Ricardo Alvarez P.A.

Lakeland, FL Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney

Experienced Traffic Ticket Attorney in Lakeland, FL - Ricardo Alvarez offers aggressive legal services for alleged traffic violations. Contact Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney Ricardo Alvarez Today!


Call 863.709.0808 about your Traffic Ticket Defense legal needs in Lakeland, Polk County, and Central Florida.

"It is just a traffic ticket... I can just pay the fine and never worry about it again."

This is how many people that are given a traffic ticket react. Only to later see the points on their drivers license, see their insurance premiums go up. What people also don't take into consideration is that "they never know when they will be pulled over again, adding more points to their drivers license, be subjected to even higher insurance premiums, or even have their insurance policy canceled by their insurance carrier.

Some people even forget to pay their traffic ticket or forget about their traffic ticket court date. Failure to pay the imposed fine or failure to appear in court can be serious enough to leave lasting consequences, such as the potential suspension of your driving privileges, increase of insurance rates and potential for jail time if you are pulled over for driving on a suspended license.

Traffic Ticket Violations are grouped into two categories:

All moving traffic violations are reported to your insurance carrier. Also reported to your insurance carrier are license suspensions and license revocation. Another issue to keep in mind is that if your insurance policy is canceled for any reason, it is reported to the DMV. If you choose to drive without active insurance coverage, it is a criminal offense, and if pulled over you may face license suspension, revocation, potential jail time, fines, and community service.

We inform you about these issues because, getting a traffic ticket is not always as simple as one may initially think. There are a whole host of things relating to a traffic ticket that can impact your life, ability to drive, or even lead to potential criminal charges if not properly addressed.

You have a right to fight your traffic ticket. Over the years, Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez has successfully assisted many Central Florida residents fight their traffic tickets.

If you have received a traffic ticket for a traffic violation you need an attorney on your side who is knowledgeable of the law, experienced at trial, and able to negotiate for you from a position of strength. Call our law office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 863.709.0808, or by using our online case evaluation form.

We stand ready to aggressively represent you, and answer all of your questions. An aggressive defense of your traffic ticket case in the early stages could lead to the traffic violation against you being dismissed or reduced.

TRAFFIC TICKET VIOLATION ATTORNEY SERVING LAKELAND, WINTER HAVEN, BARTOW, POLK COUNTY, AND CENTRAL FLORIDA

Contact Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer, Ricardo Alvarez today at 863.709.0808





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ATTORNEY, RICARDO ALVAREZ
BIOGRAPHY

Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez

Ricardo Alvarez is a Criminal Defense Attorney who serves the Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Polk County, Hardee County, Highlands County, Hillsborough County and Central Florida areas.

Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez handles local, state and federal criminal cases.

Mr. Alvarez is a former prosecutor for the 10th Judicial Circuit of Florida, whichh covers Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties.

Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez was also former producer, news director, and vice president of news & Sports for Telemundo in New York, NY, and was also a producer and executive producer for Univision in New York, NY and San Fransisco, CA.

RICARDO ALVAREZ - BIOGRAPHY › › ›



CRIMINAL LAW
AREAS OF LEGAL PRACTICE

Contact Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez

Criminal DefenseDUI DefenseDrug ChargesFelonyMisdemeanorArsonAssaultBatteryBurglaryRobberyTheftTraffic CrimesTraffic TicketDriving Under License SuspensionDomestic Violence DefenseDomestic Injunction ViolationsFraud CrimesHomicide CrimesJuvenile Offender DefenseSealing and ExpungementSex CrimesViolation of Probation DefenseWeapon - Firearm Charge DefenseWhite Collar Crime Defense


CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF RICARDO ALVAREZ, P.A. › › ›



ATTORNEY, RICARDO ALVAREZ
BIOGRAPHY

Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez

Ricardo Alvarez is a Criminal Defense Attorney who serves the Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Polk County, Hardee County, Highlands County, Hillsborough County and Central Florida areas.

Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez handles local, state and federal criminal cases.

Mr. Alvarez is a former prosecutor for the 10th Judicial Circuit of Florida, whichh covers Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties.

Attorney, Ricardo Alvarez was also former producer, news director, and vice president of news & Sports for Telemundo in New York, NY, and was also a producer and executive producer for Univision in New York, NY and San Fransisco, CA.

RICARDO ALVAREZ - BIOGRAPHY › › ›


What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket in Florida?

If you receive a traffic ticket in Florida, it's essential to take certain steps promptly. First, carefully read the ticket and understand the violation you're cited for, the fine amount, and any options provided, such as attending traffic school. Next, decide whether you want to contest the ticket or admit guilt and pay the fine. If you choose to contest it, you can request a court date and prepare your defense or consult with an attorney for guidance. If you decide to admit guilt, you can pay the fine online, by mail, or in person at the designated county clerk's office. Keep in mind that paying the fine is an admission of guilt and may result in points on your driving record, which could lead to increased insurance rates. It's advisable to consult with an attorney to explore your options and understand the potential consequences of your decision.


How much will I have to pay for a traffic ticket in Florida?

