Meet Your Traffic Ticket Attorneys
Getting a traffic ticket in Nevada can be confusing – especially with laws that keep changing. Whether you’ve lived here for decades or just moved to the Silver State, it’s hard to keep track of all the rules. That’s where we come in. Our team at Clear Counsel Law Group stays up-to-date on all Nevada traffic laws so you don’t have to. Got a ticket? Our traffic ticket lawyers will explain your options in plain English and help you figure out your next steps.
How Do I Fight a Ticket?
In Nevada, fighting tickets is only an option for criminal tickets. Civil tickets are either contested or not contested and undergo a different process. Speak with a Las Vegas traffic ticket lawyer to know what your options are for sure.
To contest a traffic ticket in Nevada, you must first notify the court, typically indicated on the ticket, of your intention to plead not guilty. This process often involves attending a court hearing. It’s advisable to gather any evidence supporting your case, such as photographs or witness statements. Consider hiring a traffic attorney for legal guidance and representation in court to strengthen your case.
The Steps of Dealing With a Traffic Ticket
After receiving a traffic ticket in Nevada, you have options to pay the ticket, contest the ticket, or fight the ticket (for criminal-level tickets). The steps you take following receiving a ticket can significantly impact the outcome and your driving record.
Responding to the Ticket
Upon receiving a civil traffic ticket, you have two primary options: pay the fine or contest the ticket. Paying the fine can lead to demerit points on your driving record. If you choose to contest the ticket, you must notify the court before the deadline mentioned on the ticket, which sets the process in motion for a civil court hearing.
Preparing for Court
If you decide to contest the ticket, you then prepare for a civil court appearance. This involves gathering evidence, such as photos, witness statements, or any relevant documentation that supports your case.
Seeking A Ticket Lawyer
Consider consulting with a traffic attorney for criminal-level tickets or if the ticket could significantly impact your driving record or insurance rates. An experienced criminal defense attorney can provide legal advice, help prepare your defense, and represent you in court. They can negotiate on your behalf, potentially reducing fines or getting the ticket dismissed.
The Impact of Fighting a Ticket
The court’s decision can have lasting effects on your driving privileges and record. A successful contest may lead to reduced or dismissed charges, while an unsuccessful one could result in fines, demerit points, or other penalties. It’s important to understand all potential outcomes and make informed decisions throughout the process.
Why Hire a Traffic Ticket Attorney
Let’s talk about how Clear Counsel Law Group can help.If your Nevada traffic ticket is marked as a criminal violation, don’t wait – get legal help right away. These aren’t your typical traffic tickets, and the consequences can be serious. While recent law changes mean simple tickets are now civil infractions that you can handle on your own, criminal traffic violations are different. They can affect your record and your future, which is why having an experienced traffic attorney is so important.
For criminal violations, such as DUI or reckless driving, an attorney can provide invaluable assistance. They help contest the ticket, negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, and represent you in court. Their expertise in traffic ticket law and the legal system can significantly improve the outcome of your case.
No Lawyer For Civil Traffic Tickets?
Some lawyer services are generally not applicable for civil traffic infractions, like minor speeding or driving with a broken taillight. These civil matters, under the new regulations, are typically resolved by paying a fine or attending traffic school. The cost of a lawyer compared to the cost of the ticket is always a consideration for low-level fines. We are happy to discuss your options with you so you can decide if a lawyer is needed or just overkill.
Nevada Traffic Ticket Laws
Traffic violations in Nevada are generally categorized into two groups: minor and major offenses. Minor violations include acts like speeding, failing to signal, or running a stop sign. Major offenses are more serious and include driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, or hit-and-run incidents.
Minor traffic offenses, previously considered criminal misdemeanors, are now classified as civil infractions. This reclassification affects violations such as:
- Driving with broken taillights.
- Carrying passengers in the bed of a truck.
- Driving in a carpool lane with too few passengers.
- Driving slowly and not allowing other cars to pass.
- Talking on a cellphone while driving.
- Lower-level speeding (1-10 over, 11-20 over and 31-40 over).
Driving without insurance
In Nevada, driving without valid insurance is considered a serious violation. It’s mandatory for all drivers to carry proof of insurance while operating a vehicle. If caught driving without insurance, you can face fines, suspension of your registration, and potentially your driver’s license. Repeat offenses may lead to increased penalties. Obtaining insurance after a citation can lower the fine associated, which highlights the importance of maintaining valid insurance coverage.
Driving without a license
Operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license in Nevada is a criminal offense. This includes driving with an expired, suspended, or revoked license. Penalties for this offense can include fines and potentially jail time, depending on the circumstances, especially if it’s a repeat violation.
