865-281-1000
First Horizon Plaza
800 S. Gay Street, Suite 2000
Knoxville, TN 37929
Knoxville Traffic Violations Defense Lawyer
Attorney for Speeding and Other Traffic Tickets in Knox County, TN
Throughout the country, law enforcement officers are placing an increased emphasis on the enforcement of traffic laws. In many cities and towns, speed sensors, red light cameras, and other high-tech systems have been installed to help with enforcement efforts. It is entirely possible to get a traffic ticket for speeding or running a red light without even being stopped by the police.
At the Knox County law firm of Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we understand that for many drivers, paying a traffic ticket every now and then is just one of the costs of driving. If you get a second or third citation in a short period of time, however, things can become much more serious. The violation could even result in the suspension of your driver's license. If you have recently been issued a traffic ticket, our knowledgeable team can help you figure out how to proceed.
Union County Counsel for Moving Violations
Attorney Jeffrey Coller and his team assist clients dealing with all types of traffic offenses, including:
- Speeding;
- Failure to obey traffic signals (running a red light);
- Failure to yield;
- Lane-change violations;
- Driving without required insurance;
- Expired registration;
- Missing or broken headlights or taillights; and
- Failure to wear a seatbelt as required.
Traffic laws in the state of Tennessee can be confusing for the average driver. For example, the citation you received might indicate that you are accused of running a red light, but it may not clearly show the full consequences of pleading guilty and paying the ticket. Pleading guilty and paying the fine is effectively equivalent to a conviction, and each conviction of a moving violation accumulates points to your driving record. If you get too many points in a continuous 12-month period, you could lose your driver's license for up to one year. Factors such as your age, the types of offenses, and the total number of accumulated points can affect the length of your license suspension.
At our firm, we will work hard to keep your license in good standing, even if you have previous violations on your driving record. We will help you explore ways to avoid a suspension and to minimize the impact on your life.
HMVOs in Tennessee
Most traffic offenses lead to fines and points on your driving record, but some violations can lead to more serious criminal charges. We are equipped to offer skilled guidance and trusted counsel when you are facing charges related to:
- Drunk driving or drugged driving;
- Reckless driving;
- Drag racing;
- Leaving the scene of an accident;
- Vehicular assault or homicide; and
- Driving with a suspended or revoked license.
A conviction for offenses like these could result in increased fines, probation, or even jail time. Three convictions in five years could result in you being categorized as a Habitual Motor Vehicle Offender (HMVO). If the court determines that you are an HMVO, your driver's license will be revoked for a minimum of three years, and reinstatement is not guaranteed. You will also be charged with a felony if you are caught driving while your license is revoked. If you have been found to be an HMVO, we can help get the HMVO bar lifted so that you can get back on the road again.
Commercial Driver's License Violations
Throughout Tennessee, thousands of people drive commercial vehicles for a living. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the law holds you to higher safety standards than those with non-commercial licenses. As a result, traffic violations can have serious penalties for you. Depending on the type of violation, just one conviction could lead to your CDL being suspended, even if you were not driving a commercial vehicle at the time. Violations related to your CDL, such as operating an overweight vehicle or failing to follow Department of Transportation rules, carry even more severe consequences. If traffic offenses are threatening your ability to make a living, we can help keep you behind the wheel legally.
Traffic Violations FAQs
Answer: When defending against a speeding ticket, it is a good idea to examine the accuracy of the radar or speed detection device used by the officer. Challenging the calibration and maintenance records of the equipment can potentially weaken the case against you. Additionally, you may be able to argue that the signs on the road were unclear, making it difficult to determine the speed limit, or you can show that road conditions affected your speed. Presenting evidence of a valid reason for exceeding the speed limit, such as a medical emergency, could also be a valid defense. Ultimately, the best defense depends on the specific circumstances surrounding your ticket.
Answer: In Tennessee, certain traffic violations are considered misdemeanors. Such crimes include drag racing, leaving the scene of an accident, speeding, reckless driving, driving on a suspended/revoked license, and more. While Class C misdemeanors have a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail, most speeding tickets and other minor traffic offenses will not result in jail time. However, more serious violations could potentially result in jail sentences, and in some cases, such as those involving injuries to others, a charge could even potentially be escalated to a felony.
Answer: A traffic control violation refers to any action or behavior that goes against the rules and regulations set by traffic authorities to ensure the safe and orderly flow of vehicles on the road. Examples of traffic control violations include speeding, running a red light, improper lane changes, failure to yield, and more.
Answer: Speeding is arguably the most common traffic violation. Many drivers exceed the posted speed limits, either intentionally or unintentionally, and this can lead to accidents and unsafe driving conditions. Speeding not only puts the driver at risk but also endangers the lives of other road users, and because of this, drivers who violate the law could face fines or other penalties.
Answer: The penalties for a traffic violation can vary depending on the specific offense and jurisdiction. In most cases, the punishment for a traffic violation typically involves the payment of a fine. The amount of the fine can vary depending on the severity of the offense. However, traffic violations will also cause points to be added to your record, and if you accumulate too many points within a specific period of time, your driver’s license could be suspended.
Answer: An attorney who has a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations in Tennessee can provide guidance on how to address traffic tickets and other violations. They can evaluate the specifics of your case and determine the best legal strategies to employ. If your case goes to court, a defense lawyer can represent you and present your case before a judge. They will use their legal knowledge to argue on your behalf and present evidence, with the goal of having the ticket dismissed or reducing the penalties that may apply to you.
Schedule a Free Consultation
To learn more about our firm and how we can help you handle a traffic citation, contact our office. Call 865-281-1000 for a free, confidential consultation. We serve clients in Union County, Anderson County, Campbell County, Blount County, and the surrounding areas.
Results listed are not a guarantee of future results.
First Horizon Plaza
800 S. Gay Street, Suite 2000
Knoxville, TN 37929865-281-1000
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