Traffic Ticket Lawyers in St. Augustine

The Florida Point System and Traffic Tickets

The primary purpose of traffic laws is to keep vehicular traffic moving smoothly and safely on the roads and I-95. If you are suspected of violating one of these laws, you can be hit with some pretty hefty traffic violation tickets. The more severe the traffic violation, the more severe your consequences will be. These consequences may include fines and mandatory driver improvement school. They will also add points on your driver’s license.

Many drivers in St. Johns County are surprised to learn that simply paying a citation at the clerk's office is treated as an admission of guilt and can have long-term consequences for insurance rates and employment that involves driving. The rules governing traffic court in Florida can be confusing, especially if you are not familiar with how cases are handled at the St. Johns County Courthouse in downtown St. Augustine. Working with the St. Augustine traffic violation attorneys at Canan Law can help you understand the real impact of a ticket before you decide what to do.

Do not let a simple traffic stop threaten your driving privileges and increase your insurance premiums. Call Canan Law at (904) 849-2266 today to review your citation. 

The Point System

The number of points you receive on your license for a traffic violation depends on the severity of the violation. The more severe the traffic violation, the more points you will receive on your license.

Florida law also allows the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to suspend your driving privilege if you accumulate too many points over a certain period of time. Losing your license can affect your ability to get to work, school, or care for your family, especially in areas around St. Augustine where public transportation options are limited. By speaking with a traffic ticket attorney St. Augustine drivers can get advice tailored to their record, the specific citation, and the judge who is likely to hear the case.

If you receive a certain number of points on your license within a specified period, your driver’s license may be suspended. The following table outlines common traffic tickets as well as their point value in the state of Florida:

Driving Violations and Points

Speeding

• 15 mph or less over the speed limit [3 points]
• More than 15 mph over the speed limit [4 points]
• Speeding resulting in a crash [6 points]

Moving Violation

• Moving violation (includes driving during restricted hours and parking on a highway outside the limits of a municipality) [3 points]
• Moving violation resulting in a crash [4 points]
• Failing to stop at a traffic signal (effective October 1, 2005) [4 points]
• Passing a stopped school bus [4 points]
• Reckless driving [4 points]
• Leaving the scene of a crash resulting in property damage of more than $50 [6 points]
• Improper lane change [3 points]
• Violation of a traffic control sign/device [4 points]
• Open container as an operator [3 points]
• Child restraint violation [3 points]
• Littering [3 points]

How We Handle Traffic Cases in St. Augustine

When you come to our firm after receiving a citation, we start by listening carefully to what happened before, during, and after the stop. We review the paperwork you received, check the deadlines that apply in St. Johns County, and explain how the local county court typically processes similar tickets. This helps you understand whether your main risk is points, a possible license suspension, or even a criminal charge if the ticket involves allegations such as reckless driving or leaving the scene of a crash.

From there, we gather any available evidence that could help your defense, including photographs of the location, information about traffic conditions, and any witnesses who were with you or nearby. A traffic violation lawyer St. Augustine drivers turn to should also evaluate whether law enforcement had a valid reason to stop you and whether the officer followed required procedures when issuing the citation. By combining this investigation with our familiarity with the judges and prosecutors who handle traffic dockets at the St. Johns County Courthouse, we work with you to choose an approach that is focused on protecting your driving record and limiting the disruption to your daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my insurance rates go up if I get a traffic ticket in St. Augustine? 

Paying your citation is an admission of guilt that results in a conviction on your driving record. Insurance companies routinely monitor these records and will often increase your premiums significantly for several years after a traffic violation.

Can I just ignore my traffic ticket? 

Ignoring a traffic citation will lead to severe consequences, including the suspension of your driver's license. If you continue to drive with a suspended license, you could face criminal charges and possible jail time.

Do I have to go to court for a traffic ticket in St. Johns County? 

In many cases, your attorney can appear in court on your behalf so you do not have to miss work or personal obligations. We handle the hearings and negotiations directly with the local court system.

Can a lawyer help if I already have points on my Florida license?

A qualified attorney can evaluate your driving record and fight to prevent further points from being added to your license. Avoiding additional points is crucial to preventing mandatory license suspensions and keeping your insurance rates manageable.

What happens if I am ticketed for reckless driving in St. Augustine? 

Reckless driving is considered a criminal traffic offense in Florida rather than a standard civil infraction. A conviction can result in heavy fines, points on your license, probation, and even jail time, making immediate legal representation essential.

Protect Your Driving Record With A St. Augustine Traffic Ticket Attorney

Accumulating points from traffic citations can jeopardize your driving privileges and drain your finances through skyrocketing insurance premiums. Acting quickly to secure skilled legal counsel in St. Augustine is the best way to challenge your ticket and keep your record clean. Our team knows the local courts and will aggressively pursue a dismissal or reduction of your charges.

Contact our attorneys at Canan Law today to discuss which option will provide you with the best possible outcome. Call (904) 849-2266 or send us a message.