Driving without registration
Driving a vehicle without proper registration or with expired registration in Nevada is also a criminal offense. This can result in fines and your vehicle being impounded. The law requires all vehicles to be registered with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Much like insurance, showing proof of registration after a citation can lower or remove the fine.
Penalties for Traffic Violations
Penalties for traffic violations in Nevada can include fines, demerit points on your driving record, and in some cases, jail time. The severity of the penalty often depends on the nature of the offense and the driver’s history. For example, a first-time offender for a minor speeding violation may face a smaller fine compared to someone with multiple offenses.
What Happens if You Get Ticketed?
These consequences go beyond mere fines; they can have long-term impacts on your driving record and overall driving privileges.
Penalties for Minor Traffic Violations
Nevada made traffic tickets simpler in 2023. Minor violations, like slight speeding or missed turn signals, are now handled differently. Instead of being treated like crimes, they’re now civil infractions – more like parking tickets. You’ll still pay a fine (the amount depends on where you got the ticket and what you did), but you won’t risk getting a criminal record for these small mistakes.
Tickets Affect Driver’s License and Insurance
When you get points on your Nevada driver’s license, it hits you two ways: in your wallet and on the road. Your insurance company will notice those points and raise your rates – sometimes dramatically. Even worse? Rack up too many points and you won’t be driving at all, because your license will be suspended. It’s a snowball effect you want to avoid.
Dealing with Unpaid Tickets
Think of your Nevada traffic ticket as a ticking clock – you’ve got 90 days to handle it before things get complicated. Missing this deadline isn’t just about paying more money; it’s about avoiding a chain reaction of problems. When tickets go unpaid, they’re sent to collection agencies, which can damage your credit score and create lasting financial troubles. The good news? You can avoid all these headaches by dealing with your ticket within that 90-day window. It’s always easier and cheaper to handle it now than to fix the problems it causes later.
Penalties for Major Traffic Violations
If you’re facing a major traffic violation in Nevada like DUI or reckless driving, your first call should be to a lawyer. Here’s why: these aren’t simple tickets – they’re serious charges that can affect your life for years. You’re looking at:
- Heavy fines that could cost thousands
- Points that could cost you your license
- Mandatory traffic school
- Possible jail time
The penalties get even tougher if you have previous violations. Don’t face these serious charges alone – an experienced traffic attorney can help protect your rights and possibly reduce your penalties.
Long-Term Consequences of Traffic Tickets
Long-term, repeated traffic violations can label a driver as high-risk, leading to further increased insurance rates and difficulty in finding affordable coverage. In severe cases, continuous violations can result in the revocation of driving privileges.
Clients and Legal Professionals Speak Out
Common Nevada Traffic Ticket Questions
Is My Ticket Civil or Criminal?
In Nevada, as of 2023, most minor traffic violations, such as broken taillights or low-level speeding, are considered civil infractions. This means they do not carry criminal penalties.
However, more serious offenses can result in criminal charges, larger fines, and potentially jail time.
These include:
- Driving without a license
- Driving without insurance
- DUI
- Reckless driving
- Failure to show registration
- Hit-and-run
Do Demerits Apply to CDLs or Standard License?
Demerit points apply to both Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and standard licenses in Nevada. The demerit system is used to track and penalize driving infractions. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension or revocation. It is possible to lose a CDL but retain a driver’s license. If your driver’s license is suspended, this automatically affects a CDL as well. CDL holders may face stricter penalties and additional regulations due to the nature of their professional driving responsibilities.
How Do Tickets and Demerits Work?
When you receive a traffic ticket in Nevada, demerit points are added to your driving record, depending on the severity of the violation. Minor infractions might carry fewer points compared to serious violations. Accumulating a certain number of points within a specific timeframe can lead to consequences like license suspension. Paying the ticket fine does not remove these points, which typically stay on your record for a set period.
Here’s a sample list of common traffic violations, and their accompanying demerit points, in the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) system:
- Speeding:
- 1 to 10 mph over the speed limit: 1 point
- 11 to 20 mph over the limit: 2 points
- 21 to 30 mph over the limit: 3 points
- 31 to 40 mph over the limit: 4 points
- Reckless Driving: 8 points
- Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: 4 points
- Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: 4 points
- Following Too Closely (Tailgating): 4 points
- Improper Passing or Lane Change: 4 points
- Driving at a Speed Too Slow for Traffic Conditions: 2 points
- Failure to Secure Load (resulting in loss of material): 6 points
Accumulating 12 or more points within a 12-month period results in an automatic license suspension in Nevada.