Traffic Tickets

Fight Your Traffic Tickets with The Law Office of James Dowgul, P.A.

Are you facing the frustration and consequences of Panama City or Northwest Florida traffic tickets? Don’t let a simple mistake or momentary lapse in judgment tarnish your driving record or burden you with hefty fines. The Law Office of James Dowgul, P.A. is here to help you navigate the complexities of traffic law and protect your rights.

There are two types of Traffic Tickets:

Civil Infraction: A civil infraction usually does not require a court appearance, and a jail conviction is impossible. Some civil infractions do require a mandatory appearance.Civil Infraction: A civil infraction usually does not require a court appearance, and there is no possibility of jail up until conviction. Some civil infractions do require a mandatory appearance.

CIVIL INFRACTIONS REQUIRING A MANDATORY APPEARANCE INCLUDE:

  • Failure to stop for a school bus.
  • Having unsecured cargo which causes serious bodily injury to another.
  • Any traffic infraction which results in serious bodily injury or death as the result of a crash.
  • Racing.
  • Speeding over 30 mph over the speed limit.

TRAFFIC TICKET OPTIONS

If you pay the citation, you admit guilt, and points will be assessed on your license.

(See point schedule)

UNLAWFUL SPEED 15 MPH OR LESS OVER LAWFUL OR POSTED SPEED3 POINTS
UNLAWFUL SPEED 16 MPH OR MORE OVER LAWFUL OR POSTED SPEED4 POINTS
LEAVING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT WITH PROPERTY DAMAGE OF MORE THAN $506 POINTS
UNLAWFUL SPEED RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT6 POINTS
RECKLESS DRIVING4 POINTS
ANY MOVING VIOLATION RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT4 POINTS
ALL OTHER MOVING VIOLATIONS 3 POINTS
OPEN CONTAINER AS AN OPERATOR3 POINTS

Unpaid tickets can result in license suspension. Driving while your license is suspended or revoked in Florida can result in criminal charges. Driving on a suspended or revoked license is an escalating offense. A third DWLS/R can be charged as a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

If you received a traffic citation, you have three options:

  1. Pay the citation within 30 days.
  2. Attend Traffic School.
  3. Plead not guilty to contest the citation.

PAYING THE CITATION

You are paying the citation results in points being assessed on your driving record.

If you received:

Twelve points within 12 months, the DMV can suspend your license for up to 30 days.

Eighteen points within 18 months of suspension can be up to 90 days.

Twenty-four points within 36 months of suspension can be up to 1 year.

Suppose an individual accumulates 15 convictions for moving traffic offenses for which points may be assessed within five years. In that case, the DMV will deem that person a habitual traffic offender (HTO) and suspend their driving privilege for five years. Anyone caught driving while designated HTO commits a third-degree felony which is punishable by up to five years in prison.

TRAFFIC SCHOOL

You must provide proof of completion within 60 days. Driving School may not be the best option because: 1. You can only attend elective traffic school five times in 10 years; 2. You can only attend traffic school once within twelve months. 3. Some states may not accept traffic schools as a means to withhold points. 4. CDL drivers can not elect traffic schools to withhold points. 5. Mandatory court appearance.

Traffic School Benefits 

  1. Class is available at home or online.
  2. No points.
  3. Protecting Insurance rates. For your convenience, we have provided a link to our home page for the American Safety Council’s website for a traffic school approved by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

ENTER A PLEA OF NOT GUILTY AND CONTEST THE TICKET

You may plead not guilty and contest the ticket or retain an attorney. Give us a call. We provide FREE consultations. We know how important your license and driving record are to you. Let us discuss your options and defenses. The best decision you can make is an informed one.  

 

YOUR BENEFITS WHEN YOU RETAIN US

  1. No office visit is required.
  2. No Court appearance.
  3. Experienced legal help.
  4. Protecting your insurance rates.

Contact Us Today

Don’t face your legal challenges alone. Contact The Law Office of James Dowgul, P.A. today and let our skilled criminal defense attorneys fight for your rights. We are dedicated to providing personalized attention, strategic advocacy, and achieving the best possible outcome in your case.

Take the first step towards resolving your legal matter by contacting us. Fill out & submit the contact form, and a staff member will contact you as soon as possible. We are ready to assist you.

Alternatively, give us a call 24/7 at: (850) 763-0900