Traffic Ticket Lawyer in Columbia, MO

The average traffic ticket fee in Missouri is around $150. Even if you’ve been ticketed for a few offenses, why pay an attorney rather than a simple fine? We get this question a lot at Landon Miller Law, and you may need our experienced Columbia, MO traffic ticket defense attorney more than you realize.

Even one speeding ticket can impact subjective immigration decisions, commercial driver’s licenses, and auto insurance rates.

Understanding the Difference Between Civil Traffic Infractions and Motor Vehicle Crimes

In Missouri, traffic offenses may fall into one of the following three categories:

Traffic and Parking Infractions (Non-Criminal)

State and local traffic and parking offenses, such as minor speeding and meter reader tickets, are civil infractions and not crimes. They’re not punishable with jail, provided you pay the ticket or appear in court. However, they may add points to your license, impact professional and rideshare drivers, and even increase insurance rates. The most common traffic tickets we handle in Columbia include the following:

• Speeding
• Illegal turns
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Following too closely
• Unsafe lane changes
• Texting/distraction
• Improper seatbelt use
• Driving without a valid license
• Failure to yield
• Jaywalking
• Parking violations

Experienced civil infraction defense attorney Landon Miller will review your record and circumstances, giving you honest advice about the best approach for handling ticketable offenses.

Traffic Misdemeanors

The most common mistake our Columbia traffic defense lawyers see occurs when offenders plead guilty to a ‘traffic offense’ that is a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are crimes that create and remain on your criminal record. They can drastically impact your employment and educational opportunities and might even result in the revocation of parole, supervised release, or your immigrant visa. When you’re cited multiple times, you might be charged with reckless driving. Crimes such as endangering others, racing, reckless driving, and some first-offense DUIs are misdemeanors in Missouri.

Felony Motor Vehicle Offenses

If you recklessly caused an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death, had an extremely high blood alcohol content, or were charged with a third DWI, these may be felony offenses in Missouri. Vehicular manslaughter, reckless endangerment, and serious drug and alcohol offenses can result in significant jail time, fines, serious criminal records, and even a 10-year license suspension.

The Benefits of Retaining a Traffic Defense Lawyer in Missouri

By hiring a traffic infraction and crimes attorney from Landon Miller Law, you increase your chances of getting the charges dismissed or reduced. Columbia prosecutors may offer misdemeanor offenders valuable plea deals to civil infractions, and our experienced DUI defense team might help first-time offenders avoid felony charges, jail time, and even obtain restricted driving privileges (RDP) to minimize the impact of traffic offenses on your life.

Your Trusted Columbia, MO, Traffic Ticket Attorney

If you’ve been ticketed or charged with any traffic-related offense, do not simply pay the fine before speaking with experienced traffic and DUI defense lawyer Landon Miller. He might help you avoid criminal charges, reduce fines, and even get the ticket and charges dismissed. Call (573) 658-1919 or contact him online immediately to schedule a case evaluation.