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Traffic Lawyer in Charlotte, NC

Protecting Your License and Driving Record Since 1993

Don't let traffic violations jeopardize your license, insurance rates, or CDL career. Our Charlotte traffic attorneys fight speeding tickets, DWI charges, and serious violations in Mecklenburg County courts. We appear in court so you don't have to, working to dismiss or reduce charges that threaten your driving privileges.

Traffic Violations We Handle in Charlotte

From routine speeding tickets on I-485 to serious DWI charges, our Charlotte traffic lawyers handle all moving violations and license issues. We know Mecklenburg County traffic court procedures and work to protect your driving record.

Moving Violations

  • • Running red lights/stop signs
  • • Improper lane changes
  • • Following too closely
  • • Illegal passing
  • • Failure to yield

Serious Violations

  • • Hit and run
  • • Passing school bus
  • • Street racing
  • • Vehicular assault
  • • Fleeing to elude

Equipment/Registration

  • • No insurance
  • • Expired registration
  • • Window tint violations
  • • Equipment violations
  • • Inspection failures

Consequences of Traffic Convictions

License Points & Suspension

  • • 12 points = license suspension
  • • Points remain 3 years
  • • Multiple violations accelerate suspension
  • • Out-of-state violations count
  • • CDL holders face stricter limits

Insurance Impact

  • • Rates increase 30-80% per violation
  • • SDIP points last 3 years
  • • Multiple tickets = uninsurable
  • • SR-22 requirements
  • • Affects entire household

North Carolina Point System

  • 5 points: Passing stopped school bus
  • 4 points: Reckless driving
  • 3 points: Speeding over 55 mph
  • 3 points: Running red light
  • 3 points: Illegal passing
  • 3 points: Following too closely
  • 2 points: Speeding in school zone
  • 1 point: Other moving violations
  • Insurance points: Different scale
  • CDL: Stricter federal rules

Don't underestimate traffic tickets. The long-term costs in insurance, employment opportunities, and driving privileges far exceed any fine. Our Charlotte traffic attorneys work to minimize or eliminate these consequences.

Charlotte Traffic Court Process

1

Citation Issued

Officer issues ticket with court date. You have options: pay online (guilty plea), request reduction, or hire attorney to fight charges.

2

Attorney Review

We examine evidence, check for errors, review driving record, and develop defense strategy based on your specific situation.

3

Negotiation

Most cases resolve through prosecutor negotiation. We seek dismissals, reductions, or Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC).

4

Court Appearance

Your attorney appears in District Court (usually without you). Present defense, negotiate with prosecutor, argue before judge.

5

Resolution

Case dismissed, reduced to non-moving violation, PJC granted, or trial if necessary. Appeals available for unfavorable outcomes.

Charlotte Court Locations

  • Mecklenburg County Courthouse: 832 E 4th St - Main traffic court
  • Courtroom 1130: Most traffic violations
  • Courtroom 1150: DWI and serious violations
  • Court dates: Typically 3-6 weeks from citation

Traffic Ticket Defense Strategies

Legal Defenses

  • ✓ Radar/laser calibration issues
  • ✓ Officer training deficiencies
  • ✓ Improper speed zone signage
  • ✓ Constitutional violations
  • ✓ Emergency circumstances

Negotiation Options

  • ✓ Reduction to non-moving violation
  • ✓ Prayer for Judgment Continued
  • ✓ Dismissal with court costs
  • ✓ Driving school alternatives
  • ✓ Community service options

Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC)

North Carolina's unique PJC can save your license and insurance rates. Key limitations:

  • • 2 PJCs per household every 3 years for insurance purposes
  • • 1 PJC every 3 years for DMV purposes
  • • Not available for CDL holders or speeds over 25 mph
  • • Strategic use requires experienced attorney guidance

CDL & Commercial Driver Defense

Protecting Your CDL Career

Commercial drivers face severe consequences for traffic violations. Your CDL is your livelihood - one ticket can end your career. Charlotte's position as a major transportation hub means many CDL holders need specialized defense.

