Greensboro Traffic And Speeding Defense Lawyers
Let’s face it: getting a ticket is a hassle. Dealing with your lawyer shouldn’t be.
At Aberle & Connolly, PLLC, we know exactly what clients want in a traffic lawyer:
- Transparent low-cost pricing
- Zero or minimal court appearances
- Easy instructions for how to resolve their tickets quickly
- An attorney who understands how to avoid a driver’s license suspension or insurance points.
In most cases, we can handle everything for you after a five-minute phone call. Scroll down to learn more, or call or text us now at 336-900-5452. If you have been asked to do driving school or perform community service due to a high speed, click one of the buttons below.
Click here if you have been asked to do Safe Driving School
What is the attorney fee for a common traffic ticket?
It is common practice for law firms not to post their rates publicly, but when it comes to traffic and speeding tickets, we believe in a transparent, more straightforward approach. We charge a flat rate for minor traffic and speeding tickets of $99, and $249 for high-speeds and careless and reckless driving charges.
Why should I choose Aberle & Connolly, PLLC?
Affordable representation should not mean impersonal representation. We are a small law firm that provides individualized, personal legal service for each of our clients. We understand that no two cases are the same and each case requires a unique approach. That’s why we are one of the highest-rated law firms in Greensboro, with over 100 5-star Google reviews.
Additionally, we offer easy online payment options. We can send you a secure payment link for your case via text or email, allowing you to make an online payment and save you a trip downtown.
We believe that communication is key and we will always keep you updated as your case moves along. Our attorneys will be available every step of the way to answer questions and guide you through an often complicated legal system. Call us today to speak to one of our attorneys about your case; the conversation is always free whether you decide to hire us or not. We’re here to help.
What kind of traffic cases do you handle?
- ✓ Speeding
- ✓ Speeding in a School or Work Zone
- ✓ Careless and Reckless Driving
- ✓ Improper Turn or Lane Change
- ✓ Expired/No Registration
- ✓ No Liability Insurance
- ✓ Fictitious/Altered License Plate
- ✓ Unsafe Movement
- ✓ Failure to Reduce Speed
- ✓ Following Too Closely
- ✓ No Operators License (NOL)
- ✓ Running a Stop Sign or Red Light
- ✓ Speeding to Elude
- ✓ Hit and Run
- ✓ Driving While Impaired (DWI)
- ✓ Driving While License Revoked (DWLR)
- ✓ Driving After Consuming <21
Why do I have to do driving school and/or community service?
Sometimes when you are charged with a higher level speeding case, a prosecutor will not reduce your charges without a driving school and/or community service. In some cases, a judge might even reject a plea agreement. We only ask you to do either of these things when it is absolutely necessary to get your charges reduced, and it is not always necessary in many cases.
Why should I hire an attorney?
A traffic ticket, even minor, can have lasting effects on your record including increased insurance rates (sometimes up to 400%), license suspension/revocation, and in some cases, even jail time.
Too often, people decide to handle their case without an attorney – essentially pleading guilty without understanding the collateral consequences a ticket may cause. For example, a guilty plea to a single speeding ticket over 80 mph will result in a Class 2 criminal misdemeanor conviction in North Carolina and could revoke your license for an entire year. N.C.G.S. 20-141(J1).
Additionally, the accumulation of 12 points over a three-year period will lead to the suspension of your driving privileges and driving with a suspended or revoked license is punishable by up to 4 months in jail.
The loss of your driving privileges can have devastating effects on your daily life as it can lead to problems with present and future employment, education opportunities and obligations, as well as primary household responsibilities and child care. These are just a few of the reasons why it is so important to speak to an experienced attorney about your speeding ticket, instead of trying to resolve it by yourself.
We may be able to have the original charges against you reduced to less serious charges that will not negatively affect your driving record. A reduction in the charges against you can help to keep your insurance low and reduce the amount of points on your license. Don’t let a conviction jeopardize your future.
In addition, a day in court means time off of work and money out of your pocket and in many cases may require multiple court appearances. For many, that inconvenience can break more than just the bank. Often, our attorneys can appear in court on your behalf, and in most traffic cases, handle your entire case without you ever having to appear.