The cost of a traffic ticket in Florida can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of violation, the county where you received the ticket, and any additional fines or court costs associated with the offense. Generally, fines for common traffic infractions like speeding or running a red light can range from around $120 to $250. However, more severe offenses or multiple violations can result in significantly higher fines. It's important to note that if you choose to attend traffic school to avoid points on your driving record, you will still need to pay the fine and the cost of the school. Additionally, some violations, such as reckless driving or DUI, can lead to much more substantial fines, potentially reaching thousands of dollars, along with other legal consequences. Consulting with the specific county's clerk of court or a legal professional can provide you with precise information about the costs associated with your particular ticket.


Can I contest a traffic ticket in Florida, and how do I do it?

Yes, you can contest a traffic ticket in Florida. To do so, you typically have a few options. First, you can choose to pay the ticket, which is an admission of guilt, and the points associated with the violation will be added to your driving record. Alternatively, you can contest the ticket by requesting a hearing. This can usually be done online or by contacting the Clerk of Court's office in the county where you received the ticket. You may attend an informal hearing with a hearing officer, where you can present your case and any evidence you have to challenge the ticket. If you disagree with the outcome of the informal hearing, you can request a formal hearing before a judge. It's advisable to gather any relevant evidence, such as witness statements or photographs, and consider consulting with a traffic attorney who can help you build a strong defense and navigate the process effectively.


Will a traffic ticket affect my insurance rates in Florida?

Yes, receiving a traffic ticket in Florida can impact your insurance rates. When you're found guilty of a traffic violation or choose to pay the ticket, points are added to your driving record. Insurance companies often use these points as a factor in determining your auto insurance premiums. More serious violations typically result in higher point assessments, which can lead to an increase in your insurance rates. Additionally, if you accumulate too many points within a specific period, your driver's license may be suspended or revoked, which can further complicate matters. To minimize the impact on your insurance rates, you can contest the ticket or, in some cases, attend traffic school to reduce points. It's advisable to consult with your insurance provider to understand how a specific violation may affect your premiums and explore ways to mitigate the consequences.


What happens if I ignore or don't pay a traffic ticket in Florida?

Ignoring or failing to pay a traffic ticket in Florida can lead to several consequences. Initially, your fines may increase if not paid promptly. Furthermore, your driver's license may be suspended for failing to address the ticket, and a suspension can result in additional fees to reinstate your license. It can also negatively impact your credit score if the unpaid fine is sent to collections. In some cases, a warrant for your arrest may be issued, particularly if the offense was more serious. Additionally, ignoring a traffic ticket can lead to points being added to your driving record, which could result in higher insurance premiums. To avoid these consequences, it's best to address traffic tickets promptly by either paying the fine or contesting the ticket through the appropriate legal channels.


How can I check if I have any outstanding traffic tickets in Florida?

To check if you have any outstanding traffic tickets in Florida, you can visit the official website of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). They offer an online service called the "Driver License Check" or "Pay Driver License Suspension Fees" that allows you to search for any unpaid traffic citations associated with your driver's license. You will need to enter your driver's license number or identification card number to access this information. Alternatively, you can contact the DHSMV or the local clerk of court in the county where you received the ticket for assistance in checking the status of your traffic citations. It's essential to regularly monitor and address any outstanding tickets to avoid potential consequences like license suspension, increased fines, or legal issues.


Can I attend traffic school to reduce points on my driving record in Florida?

Yes, in Florida, you can attend traffic school to reduce points on your driving record. The Traffic Collision Avoidance Course (TCAC) and the Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course are two common options. The TCAC course is typically for individuals who have received a traffic citation due to a crash, while the BDI course is for those who want to reduce points from their driving record. Completing the BDI course can help prevent points from being added to your driving record, which can lead to increased insurance premiums and potential license suspension if you accumulate too many points. Keep in mind that eligibility, the number of times you can take these courses, and the specific benefits can vary based on the circumstances and your driving history, so it's essential to check with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) or a local traffic school for details.


Will a traffic ticket result in a suspension of my driver's license in Florida?

Yes, receiving a traffic ticket in Florida can potentially result in a suspension of your driver's license. The specific circumstances that may lead to a license suspension vary depending on the nature of the traffic violation and your driving history. For instance, if you accumulate a certain number of points on your driving record within a specific timeframe, your license may be suspended. Additionally, serious traffic violations, such as DUI or reckless driving, can result in an immediate suspension. Failure to pay fines associated with traffic tickets or appear in court as required can also lead to a suspension. It's crucial to address traffic tickets promptly, understand the potential consequences, and take appropriate actions to avoid a suspension or seek reinstatement if your license has already been suspended.


How long will a traffic ticket stay on my driving record in Florida?

In Florida, a traffic ticket generally stays on your driving record for a total of 10 years. However, the impact of the ticket on your insurance rates and driving privileges may vary depending on the specific violation and whether you attend traffic school to reduce points. Traffic school can be an option to keep points off your record for certain violations. After completing traffic school, you may not receive additional points for that violation, which can help keep your insurance rates from increasing. It's important to note that insurance companies may still consider your entire driving history, even if a specific ticket is no longer on your record, when determining your rates. Therefore, it's advisable to maintain a safe driving record to avoid potential increases in insurance premiums.


Contact Domestic Violence Criminal Defense Lawyer, Ricardo Alvarez today at 863.709.0808



Ricardo Alvarez P.A.

6700 Florida Ave S, Lakeland, FL 33813

Phone: 863.709.0808






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