Navigating the aftermath of a traffic ticket can be confusing. Many drivers question whether hiring a Traffic Lawyer Near Me is truly necessary. While not every traffic violation warrants legal representation, understanding the distinction between minor infractions and serious charges is crucial. In Maine, like many states, traffic offenses range from simple civil violations to significant criminal charges, impacting the need for a skilled traffic ticket attorney nearby.
For minor offenses, often considered civil legal matters, such as speeding under a certain limit or failure to signal, the necessity of a criminal defense lawyer near me is less critical. However, when facing severe violations like Operating Under the Influence (OUI), driving to endanger, or criminal speeding, engaging a defense attorney becomes paramount. These serious charges in areas like Portland or Saco, Maine, demand the expertise of a legal professional who possesses in-depth knowledge of local court procedures and established relationships within the legal community. A local traffic lawyer near me can be your strongest advocate in these situations.
For instance, a Maine OUI arrest presents a time-sensitive situation. Under Maine’s implied consent law, drivers facing OUI charges have a mere 30 days to appeal an impending administrative license suspension. Furthermore, a conviction can lead to mandatory installation and monitoring of a DUI interlock device, adding considerable expense and inconvenience. Similarly, charges of driving to endanger carry serious penalties, including potential license suspension. In such cases, securing one of the best criminal lawyers becomes essential to mitigate the charges, possibly seeking a lesser offense to avoid harsh consequences.
Maine marijuana lawyers John Webb, Vincent LoConte, and Nicole Williamson handle wee possession cases in Saco and Portland Maine.
It’s important to recognize that each traffic ticket situation is unique, influenced by specific circumstances. When we discuss traffic tickets in this context, we are primarily addressing civil traffic violations. These include infractions such as failure to signal, speeding (within a certain limit), or neglecting to stop at a stop sign.
However, when facing criminal driving charges, it is unequivocally time to seek legal counsel. This is not about minor infractions. We are referring to serious criminal charges like OUI, criminal speeding (significantly exceeding the speed limit), or illegally passing a school bus. For any criminal moving violation, consulting a traffic lawyer near me is not just recommended, it is strongly advised.
Certain situations automatically necessitate seeking legal advice. If you hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), drive professionally, or have any apprehension that a traffic ticket could jeopardize your driving privileges, speaking with an attorney is crucial. Maine’s demerit point system further underscores this need. Accumulating 12 demerit points within a year can lead to license suspension.
To better understand the potential impact of traffic tickets on your driving record, consider this overview of demerit points in Maine:
Maine Traffic Tickets License Points
Operating After Suspension – Traffic Infraction …………………………………………….. 8
Violations that carry a 6-point weight:
Driving Wrong Side …………………………………………………………………………… 6
Driving Wrong Way …………………………………………………………………………… 6
Speeding But Less Than 30 Miles Per Hour …………………………………………………….. 6
Illegal Transportation Liquor – Minor …………………………………………………………….. 6
Illegal Transportation Drug – Minor ……………………………………………………………….. 6
Improper or Erratic Lane Change ……………………………………………………………………. 6
Improper Passing ……………………………………….. 6
Leaving Scene of an Accident (Property Damage) ……………………………………………… 6
Misrepresentation of Identity or Other Facts to Obtain Alcohol ……………………………… 6
Operating Beyond Restriction ……………………………………………………………………. 6
Operating with Improper License ……………………………………………………………………. 6
Operating Without Corrective Lenses ………………………………………………………………. 6
Operating Left on Curve …………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Other Improper Pass …………………………………………………………………………………. 6
Pass Within 100 Feet of Intersection ………………………………………………………………… 6
Pass on Curve or Hill ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Pass on Right …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
Pass Wrong Side …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Violation – Do Not Pass ……………………………………………………………………………………. 6
Violation of Instruction Permit …………………………………………………………………………. 6
Operating Motorcycle Beyond Restriction ………………………………………………………….. 6
Violations that carry a 4-point weight:
Exceeding Posted Speed by Less Than 15 Miles Per Hour …………………………………….. 4
Excessive Acceleration ………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Failure to Keep Right ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Failure to Return to the Right …………………………………………………………………………… 4
Fail to Yield to Emergency Vehicle ……………………………………………………………………. 4
