Drivers in North Carolina may have heard that it is possible to mitigate speeding tickets through education. If you take something called a “driver improvement clinic,” you could reduce the number of points on your license. But are these clinics really worth the hassle? What are your other options for fighting a speeding ticket in North Carolina?
You Might Have No Choice
First of all, you should know that some driver improvement clinics are court-ordered. In other words, you might have no say in the matter – and you might have to complete these courses if you want to get behind the wheel. If you find yourself in this situation, it is pointless to assess the pros and cons of the clinic. You have to complete it, no matter what.
That being said, you only have to complete these court-ordered clinics if you are found guilty of a certain traffic offense. For many, this is speeding. However, virtually any traffic offense can cause you to accumulate more than seven points – and this could trigger a mandatory driver improvement clinic. If you successfully fight this last ticket with help from an experienced North Carolina traffic attorney, the clinic may not be required.
Should You Take a Driver Improvement Clinic to Avoid Suspensions?
If you have accumulated points on your license and you’re worried about a potential license suspension, a driver improvement clinic could be worth the effort. If you successfully pass the clinic, three points may be removed from your license. This could provide you with a bit more “breathing space,” and it allows you to commit a few more traffic offenses without losing your license. If you find yourself getting numerous traffic tickets each year, a clinic could be worth it.
However, it’s important to note that these clinics are not free. In addition, you may need to pay legal fees in order to attend an “eligibility hearing” before taking your clinic. During this hearing, the DMV may decide whether they should even give you the chance to remove points from your license.
It is often far more straightforward to simply fight your ticket with help from a lawyer. Many people do not realize how easy it is to challenge a speeding ticket. If the officer makes a simple spelling error on the ticket, you could have it dismissed. Similar mistakes, such as spelling your name or license plate wrong, could also lead to the ticket’s dismissal.
Can a North Carolina Speeding Defense Lawyer Help?
If you’re wondering whether to take a driver improvement clinic, you might want to speak with an experienced speeding defense lawyer in North Carolina before making your final decision. In some cases, these clinics are mandatory. But in many other cases, you could fight your ticket instead of accepting fault for your actions. To learn more about your legal options, schedule a consultation with Coastal South Law today.
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