BENTONVILLE TRAFFIC Ticket LAWYER
Assisting with Traffic Violations in Benton County & Northwest Arkansas
Most people think there is no need to consult an attorney if you get pulled over and are given a simple traffic ticket. In some cases that is correct; it would cost you more to pay an attorney to handle the ticket for you than what you would end up spending just working it out with the prosecutor or judge yourself.
But in other circumstances, you need to think very seriously about what help a skilled Bentonville traffic ticket attorney could provide that you just couldn't do for yourself. Considerations shouldn't just be short-term; generally, the attorney will cost more than the ticket. But long-term considerations are usually what people fail to consider; some traffic violations will cause you to lose your driver's license, raise your insurance rates, and even be sentenced to jail.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Traffic Ticket?
Generally first-time offenders of a low-level, like speeding of 5-10 mph over the speed limit or running a stop sign, can handle the case themselves. Simply advising the judge or prosecutor of your clean record will afford you the opportunity to keep the charge off your record. Cody Dowden can negotiate the case for you if there is no defense, and conduct a trial for you if you want to fight the charge.
Charged with a traffic violation In Bentonville, AR? Let me fight for you! Start your free consultation now by calling (479) 777-0640!
Can Your License Be Suspended for Speeding?
The judge has the discretion to suspend your driver's license for up to 1 year, require completion of a driver's education course, or retake the driver's test.
How Much Is a Speeding Ticket?
Punishment for speeding charges comes in a wide range, depending on how many miles per hour over the posted speed limit you were traveling at and where you were driving at the time.
How Much Does a Speeding Ticket Cost in Arkansas
- Less than 15 mph over the limit: up to a $100 fine or up to 10 days in jail for a first offense; up to a $200 fine or up to 20 days in jail for a second offense within 1 year; up to a $500 fine and/or up to 6 months in jail for a third or subsequent offense within 1 year.
- In excess of 15 mph: Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine and/or up to 30 days in jail.
- Speeding in a school zone: for a first offense, a fine of $25-100 and/or up to 10 days in jail; for a second conviction within 1 year a fine of $50-250 and/or 5-25 days in jail and 6 months driver's license suspension; for a third conviction within 1 year a fine of $250-1000 and/or 25 days to 6 months in jail and 1 year driver's license suspension.
- Speeding or ANY OTHER MOVING VIOLATION in a construction zone: the trial judge is required by law to impose an additional fine equivalent to the fine imposed under the moving violation's regular punishment range, thereby doubling the fine.
The faster you were traveling, or the more prior convictions you have, the more likely you need to consult with a Bentonville traffic attorney. An attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor to lower the speed you were alleged to be traveling, or treat a subsequent offense like a first offense. Also, a judge who is inclined to jail a speeder may be less likely to do so if they hire an attorney. Most importantly, sometimes the charge can be kept off your record altogether.
What is the Difference Between Careless and Reckless Driving?
Careless driving is often the type of citation a person will get if they are involved in a wreck, such as a rear-ending, that is deemed to be their fault because of driving in a hazardous manner. Reckless driving is more serious and is often charged in cases of driving while intoxicated (DWI).
What Are the Penalties for Careless Driving in Arkansas?
- Careless Driving: up to a $100 fine for a first offense; for a second offense within 6 months up to a $200 fine and up to 60 days driver's license revocation; for a third offense within 6 months up to a $200 fine and up to 6 months driver's license revocation.
What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving in Arkansas?
- Reckless Driving: a fine of $25-500 and/or 5-90 days in jail; for a second or subsequent offense within 3 years a fine of $500-1000 and/or 30 days to 6 months in jail.
- Reckless Driving that causes injury: a fine of $100-1000 and/or 30-90 days in jail; if a person has a prior conviction of reckless driving, with or without injury, and a second offense within 3 years occurs and causes injury, then a fine of $500-1000 and/or 60 days to 1 year in jail.
Reckless driving is serious. I do not recommend individuals charged with reckless driving to proceed without an attorney. A jail sentence is almost guaranteed if you do not hire a Bentonville defense lawyer to advocate for you.
Contact our Bentonville traffic ticket attorney by calling (479) 777-0640 today!
Why Hire Cody W. Dowden?
Dedicated to Client Success
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Affordable Fees & Payment Plans
Protecting your legal rights shouldn't take every penny in your bank account. That's why I offer reasonable fees and payment plans.
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Accessible Legal Defense
Life is busy and it can be hard to take the time you need to meet with your attorney. That's why I offer phone appointments for your convenience.
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When You Hire Me, You Get Me
You won't be passed off to another lawyer or spend all of your time talking to a paralegal. I am your attorney. I'll be there every step of the way.
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100% Focus on Criminal Law
Unlike other firms that handle every type of case in the book, I focus exclusively on criminal law. I live and breathe it. You can trust in my focus.