Many Wisconsin residents have received tickets for moving violations. A traffic ticket may not seem like a big deal, but it can be — particularly if you end up with more than one on your record over time.
If you’ve received a traffic ticket, you may be tempted to just pay your fines and accept whatever other penalties may be thrown at you so that you can move on with your life. That route certainly seems like the easy thing to do. Here are a few reasons why fighting may actually be better for you.
Reason number 1: License suspension and revocation
Depending on the reason for your traffic ticket, or how many you currently have on your record, if you choose not to fight the ticket, you could end up with a suspended license or lose your Wisconsin driving privileges altogether. If the state suspends your license, it means you cannot drive until you satisfy all the necessary requirements to reinstate your driving privileges. If the state revokes your license, it means you lose your license, although, you may eventually be able to apply for a new one.
Reason number 2: Increased auto insurance rates
If you end up with a traffic ticket and plead guilty or no contest, your insurance provider may increase your rates. That may not seem fair, but it is their right, as you may be considered an unsafe driver. This may not seem like something significant at first, but increase insurance rates can lead to unnecessary financial strain.
Reason number 3: Payment of fees and surcharges
Traffic tickets, depending on what yours is for, can be expensive. Fines for speeding, for example, increase for every mile over the speed limit you were allegedly traveling. Then there are court fees, possibly crime lab fees, jail assessments and driver education fees — among numerous other fees and surcharges that you may have to pay. If you fight the ticket and are successful at doing so, you may only have to pay court costs and attorney fees.
Right to legal counsel
If you wish to fight a traffic ticket in Wisconsin, you may do so on your own or with the assistance of legal counsel. If you are unfamiliar with the court system, having someone who is familiar with it could certainly prove valuable to your case. While fighting a traffic ticket may seem fairly insignificant, the consequences if found guilty of the violation can be severe. With assistance, you can make an informed legal decision regarding the best way to approach your situation.
