Traffic Violations Attorneys in Xenia, Ohio

Statistics from the Ohio State Highway Patrol indicate that 345,832 traffic stops were made for speed violations statewide in 2019. Traffic violations in Ohio may include driving under a suspended license, speeding, running a stop sign, following too closely, making an illegal turn, distracted driving, and failure to obey railroad crossing or stop signs. Committing any of these traffic violations may result in tickets, fines, demerit points, and other penalties.

If you have received a ticket for a traffic violation, it is important to retain a knowledgeable Ohio traffic violations law firm immediately to protect your rights. At Peterson & Peterson, LLC, our attorneys are dedicated to providing outstanding legal services and comprehensive representation for traffic violation cases. As your legal counsel, we will investigate the facts of your case, explore your legal options, and represent you in traffic court. Our attorneys can fight to help protect your rights and your driving privileges.

Peterson & Peterson is proud to serve clients across Xenia, Ohio, and the surrounding areas of Clark County, Beavercreek, Bellbrook, and Greene County.

Traffic Violations in Ohio

In Ohio, traffic laws have been established to ensure the safety of motorists and other road users. Any motorist who violates a law regulating vehicle operation on Ohio roadways is adjudged to have committed a traffic violation. The following are some examples of offenses that constitute a traffic violation in Ohio:

• Speeding

• Reckless driving

• Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Running red lights

• Distracted driving

• Driving with a suspended or revoked license

• Drag racing

• Running a stop sign

• Violating traffic lanes

• Driving without regard for private property

• Disobeying a police order

• Failing to stop at a railroad crossing

• Failing to obey traffic control lights

Moving Violations vs. Non-Moving Violations

In the state of Ohio, traffic violations may be categorized into moving or non-moving violations.

Moving Violations

A moving violation occurs when a motorist violates a traffic law while the vehicle is in motion. Common examples of moving violations include:

• Speeding

• Running a stop sign

• Reckless driving

• Failure to yield the right of way

• Operating a motor vehicle while under the influence

• Hit and run accidents

• Improper lane changes

Non-Moving Violations

A non-moving violation is a traffic violation or infraction that involves a stationary motor vehicle. The common types of non-moving violations include:

Parking Violations:

• Parking at an expired parking meter

• Parking too close to the curb

• Parking in front of a fire hydrant

• Parking in a no-parking zone

• Parking in front of a driveway

Paperwork Violations:

• Driving without the necessary legal paperwork to operate a motor vehicle

• Driving with expired tags

• Driving with an invalid, suspended, or revoked license

• Driving with no insurance

Vehicle Safety Violations:

• A broken headlight or taillight

• Excessive muffler noise

• Broken or missing mirrors

• No license plate

• Taped-up windows

• Overly tinted windows

Moving violations put pedestrians, other motorists, and road users at risk. Therefore, they often carry harsher penalties than non-moving violations.

Traffic Violation Fines & Penalties

A person who violates a traffic law in Ohio may receive a fine, traffic ticket, or other punishments. Ohio’s “point system” determines the penalties in various traffic violations.

Ohio Point System

Depending on the severity of the traffic offense, different point values may be added to your driving record.

• Two-Point Violations: Two points will be added to your driving record for committing most moving violations and speed-related offenses, including speeding, failure to stop at a stop sign, improper passing, improper turn, and failure to yield.

• Four-point violations: Four points will be added to your driving record for committing traffic violations such as reckless operation, underage OVI, and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

• Six-Point Violations: Six points will be added to your driving record for committing any of the following traffic violations — drunk driving, drag racing, driving under suspended or revoked license, vehicular homicide, and vehicular assault.

All points are closely monitored by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If you have six points or more within two years, you will receive a warning letter. Your driver's license will be suspended or revoked if you have 12 points or more within two years.

Other Penalties Include:

• Fines of up to $1,000

• Up to six months in jail

• 500 hours maximum community service

• License suspension or revocation

• Increased insurance rates

Fighting a Traffic Violation

Fighting traffic violations is crucial to get the judge to reduce your fine, avoid more serious punishment, or ultimately beat the ticket. To fight a traffic violation, you can:

• Challenge the officer's account of what actually happened

• Establish that the conduct was a mistake of fact

• Refute the allegations or evidence against you

• Show that your actions were lawfully justified

• Prove that your conduct was required to avoid harm

Work with a Skilled Attorney

Fighting your fines, tickets, or other traffic violations by yourself could leave you vulnerable to receive the maximum punishment. With demerit point values on your driving record, if convicted, you may lose your driving privileges, have increased auto insurance rates, face hefty fines, possible jail time, and other devastating life-changing ramifications. Hiring a highly-skilled traffic violations attorney is crucial to protect your rights and driving privileges.

At Peterson & Peterson, LLC, we are committed to helping clients deal with their traffic violations. As your legal counsel, we will review every detail of your case and determine the best way to fight your Ohio traffic issues. Our attorneys will fight aggressively on your behalf to dispute the charge, help you pursue the best possible outcome in your traffic violation case, and attempt to keep your driving record clean.