Fail to Yield – No Sign ……………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Fail to Yield to Pedestrian ………………………………………………………………………………… 4
Fail to Yield – Sign ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Fail to Give Way to Other Vehicle ……………………………………………………………………… 4
Fail to Obey Stop Sign ……………………………………………………………………………… 4
Fail to Stop at Red Light ………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Fail to Yield Right of Way ………………………………………………………………………… 4
Imprudent Driving ………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Imprudent Speed …………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Operating a Motor Vehicle with Obstructed View ………………………………………………. 4
Operating Without a License (traffic infraction) …………………………………………………. 4
Red Light Violation …………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Violations that carry a 2-point weight:
Crossover Violation ………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
Displaying a Blue Light …………………………………………………………………………….. 2
Displaying a Red Light …………………………………………………………………………….. 2
Failure to Dim Headlights ………………………………………………………………………….. 2
Fail to Signal ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
Fail to Obey Traffic Island ………………………………………………………………………….. 2
Failure to Obey Railroad Grade Crossing ………………………………………………………… 2
Failure to Maintain Control of Vehicle …………………………………………………………….. 2
Failure to Reduce Speed on a Grade or Curve …………………………………………………… 2
Follow Too Close …………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Illegal Left Turn ………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
Illegal Right Turn ……………………………………………………………………………………. 2
Illegal U-Turn ………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Impeding the Flow of Traffic ………………………………………………………………………… 2
Improper Turn ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
Lane Conviction ……………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Littering ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Obstructing the Flow of Traffic …………………………………………………………………… 2
Obstructing Traffic ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
Operating Motor Vehicle Without Tail Lights ……………………………………………………………. 2
Operating Without Lights ………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Other Moving Violation …………………………………………………………………………………. 2
Speed Under Posted Minimum …………………………………………………………………….. 2
Squealing Tires ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
Trailer Without Lights ……………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Trucks Traveling Less Than 150 Feet Apart …………………………………………………………. 2
How Can Traffic Lawyers Near Me in Portland or Saco Provide Assistance?
The value of a traffic lawyer near me extends beyond courtroom representation. While civil traffic ticket cases operate under a lower standard of proof compared to criminal cases, making them challenging to win even with legal counsel, the true advantage lies in negotiation. Experienced criminal lawyers often possess established relationships with local officers and prosecutors, enabling them to negotiate resolutions that might not be available to individuals representing themselves.
For example, in speeding cases involving radar or laser speed detection, the prosecution often relies on the presumption that calibrated devices are accurate. Challenging this presumption requires presenting compelling evidence, which can be complex and costly, often involving expert witnesses. However, the strength of a traffic lawyer near me often lies in their ability to bring a “human factor” into the equation through direct communication with law enforcement.
By engaging with the ticketing officer, a skilled attorney can present mitigating circumstances or highlight potential issues that might influence the officer’s perspective. Every case is unique. Personal circumstances, such as ongoing family law matters or the driver’s profession (e.g., essential workers or military personnel), can sometimes be relevant in negotiations.
In some instances, attorneys can negotiate for a case to be held in abeyance. This involves postponing the case for a period, during which, if the driver maintains a clean driving record and pays associated fines, the charges may be dismissed with no impact on their driving record. While not every case is suitable for such resolutions, exploring these possibilities through legal counsel is always beneficial.
For drivers facing potential license suspension due to traffic tickets, self-representation is generally ill-advised. The decision to hire a traffic lawyer near me ultimately depends on individual circumstances and the potential consequences of the traffic violation. Seeking a free lawyer consultation can provide clarity and direction.
The Webb Law Firm encourages individuals facing traffic tickets to seek a FREE lawyer consultation. Contact us 24/7 at 207-283-6400 to discuss your situation with a Maine attorney and explore your best course of action. Our experienced criminal justice attorneys, including John Webb, Vincent LoConte, and Nicole Williamson, are dedicated to protecting your rights and providing skilled legal defense in Southern Maine.
