Traffic Ticket Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale

Working Diligently to Protect Your Rights

When driving in South Florida, it is important to be aware of the numerous traffic laws that are in place to keep you and others safe. In addition to obeying the posted speed limit, drivers should be aware of the following:

1. Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
2. Come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights.
3. Use caution when turning, especially at intersections.
4. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles when changing lanes or driving in traffic, and follow the speed limit.
5. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for potential hazards, such as animals or pedestrians darting out into the street.

Driving can be a hassle, but following these simple tips can help make it safer and smoother for everyone on the road. However, if you are pulled over for a traffic violation, be sure to contact an experienced lawyer who can protect your rights and help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Not every traffic violation is warranted – and traffic tickets, believe it or not – can lead to serious consequences. No matter what type of traffic violation you have committed, we can help. Contact George Reres Law, P.A. today at 954-543-1186 for a free initial consultation.

What are Common Criminal Traffic Violations?

Traffic violations are classified as moving or non-moving violations. Non-moving violations are also called parking offenses and occur when a vehicle is parked in an illegal spot or is not properly maintained. Some examples of parking offenses include:

• Parking in a handicapped spot without the proper permit
• Parking in a fire lane
• Parking in a no-parking zone
• Expired registration tags
• An obstructed view (e.g., hanging items from the rearview mirror that block your vision)

Moving violations, on the other hand, occur when a vehicle is in motion. Some examples of moving violations include:

• Speeding
• Running a stop sign or red light
• Making an illegal turn
• Driving the wrong way down a one-way street
• Tailgating
• Texting while driving

DUI (driving under the influence) is also considered a moving violation and can result in an arrest and charge. DUI offenses are taken very seriously and can result in severe penalties, including jail time.

If you have been cited for a traffic violation, you will likely receive a ticket. The ticket will list the specific offense and will indicate whether it is a moving or non-moving violation. You will also be given a court date to appear before a judge. If you choose to contest the ticket, you will have the opportunity to do so at your court date. Otherwise, you can simply pay the fine listed on the ticket and avoid going to court.

Traffic violations can result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. More serious offenses, such as DUI or vehicular homicide, can also lead to a loss of driving privileges and jail time. If your license is suspended or revoked, you will be required to go through a reinstatement process before you are able to drive again legally.

What are the Legal Penalties for Traffic Violations?

The penalties for traffic violations depend on the severity of the violation and whether it is the first offense. For example, first-time violators of speeding laws may only receive a warning, while those caught speeding for a second time may have to pay a fine. More serious offenses, such as DUI or hit and run, can result in jail time, loss of driving privileges, and higher insurance rates.

Penalties for traffic violations can also be divided into two categories: criminal penalties and civil penalties. Criminal penalties are more serious and usually involve jail time or the loss of driving privileges, while civil penalties are typically fines and traffic school. In general, certain traffic violations (such as speeding) can be classified as either criminal or civil offenses, depending on the circumstances.

The best way to avoid legal penalties for traffic violations is to obey all traffic laws and drive safely. If you are pulled over for a violation, be polite and cooperative with the officer, and try to avoid admitting guilt. If you believe you were wrongly cited, you can always fight the ticket in court with our help. If you were charged with a criminal traffic violation, such as DUI or vehicular manslaughter, seeking legal help can ensure your driving privileges and other rights are not taken from you.

How Can a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Defend Me?

If you have received a traffic ticket, you may be feeling nervous and unsure about what to do next. Should you simply pay the fine and move on? Or would it be worth your while to hire a lawyer that focuses on helping clients with traffic tickets to help you fight the charges?

There are a few things to consider when making your decision. First, what is the severity of the offense? If you were only speeding by a few miles per hour, it is unlikely that hiring an attorney will be worth the cost. However, if you are facing more serious charges, such as DUI or reckless driving, then an attorney may be able to help you avoid harsh penalties.

