If you have ever been to 201 Poplar in Memphis, TN for a traffic ticket, then you are all too aware what a nightmare process it can be. Long lines, confusing instructions, and hundreds of people in other court rooms facing criminal charges makes for an unpleasant day to say the least. I don’t know many people who would voluntarily choose to spend their morning and afternoons at 201 Poplar.
Fortunately for the residents of Memphis, or even out of town visitors passing through the Mid-South area, The Chiozza Law Firm is happy to assist with any speeding ticket or moving violation that requires a court appearance. We appear on your behalf so you can tend to more important day-to-day matters.
Speeding Tickets in Memphis, TN
Speeding tickets and moving violations are increasing because they are an effective and simple way for cities and counties to make money. Yes, these citations hopefully deter individuals from speeding in the future, but it doesn’t hurt that the fines collected from these tickets are a very important revenue stream.
An attorney can typically have many driving offenses dismissed or lessened. The cost of an attorney to handle these matters for you in city court can far outweigh fines, points on your record or possible license suspension and overall inconvenience. Typically, an unrepresented party will appear in city court (after a long wait) with their ticket and unknowingly plead guilty and pay the fine without being advised that there are alternatives and better ways to handle the matter.
Why Hire an Attorney for a Speeding Ticket?
Just a few of the most obvious reasons a qualified attorney can help you with a speeding ticket or moving violation are:
- Convenience – As we previously mentioned, who wants to spend the day at 201 Poplar for a speeding ticket? It is overcrowded, confusing, and you may sometimes wait in line for hours just to be instructed you have to plead guilty and pay a fine. The Chiozza Law Firm can take the headache out of this process for you; just contact us at your convenience and we will take the guesswork out of the legal process and keep you out of the courtroom. While I’m sure visitors to the Mid-South enjoyed their time at Elvis Presley’s Graceland or The Bass Pro Pyramid, don’t let a traffic violation ruin your trip. If you are from out-of-state please contact The Chiozza Law Firm or email Brian Chiozza, brian@chiozzalaw.com, so that you can avoid traveling back to Memphis to fight the ticket.
- Insurance Rates – There are certain tickets that do not require a mandatory court appearance and will allow you to pay a fine instead of coming to court. What the court system neglects to tell you is that paying this fine is typically an admission of guilt and puts points on your driving record. In turn, your insurance rates can increase based on that ticket. Unfortunately, insurance companies are always looking for an excuse to raise your rates and paying a simple ticket may be just the reason they need.
- Driving Record and Points – All speeding tickets and moving violations (if you plead guilty) put points on your driving record which can subsequently lead to a suspension of your license if you accumulate enough points during a certain period of time. The increase in points is in addition to fines that must be paid and the previously mentioned increase in insurance rates. Read here to learn more about how many points certain driving offenses put on your record and how these points can lead to a license suspension.
There are some tickets that will have “mandatory appearance” marked on them, but rest assured your presence will not be necessary, as our attorneys will appear on your behalf. Following your designated court date, we will then make sure that you receive the proper paperwork and detailed instructions explaining the outcome of your matter. We do so for a very reasonable fee, that is usually more cost effective than taking time off work to appear on your own.
In addition to handling traffic violations it appears that in the near future the Memphis City Courts will also be handling marijuana possession cases. In a previous blog post we discussed this change and believe it is only going to increase the lines and people waiting to have their matters heard in City Court.
Hire Your Memphis Attorney Today
We are a local, Memphis-based law firm that knows and understands the Shelby County Court system. Know that The Chiozza Law Firm is here to help with any and all of your legal needs. We specialize in auto, trucking and bicycle/motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice and criminal defense cases.
Our office, conveniently located in Downtown Memphis, is the place we call home, welcoming walk-ins with no appointment necessary. Whether you need a break from the heat or want to discuss a new or pending legal matter, our doors are always open.
If you can’t make it to the office feel free to call 901-526-9494 or for emergencies email Brian Chiozza, brian@chiozzalaw.com.
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