CDL Disqualifications

  • • 2 serious violations = 60-day disqualification
  • • 3 serious violations = 120-day disqualification
  • • DWI in any vehicle = 1-year disqualification
  • • Leaving accident scene = 1-year disqualification
  • • Using CMV in felony = lifetime disqualification

Serious Traffic Violations

  • • Speeding 15+ mph over limit
  • • Reckless driving
  • • Improper lane changes
  • • Following too closely
  • • Driving CMV without CDL

Our Charlotte traffic attorneys understand federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and fight to protect commercial driving privileges. We work with trucking companies, delivery services, and independent operators throughout the Charlotte metro area.

Charlotte Traffic Courts & Enforcement

District Court - Traffic Division

832 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Handles all traffic violations

Phone: (704) 686-0700

NC DMV - Charlotte

Multiple locations in Charlotte area

License issues and hearings

Phone: (919) 715-7000

Common Enforcement Areas

  • I-485: Speed enforcement zones
  • I-77: Construction zone violations
  • I-85: Aggressive driving enforcement
  • Independence Blvd: Red light cameras
  • South Blvd: DWI checkpoints
  • School Zones: Enhanced enforcement
  • Uptown: Parking and moving violations
  • Providence Rd: Speed traps

Charlotte Traffic Lawyer FAQs

Traffic attorney fees vary by violation severity. Simple speeding tickets often have flat fees, while serious charges like DWI require more extensive representation. We offer transparent pricing and payment options. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss fees for your specific case.

Paying a ticket is an admission of guilt that adds points to your license, increases insurance rates, and creates a permanent record. A Charlotte traffic attorney can often reduce or dismiss charges, saving you money long-term. Always consult an attorney before paying any traffic ticket.

North Carolina suspends licenses at 12 points within 3 years. Points vary by violation: speeding over 55 mph (3 points), reckless driving (4 points), passing stopped school bus (5 points). Commercial drivers face stricter limits. Our attorneys help protect your driving privileges.

Yes, for most traffic violations, your attorney can appear without you present, saving you time and travel. This is called a waiver of appearance. However, some serious charges like DWI may require your presence. We'll advise you based on your specific case.

Missing court results in a Failure to Appear (FTA), leading to license suspension and possible arrest warrant. If you've missed court, contact us immediately. We can often recall warrants and reschedule your case, but prompt action is critical.

Yes, significantly. North Carolina uses the Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP) where points increase premiums. One speeding ticket can raise rates 30-80%. Multiple violations may make you uninsurable. Fighting tickets protects your insurance rates.

A PJC is a unique North Carolina option where guilt is established but judgment is continued indefinitely. It avoids license points and insurance increases. You're allowed 2 PJCs per household every 3 years for insurance purposes. Strategic use requires attorney guidance.

Possibly. North Carolina allows limited driving privileges for work, school, treatment, and household maintenance in some cases. Eligibility depends on suspension reason and driving record. Our attorneys help petition for privileges when available.

Most traffic violations remain on your driving record for 3 years for DMV points and 5 years for insurance purposes. Serious violations like DWI stay longer. Some violations may be expunged after waiting periods. We help minimize long-term impact.

With 30+ years in Charlotte courts, we know local prosecutors and judges. We've handled thousands of traffic cases from simple speeding to serious CDL violations. Our bilingual team provides aggressive representation to protect your license and driving record.

Fight Your Charlotte Traffic Ticket Today

⏰ Don't Wait! Traffic tickets have strict deadlines. The sooner you contact us, the more options we have to protect your license and driving record.

Charlotte Office

Address

5701 Executive Center Drive, Ste 103

Charlotte, NC 28212

Hours

Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Weekend consultations available

What to Send Us

For fastest service, have your ticket ready when you call or email us:

  • Copy of your traffic citation
  • Your driving record (if available)
  • Any dashcam or evidence
  • Insurance information

Need Legal Help? We're Here for You

Get a free consultation with our experienced attorneys. Available 24/7 to discuss your case.

Last updated: September 15, 2025