Experienced Speeding Tickets Attorneys In Missouri
A speeding ticket in Missouri can have significant ramifications. It’s not just the price of the ticket – it can also put points on your record and drive up your insurance rates. Eventually, tickets could lead to the suspension of your license.
I am attorney David M. Lurie, and I have more than 45 years of experience with speeding ticket defense in Kansas City, Missouri. As a lawyer, I am known for giving my clients individualized attention and using my deep legal knowledge to help them explore their defense options. I offer free consultations.
Steps To Take After Getting A Speeding Ticket
If you get a speeding ticket, check the court date that is written on the citation itself. This tells you when you have to respond. You have multiple options, such as paying the fine or pleading not guilty and fighting the ticket. At this time, it’s important to contact an experienced attorney so that you can consider your options carefully. Do not just assume that you have to pay the ticket.
Fines And Penalties For Speeding In Missouri
It is important to understand the speeding ticket fines that you may receive. They are largely based on your speed, as follows:
- Up to 5 mph over the limit: $50.50
- Up to 10 mph over the limit: $60.50
- Up to 15 mph: $70.50
- Up to 19 mph: $100.50
- Up to 25 mph: $155.50
It is important to note that these are just the costs of the fines. There are also court fees that you must pay, which vary by location.
What Happens If You Decide to Pay The Ticket?
In many cases, people decide just to pay the fine, not realizing that it is essentially the same as pleading guilty to the offense. This means that you will have to face speeding ticket penalties, including points on your record, as noted in the section below. Your insurance may not be impacted by your first ticket, however, the next one may not be able to be amended.
Most people want to get their tickets reduced or dismissed, particularly insurance tickets. Getting your tickets reduced or dismissed means you could have fewer points or no points added to your driver’s license. In cases where you’ve received a non-aggravated speeding ticket (typically for driving less than 15-20 mph over the speed limit, depending on local laws), a qualified traffic attorney can often handle the case on your behalf, eliminating the need for a court appearance. By hiring an experienced traffic lawyer, you may be able to have the charges reduced, prevent points from being added to your license, and avoid increased insurance premiums. Working with a traffic lawyer can streamline the process, making it quicker, more convenient, and less stressful for you.
The Speeding Ticket Points System In Missouri
Under the Missouri points system, speeding tickets also put either two or three points on your license. If you accumulate at least eight points over a year and a half, you can face a suspended license. The length starts at 30 days but escalates – 60 days for a second offense and 90 days for subsequent offenses.
If you exceed 12 points in a year, then your license could be suspended for the next year. This is also true if you exceed 18 points in two years or 24 points in three years.
Consequences For Out-Of-State Drivers
It is important for out-of-state drivers to know how this process works, as they are still bound by Missouri law when driving through the state. An out-of-state speeding ticket can also increase insurance premiums, so it can continue to be expensive even outside of the state, despite the specific penalties and fines noted above.
It is also worth noting that the majority of states in the U.S., including Missouri, use the Driver License Compact (DLC). This means that they share information, so a violation in Missouri could still be added to your driving record in your home state.
Call Now For A Consultation
When you’re facing serious fines and other penalties, it’s important to know what legal steps to take. Call me now at 816-221-5900 or use the online contact form to set up your completely free initial consultation.