Should I Just Pay My Missouri Traffic Ticket?

Should I Just Pay My Missouri Traffic Ticket?

Many drivers who are issued a Missouri traffic ticket often ask themselves the following question: Should I pay my citation or should I hire a lawyer? While it may seem easier to simply mail in the fine or show up to court and plead guilty to the traffic offense, it will have a very negative impact on your driving record. In Missouri, simply mailing in the fine constitutes a plea of guilty to the traffic offense and will result in points being assessed against your license.

When a police officer issues a citation in Missouri or Illinois, it will often be accompanied with an envelope and a fine schedule. This practice can often lead Missouri drivers to believe their only option is to send in the payment. Furthermore, many Missouri traffic citations may have “TVB” or “FCC” written on the court date portion of the citation. Again, this often leads drivers to believe that they do not have a court date and therefore their only option is to mail in the payment. It is vital to understand that no matter what the citation says on it, you have a right to an attorney.

Many Missouri drivers receive a discount from their auto insurer as a result of having no points on their driving record. Many drivers who receive this discount aren’t even aware of the discount until they pay their ticket without the assistance of a lawyer and their insurance rates are increased as a result of points being assessed against their license.

At Henderson & Waterkotte, P.C., our St. Louis traffic lawyers can assist you in getting your ticket amended to a non-moving violation such as illegal parking where no points are assessed against your license. In most cases, this can be done without ever appearing in court or our office. If you or someone you know has received a Missouri or Illinois traffic citation, call the St. Louis traffic lawyers of Henderson & Waterkotte, P.C.