Collin County Traffic Violations Attorney

Experienced Lawyer for Traffic Violations

Traffic violations are a common occurrence in Collin County, Texas, much like they are across many areas throughout the United States. These violations can range from minor offenses like speeding a few miles per hour over the speed limit to more serious offenses like driving while intoxicated (DWI). While traffic violations may seem like a simple nuisance to many, they can have severe consequences for drivers, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Therefore, if you operate a motor vehicle in Collin County, it is essential to understand which traffic violations are most common, their consequences, and how to handle a situation where you have been pulled over and issued a traffic ticket. Fortunately, a traffic violations attorney can help address these issues.

At the Law Office of Michelle Poblenz, we understand that while traffic violations may seem like a minor inconvenience, they can turn into a significant problem and affect your life in a variety of ways. In many cases, the seriousness of the penalties will depend on the violations you allegedly committed. Let us work with you to understand how to address these issues and begin building your defense in traffic court.

Common Types of Traffic Violations and Defense Strategies in Collin County

There are several types of traffic violations that drivers may need to address in Collin County, Texas. Our attorney can help determine the best defense strategies for violations such as:

Speeding - This is one of the most common traffic violations drivers are ticketed for. Depending on how fast you were traveling over the speed limit, you may be cited for anything from a minor speeding ticket to a serious criminal offense. If you have been cited for speeding, particularly if your vehicle was traveling at an especially high rate of speed, you and your attorney will need to formulate a defense strategy for fighting the citation.

Defense Strategies for Speeding

Several defense strategies may be employed to fight a speeding ticket. First, it is essential to review the ticket thoroughly and ensure all information is accurate and complete. Any errors or inconsistencies can be used to challenge the ticket's validity. One defense strategy against a speeding ticket is to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution, such as radar or laser readings. This can be done by questioning the accuracy and calibration of the equipment used and the qualifications of the officer operating the equipment.

Another approach may be to argue that the officer did not have a clear view of your vehicle and could not accurately determine the speed. Another defense strategy may be to challenge the legality of the traffic stop. For example, if the officer did not have a valid reason to initiate the stop, any evidence obtained during the stop may be inadmissible in court.

Reckless Driving - This is a very serious traffic offense in Texas that is defined as driving a vehicle on a public road with willful disregard for the safety of others, whether those individuals were in a car or on foot. Reckless driving can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time. If you are facing a reckless driving traffic violation, you need to hire a traffic violations attorney immediately so that they can investigate the circumstances of your case to begin formulating a defense strategy.

Defense Strategies for Reckless Driving

The first strategy that can be implemented is to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution, such as eyewitness testimony or video evidence. Your lawyer may argue that the evidence is insufficient or does not prove that you were driving recklessly. Another defense strategy may be to question the officer's observations. You may argue that the officer did not have a clear view of the driving conditions or that the officer misinterpreted your actions.

Moreover, your attorney may be able to argue that you lacked intent or that your actions were not intentional, and that you did not realize that you were driving recklessly. Finally, your lawyer may argue that there were mitigating circumstances that contributed to your behavior, such as a medical emergency, or that your actions were in response to a dangerous situation on the road. Since reckless driving is a serious criminal offense, you will need to make sure to be represented in court by your attorney so that you can fight the charges with the goal of avoiding the penalties that may apply following a conviction.

Texting While Driving - This is a serious traffic violation in many states. In Texas, it is illegal to use a wireless communication device to read, write, or send an electronic message while driving. If you are facing a traffic violation related to texting while driving or other forms of distracted driving, there are a few different defense strategies you can use in your defense.

Defense Strategies for Texting While Driving

The first strategy that may be used is to contest the violation. For example, you may argue that you were not texting while driving or that you were using your phone in hands-free mode. If you can provide evidence to support your claims, such as phone records or witness testimony, this may be incredibly beneficial to your case. Your attorney may also challenge the traffic stop if there was no probable cause to pull you over. That is, if a police officer did not observe you texting while driving and did not notice any other violations, they would not have had a valid reason to perform a traffic stop. The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects individuals from illegal searches and seizures, so if the stop was unlawful, any evidence gathered during the stop might be unusable in court.

Driving Without a Seat Belt - This is a common traffic violation that may apply if you did not have your seat belt fastened or if you removed your seat belt momentarily while driving. If you have been pulled over and cited for not wearing your seat belt, there are a couple of defense strategies you and your attorney may consider.

Defense Strategies for Driving Without a Seat Belt

The first strategy you may consider using is contesting the officer's assertion that you were not wearing a seat belt. For example, if you were wearing a large, bulky coat that obscured the officer's view, you could argue that you were wearing a seat belt, but it was not visible. Another strategy you may be able to implement is to challenge the stop. Your attorney can help you evaluate whether the stop was lawful and what legal options you may have.

Running a Red Light - This, too, is a very common traffic violation. It may involve proceeding through an intersection while a traffic light was red, speeding up to get through a yellow light, or failing to come to a complete stop when turning right on a red light. If you were cited for disobeying a traffic signal, there are a few potential strategies you may be able to use in your defense.

Defense Strategies for Running a Red Light

You may be able to argue that you were trying to avoid an accident or could not avoid running the red light due to an emergency situation, such as a medical emergency. If you decide to pursue this kind of defense, you should be prepared to provide evidence of the emergency, such as medical records or eyewitness accounts. In other cases, you may argue that the stop light in question was malfunctioning or defective. Your attorney may be able to help you obtain information by retrieving camera footage of the intersection and utilizing witnesses who may have seen the traffic light malfunctioning.

There is also the possibility that the officer made an error, such as filling out the citation incorrectly or misidentifying your vehicle or the intersection in question. In these cases, it may be possible to have the ticket dismissed. Similarly, if there is no clear evidence that you committed the violation or if the police officer failed to follow protocol when enforcing traffic laws, you may have a case to fight the citation.

Contact a Collin County Traffic Violations Attorney

When approaching a traffic violation case, it is essential to sit down with your attorney and review the situation, ensuring that you fully understand what you were cited for. The specific circumstances of a case are important, and closely examining the details surrounding a traffic stop and an alleged violation can make or break your case. The assistance of a skilled traffic violations lawyer is absolutely essential for fighting the citation and avoiding the negative consequences of a conviction.

At the Law Office of Michelle Poblenz, we know how annoying it can be to be cited for a traffic violation. Our experienced traffic violations attorney is known for identifying possible defense strategies for clients accused of committing traffic violations. We can provide guidance on the options that are available, and we will make sure all possible measures are taken to have your ticket dismissed, reduce the potential penalties you may face, or determine what you can do to avoid fines or the loss of your driver's license. Contact our office at 469-845-3031 for a confidential consultation today.