Second, what are the chances of winning your case? If the evidence against you is strong, then it may not be worth your time and money to fight the charges. However, if you have a good chance of winning, then an attorney may be able to help you get the charges reduced or even dismissed entirely.

Third, what are the potential penalties if you are convicted? Depending on the severity of the offense, you could be facing a fine, points on your license, or even jail time. If the penalties are severe, then it may be worth your while to hire an attorney to help you avoid them.

George Reres understands traffic violations and can help you determine if you have a case worth fighting for to protect your driving record.

What You Should Know About Traffic Court in Broward County

If you decide to contest a traffic citation rather than simply paying the fine, your case will be heard in traffic court. For many drivers in Fort Lauderdale, this is unfamiliar territory, and walking into a courtroom without understanding the process can put you at a disadvantage.

Traffic court proceedings in Broward County vary depending on whether your violation is classified as a civil infraction or a criminal offense. Most traffic infractions, like speeding, running a red light, or improper lane changes, are civil matters. These cases are heard by a judge or magistrate, and the burden of proof is lower than in criminal cases. You won’t face jail time for a civil infraction, but you could face fines, court costs, points on your license, and mandatory traffic school.

Criminal traffic violations are handled differently. Charges like reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, or leaving the scene of an accident are misdemeanor or felony offenses that carry potential penalties including probation, license suspensions, and even jail time. These cases require a stronger defense strategy and experienced legal counsel.

Whether your case is civil or criminal, a Fort Lauderdale traffic ticket attorney can review the evidence, identify procedural errors by the issuing officer or Florida Highway Patrol, and build a defense aimed at getting your charges reduced or your ticket dismissed entirely.

How Traffic Tickets Affect Your Driving Record and Insurance in Florida

Many drivers in Broward County assume that paying a traffic ticket is the easiest way to move on, but doing so is an admission of guilt that comes with consequences most people don’t anticipate. Each traffic citation you pay adds points to your driving record through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and those points accumulate faster than you might expect.

Points from traffic infractions stay on your record and directly influence your insurance rates. Even a single speeding ticket or red light violation can trigger a rate increase that costs hundreds or thousands of dollars more over several years. Multiple violations within a short period create a compounding effect that can make coverage significantly more expensive.

Beyond insurance costs, point accumulation can lead to license suspensions. Under Florida law, accumulating 12 points within 12 months results in a 30-day suspension, while 18 points within 18 months leads to a three-month suspension. Drivers who reach 24 points within 36 months face a full year without driving privileges. Once classified as a habitual traffic offender, the restrictions become even more severe.

A traffic ticket lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can often negotiate to have a ticket dismissed or reduced, keeping points off your record and protecting both your license and your wallet.

Protecting Your License After a Suspension or Revocation in Florida

Having your driver’s license suspended or revoked disrupts nearly every part of daily life, from getting to work to handling family responsibilities. If your license has been suspended due to accumulated points, a DUI conviction, or failure to meet court requirements, understanding your options for reinstatement is essential.

Florida law outlines specific steps for getting your driving privileges restored, and the requirements depend on why your license was suspended in the first place. Point-related suspensions typically require completing a waiting period and, in some cases, enrolling in traffic school or a driver improvement course. DUI-related suspensions carry additional requirements, including completion of DUI defense programs, possible installation of an ignition interlock device, and proof of insurance.

Drivers classified as habitual traffic offenders face the steepest path back. A habitual offender designation results from three major offenses within a five-year period and triggers a mandatory revocation of up to five years. During this time, driving on a revoked license is a criminal offense punishable by additional fines and jail time.

A traffic ticket lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can guide you through the reinstatement process, represent you at administrative hearings with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, and work to protect your record from further damage. Contact our criminal defense lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Traffic Attorneys For Strong and Compassionate Service

George Reres understands traffic violations and can help you determine if you have a case worth fighting. Contact George Reres Law, P.A. today at 954-543-1186 to get the traffic ticket attorney you need for your case.