Traffic Violations Defense Attorney in Allentown, Pennsylvania

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a motorist may be issued a traffic ticket or charged with traffic violations for breaking a traffic rule or committing a traffic-related offense. A criminal conviction for a traffic violation could subject the defendant to devastating consequences— ranging from massive fines and higher insurance rates to demerit points, license revocation, and more. 

If you have received a ticket for a traffic violation in Pennsylvania, you need to hire a skilled  Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney as soon as you can. At Rapa Law Office, P.C., our lawyers are committed to offering experienced legal services and protecting individuals charged with traffic violations. As your legal counsel, we can examine all of the facts of your case and outline a solid defense to refute your charges. Ultimately, our team will fight vigorously to uphold your driving privileges and help you maintain a clean driving record. 
 
Rapa Law Office, P.C. proudly serves clients across Allentown, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding areas of Palmerton, Lehighton, Northampton, Slatington, Jim Thorpe, Walnutport, and Bethlehem. Set up a consultation today. 

What Is a Traffic Violation?

A traffic violation occurs when a motorist violates the laws, provisions, and regulations governing the operation of motor vehicles on streets, roadways, and highways. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, traffic violations may be classified into non-moving and moving violations. 

Moving Violations

A moving violation is a traffic offense that occurs when the car is moving or in motion. Here are some of the most common moving violations in Pennsylvania: 

• Speeding 

• Driving while under the influence (DUI) 

• Driving through a stop sign 

• Reckless driving 

• Improper lane changes 

• Illegal turn 

• Failure to maintain a single lane 

• Running a red light 

• Following too closely 

• Leaving an accident scene 

• Failure to yield the right of way 

• Careless driving 

• Improper passing 

• Driving with an expired or suspended license. 

Non-Moving Violations

A non-moving violation, on the other hand, is a traffic offense that occurs when the vehicle is not moving. Common examples of non-moving violations include: 

• Parking at an expired parking meter 

• Failure to display a fuel license/permit 

• A broken headlight or taillight 

• Broken or missing mirrors 

• Parking near a fire hydrant 

• Parking in front of a driveway 

• Improper or illegal parking 

• Expired motor vehicle plates 

• No license plate 

• Parking in a no-parking zone 

• Driving without the necessary documentation 

If you or someone close to you has recently received a ticket for a traffic violation, get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer. Your attorney can help you determine how you can move forward.

Understanding the PennDOT Point System

Each traffic violation in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will result in a demerit point on your driving record. Here are some common traffic violations and their respective point values: 

• Failure to stop for a red light — 3 points 

• Violation concerning driver's license — 3 points 

• Violation of restriction on driver's license — 2 points 

• Failure to obey an authorized person or policeman directing traffic — 2 points 

• Failure to stop at railroad crossings — 4 points 

• Following too closely — 3 points 

• Careless driving — 3 points 

• Improper passing at a bridge or tunnel — 3 points 

• Leaving an accident scene with property damage — 4 points 

• Illegal U-turns — 3 points 

• Exceeding the speed limit — 2 to 5 points 

• Improper Passing — 4 points 

• Failure to stop for a stop sign — 3 points 

Keep in mind that no two situations are exactly alike. A local attorney can fully explain the Pennsylvania point system and the penalties and fines for each traffic violation. 

Traffic Violation Fines and Penalties

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will take corrective action against any driver who accumulates six or more points. These actions may include: 

• Six (6) or more points (first time) – Written notice to take a special point exam. 

• Six (6) or more points (second time) – Attend a Departmental hearing. 

• Six (6) or more points (third and subsequent time) – Attend a further Departmental hearing and driver's license suspension. 

Three (3) points will be deducted from your driving record every 12 months if you do not commit any traffic violation or receive a license suspension. It’s incredibly important to reach out to an attorney who can help you keep your driving record clean. 

Fighting a Traffic Violation

Furthermore, your attorney can help contest your traffic violation with any of these legal defenses: 

• Dispute the evidence against you 

• Show that your actions were legally warranted 

• Establish that it was a mistake of fact 

• Refute the officer's account of the incident 

• Challenge the law enforcement officer's judgment call 

• Establish that your actions were necessary to avoid potential danger 

Work With a Strategic Criminal Defense Attorney

Fighting your traffic tickets, fines, or other traffic violations without reliable representation could expose you to the risks of losing your driving privileges and suffering the maximum penalties. Not only can a conviction for a traffic violation jeopardize your employment opportunities and your professional reputation, but it can also threaten your personal relationships, too. If you have been arrested for a traffic violation, retaining a strategic criminal defense attorney is key. 

At Rapa Law Office, P.C., our team has the resources to defend and represent clients in their traffic cases. As your legal counsel, we can assess every detail of your case and strive to dispute the accusations against you. Above all, we will strive to get you back on the road.