Police officers often allow people to travel just a couple of miles per hour over the speed limit. On the other hand, if a police officer finds you traveling 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit, the consequences become much more serious.
In Okeechobee, traveling 30 mph or more over the speed limit can be extremely dangerous. It may not give you enough time to react to hazards on the road and may result in an accident. Therefore, not only will you receive a fine along with your speeding ticket, but you will also receive a mandatory court summons and points on your license. For some people, extra points on their license could result in a license suspension.
If you have received a speeding ticket in Okeechobee or anywhere else in Florida, contact us at The Law Place. All of our traffic attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in Flordia law and are accustomed to standing up for our clients in court. We will give you the best chance of having your charges lessened or dismissed.
Our phone lines are open 24/7 so call us at The Law Place now for a free consultation at (855)-831-7020.
The Circumstances of Your Traffic Stop
If you were speeding 30 mph or more over the limit in Okeechobee, and following a court appearance you are found guilty, you will be charged under Florida Statutes: 316.187, 316.189, and/or 316.183.
Consequences also become more severe if you have previously received points on your driver’s license, or if your actions caused damage or an accident of any kind.
Consequences of Florida Speeding Tickets
In Okeechobee, speeding tickets are common, and it doesn’t usually have much of an impact on someone’s life. They attend traffic school or pay a small fine, and that is the end of the matter. However, if you are cited with traveling 30 moh or more over the posted speed limit, that changes the whole process, and you may need an attorney to represent you.
Fines Associated With Your Speeding Ticket
Fines vary significantly depending on where you were speeding and how fast you were going, but they could exceed $1000. Although this is a punishment in itself, often the other consequences are the most concerning thing for most people.
Mandatory Court Appearance
In the state of Flordia, if you have been given a speeding ticket for traveling 30 mph or more over the speed limit, then you will always receive a mandatory court appearance. That prospect could cause you a lot of anxiety. At The Law Place, the attorney client relationship is at the heart of everything we do, we have dealt with every type of person, and we are there to help put your mind at ease and support you through the process.
You may choose to have an attorney represent you in court on your behalf, which could be a life-saver if you live far away. If possible, we recommend that you attend court alongside your attorney. This gives the judge a good impression of you and shows them that you regret your actions.
When it comes to a speeding ticket, judges have faced countless excuses, and they are usually unsympathetic. Unless you can provide proof and have a genuine reason, it is best to leave it out of the courtroom. Speak to your attorney, who will give you the best possible advice.
Points on Your Driving Record For Speeding
In The State of Florida, if you are found to be speeding 30 mph or more above the limit, then you will receive a minimum of four points on your license. Unlike a regular speeding ticket, you will not be given the option of traffic school to avoid this penalty.
That might not sound like a lot, but points can quickly add up and result in your driver’s license being suspended. The point system is as follows:
- 12 points in 12 months will result in a 30-day suspension.
- 18 points in 18 months will result in a 3-month suspension.
- 24 points in 36 months will result in a 1-year suspension.
Losing your driver’s license, even for a short amount of time, can have a big impact on your life. It may stop you from going to work, or taking your children swimming or to football. It can have a huge knock-on effect for your whole family, and the burden and stress should be avoided if possible. Our attorneys at The Law Place will do everything we can to help you avoid losing your driver’s license.
Even if your driving record is clean, extra points will mean higher insurance premiums. Therefore, even if you are not concerned about losing your license, you should still do what you can to avoid points.
How Your Speed May Have Been Measured
In order for a police officer to administer a speeding ticket in Okeechobee, only certain devices can be used to detect your speed. You can see a full list on the Florida Administrative Code website. The list is extensive; however, the devices that we most commonly see used as evidence in Florida are:
Radar Gun
Radar guns are frequently used. Despite this, it has been known to be inaccurate. The device used radio waves that bounce off your vehicle to give the officer a readout.
In order to administer a speeding ticket using radar speed detection, the officer must be trained on how to use the device. The standards for use are laid out in Florida Statute 316.1906. A radar gun requires a certain level of skill, and your vehicle must be positioned correctly for it to give an accurate reading.
If the officer who gave you your speeding ticket used a radar gun, then an experienced attorney may be able to argue that it gave an inaccurate reading, especially if you were just slightly above 30 mph over the speed limit. This may mean that you avoid extra points on your license.
Laser Gun
Increasingly, laser detection is used as an alternative to radar guns. Laser guns tend to be more accurate. It shines a laser onto your car and measures the time it takes to come back.
What an Attorney Can Do For You
If you have been given a ticket for excessive speeding, then an attorney could be massively beneficial to your case. If you were speeding 30 mph or more over the limit, you will be required to attend court. When you have an experienced attorney appear on your behalf, or by your side, who understands how to present a case in court, you will be giving yourself the best chance at having your charge lessened or dismissed.
The judge is likely to look favorably on you when you have an attorney by your side, as they can see that you are taking the matter seriously.
Furthermore, your attorney may be able to argue that the reading on your speeding ticket is inaccurate. They may also be able to ask for an arrangement with the judge, whereby they withhold adjudication if you refrain from any further traffic violations in a set period of time. You will still be required to pay fines, and your conditions may include traffic school, but your license could be saved.
Contact The Law Place Today
If you have received a speeding ticket for traveling 30 miles per hour or more above the limit in the state of Florida, then you will benefit from the assistance of an experienced attorney.
When you seek help from The Law Place, an attorney will become your advocate, they will do everything they can to benefit your case, and they will be there to offer support and guidance.
Don’t face court alone. Start fighting your speeding ticket today.
Call us at The Law Place today for a free consultation on (855)-831-7020.
Okeechobee County Courthouse
312 NW 3rd St,
Okeechobee,
FL 34972