Our goal is to minimize the negative effects of a ticket as much as possible, and to give you peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep up with my court date?
We will keep you updated about court dates for cases that we have been retained on. However, the North Carolina Judicial Branch also keeps a database of calendared court dates here. Be aware, this website doesn’t list court dates that have not yet been calendared or have outstanding orders for arrest. If you need additional information, you can also call the Guilford County Clerk of Superior Court at 336-412-7333 or click here to search online.
What is a prayer for judgment continued (PJC)?
A Prayer for Judgment Continued or PJC is a useful and beneficial option available in North Carolina for some lower level offenses like traffic convictions, however it is only available under certain circumstances. Effectively, when a PJC is granted, there is no final judgment entered against you, even if you plead guilty.* It can prevent the issuance of points against your license, insurance points and subsequent insurance rate increases. Only a judge can grant a PJC and you are only entitled to one PJC every three years. A PJC is not available for out-of-state licenses or those who hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Ultimately, whether or not a PJC is granted is in the court’s discretion, but our attorneys will advocate to the court on your behalf to grant a PJC in your case.
*there are certain circumstances where a PJC is still treated as a conviction. There are also offenses where a PJC is prohibited all together, such as DWI
Do I need to complete community service and if so, where do I go to complete my community service?
In many cases, community service is required in to resolve your ticket. Typically, particularly in high-speed cases a judge may require community service. The community service requirement is usually 1 hour of community service for every mile per hour over the speed limit. If you are asked to complete community service, it must be done at a non-profit organization. Proof of completion of the community service should be on a letterhead of the organization and signed by a supervisor at the site.
Examples of non-profits include Habitat for Humanity or Goodwill as well as many churches, synagogues, and mosques. There are hundreds of non-profits in the community. The Volunteer Center Triad is a great resource for court-related community service opportunities. If you still are unsure of whether something counts, give us a call and we can help.
Where do I go to complete driving school?
Driving school, like community service, is often required to resolve a ticket. This may sound daunting, but in reality it is a straightforward process that can be done online. Once you complete driving school, they will provide you with a certificate of completion that you can email or mail to our office. Driving school can be done through Triad Drivers Improvement Clinic. The price ranges from $25 for the 4 hour defensive driving class and $50 for the 8 hour defensive driving class. Whether your case will require a 4 hour class or 8 hour class depends on the nature and circumstance of your ticket as well as other factors such as driving history.
Generally, our attorneys will pull your driving record for you in order to resolve your case, however if you are interested in obtaining a copy of your driving record for yourself you can request a copy from the NCDMV Website.
How much time do I have to complete community service and driving school?
While we encourage our clients to complete these requirements as quickly as possible, we understand that life goes on and you may need extra time. Given that, our attorneys will appear in court for you and monitor your future court dates as necessary to give you the time you need. Typically, traffic court cases are resolved within a few months, but we will work with each client on a case-by-case basis to afford sufficient time.
Does your fee include court costs and fines?
Our fee does not include any court costs or fines. These costs may vary significantly depending on the nature of the citation as well as other factors such as driving history. Because of that, we do not assess any court costs or fines upfront. You will receive a cost sheet at the resolution of your case with the exact amount you owe to the Clerk of Court. On average, court costs are around $190, and in most cases, our clients have 3 months to pay, however we can work with you to try to extend that time if necessary.
What happens if I miss court?
If you missed a court date you may have an order for your arrest. This can cause a lot of anxiety, especially if you are afraid of losing a job or being taken from your home when people depend on you to take care of them. It can be especially concerning when you aren’t sure if you will have the money to make bond after you are served with the order for arrest and booked into the jail.
One of the most common questions that people in this circumstance have is: is there anything that a Greensboro attorney can do? Yes! There are circumstances where our attorneys can recall your order for arrest and reset your court date. For more information regarding OFA Recalls and how our lawyers can help you recall an order for arrest read our blog post here.
Where do I park on my court date?
There is some limited free street parking on Blandwood Avenue, but most people park in either the metered lot on South Eugene Street and East Washington Street next to the courthouse or the Greene Street Parking Deck, located at 211 South Greene Street.