive to reduce the charges or even dismiss citations, aiming to protect your driving record and prevent hikes in insurance premiums.
- Time-Saving: Instead of dealing with court dates and complex paperwork alone, let a professional handle it.
When Experience Matters
A competent attorney will work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for your situation. With a reputation for excellence, attorneys specializing in traffic violations have a track record for negotiating favorable resolutions.
Don’t risk your driving record or higher insurance rates. Reach out to a knowledgeable traffic attorney today to discuss your options and take control of your case.
