South Carolina Traffic Ticket Lawyer

The Costs of Traffic Tickets

A conviction for almost every moving violation will result in the assignment of points. There are two types of points that result from a moving violation and can adversely impact your ability to drive. The most well known are the points assessed by the DMV, and these points will affect your license.

Under South Carolina law, a driver who accumulates a total of 12 points can have his or her driver’s license or privilege to drive suspended. South Carolina Code Section 56-1-720 addresses the points assigned to every violation from reckless driving to improper backing.

The other points to consider in the case of a conviction for a traffic offense are the points assigned by your insurance company. Insurance points are different from the points assigned by the DMV and will impact your insurance rates and insurability.

This is why it can be beneficial to speak with a South Carolina traffic ticket lawyer at the Joye Law Firm. Pick up the phone and Just Call Joye at (888) 324-3100 or complete a free online consultation form and get your questions answered.

License Suspension

The most severe consequence a conviction for a traffic offense could cause is the suspension of your license or, in the case of out-of-state drivers, privilege to drive in South Carolina. In addition to point-based suspensions, there are some offenses that carry a mandatory immediate suspension. There are even some instances where a suspension can result from a conviction that did not even involve the operation of a vehicle.

Driving while your license is suspended is a separate violation of the law and in some circumstances can require mandatory jail time in addition to heavy fines and additional suspension time. Some DUI sentences cannot be suspended in favor of probation or a fine.

Drivers convicted of three serious traffic offenses or 10 or more moving violations for which four or more points could be assessed during a three-year period are deemed “habitual offenders” and face a five-year loss of license. Anyone convicted of violating the Habitual Offender Act by driving during that period of suspension will be guilty of a felony and imprisoned for up to five years.