Experienced Connecticut Traffic Ticket Offenses Attorney
Connecticut recognizes two types of traffic ticket offenses – infractions and violations. Ignoring a traffic ticket, even if you are not guilty of the offense, can get you into trouble. Your driver’s license may be suspended, for example, and the state may add additional fines that apply even if you are acquitted of the original traffic offense.
Out-of-state drivers are particularly likely to ignore a Connecticut traffic ticket, reasoning that since Connecticut didn’t issue their driver’s license in the first place, there will be no important consequences as long as they don’t return to Connecticut. In this situation, however, it is likely that your home state will be notified and that it will penalize you according to its own law.
Pleading “Not Guilty”
You always have the option to plead “Not Guilty” and fight the ticket. Although this option may require a court appearance by you or your lawyer, it can be well worth the effort if your lawyer can mount a credible defense for you – and if any of the following apply.
- You will be required to complete an Operator Retraining Program if you fail to contest the ticket.
- You are from out of state and your home state will penalize you more harshly than Connecticut will if it learns of the ticket.
- Your insurance rates will skyrocket if you fail to contest the ticket.
The Connecticut justice system is highly competitive, and attempting to represent yourself puts you at a tremendous disadvantage. Attorney James C. Wing, Jr. enjoys a very successful courtroom record defending clients charged with traffic violations and other offenses. He can also advise you on your best course of action based on your circumstances and your driving history.
A Client Speaks Out…
“Jim was extremely knowledgeable and made time to speak with us to explain all the intricate issues. Jim gave us the information we needed and told us the step by step process. His assistant Jacki was kind, supportive and available to speak with each time I called.”
~ Criminal Defense Client
Practice Areas
I frequently handle cases in the following practice areas:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my options if I am ticketed?
You have two basic options if you are ticketed for a traffic offense:
- Plead “No Contest” and pay the fine. For some offenses you can handle the entire matter online or by mail, while for other offenses you will be required to appear in court.
- Plead “Not Guilty” and defend yourself in court.
What is the Driver License Compact? How might it affect me if I am ticketed?
The Driver License Compact is an agreement among the various U.S. states, including Connecticut, that allows the states to share information about people’s driving records. It is designed to prevent a driver from leaving his driving record behind when he leaves a certain state.
Although Maine, Wisconsin, Georgia, Michigan, and Tennessee are not members of the Driver License Compact at the time of this writing, this does not guarantee that information sharing will not occur anyway.
What is the Operator Retraining Program?
The Operator Retraining Program is a form of traffic school for drivers with problematic driving records. Under certain circumstances, a court or the Connecticut DMV will order a driver to enroll. The cost is $60, and failure to complete the course will result in a driver’s license suspension.
What happens if I fail to respond by the Answer Date printed on my ticket?
You must either pay the fine in full or plead “Not Guilty” by the Answer Date. If you don’t, your license will be suspended.
- If you respond after the Answer Date but before the license suspension date, you will have to pay a case reopening fee of $60 in addition to your original fine.
- If you wait until after the license suspension date to respond, you will also have to pay a $175 license reinstatement fee.
About James C. Wing, Jr.
James C. Wing, Jr. has been serving clients in Connecticut for more than 30 years now, and during that time he has assembled a stellar courtroom track record. His esteem among his peers in the legal profession is so high that he was selected Director of the Hartford County Bar Association for four years straight. He was later elected President of the Hartford County Bar Foundation for three consecutive years.
Have You Received a Traffic Ticket in Connecticut? Time Matters – Contact Trusted Attorney Today
Deadlines matter when you are cited for a Connecticut traffic ticket offense. Indeed, if you miss one, you could end up losing your case as a result. The sooner you act, the sooner I can begin helping you prepare effective legal countermeasures Call me today at (860) 651-3707 or fill out my online contact form for a free initial consultation.