Drivers seldom consider that past traffic infractions can continue to haunt them in more ways than one. Often, drivers will ignore traffic tickets and fail to appear for court hearings from years past. This results in a possible driver’s license suspension, and points being added to the driver’s license for a period up to three (3) years.
If a driver fails to appear for court for a driving infraction, the driver’s license will be suspended, and a default judgment will be entered against the person for the charge(s) filed against them. A driver’s license suspension for a failure to appear (FTA) is indefinite. Until the traffic ticket is paid in full, the person’s license will continue to be suspended until further notice.
Because people need to drive to provide basic necessities and to survive in our society, what will likely result is an arrest and/or criminal Driving While Suspended (DWS) misdemeanor charges being filed in criminal court.
In addition to the suspension, as mentioned above, the ramifications of a default judgment are that a judgment is rendered against the person for all of the charges alleged. In other words, any traffic law that the police officer accused the driver of violating will be automatically entered as a conviction on the person’s driving record and reported to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Simply paying a traffic ticket (assuming that the person is not paying it pursuant to an Infraction Deferral Program) is an admission of guilt. A traffic conviction will be entered and reported to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
The alternative to this is by hiring a licensed Indiana criminal attorney to represent you. Often times, an attorney is able to negotiate the fees and costs associated with the traffic violation. The attorney can also often negotiate the charged offense to a lesser amended charge, or even to a non-pointable or non-moving offense in certain cases. This can save countless dollars on the driver’s auto insurance, and prevent the driver from having to take costly and time consuming driver improvement or driver’s safety courses. Of course, each case is different and requires an independent analysis by a licensed Indiana attorney.
The criminal attorneys at SFT Lawyers are experienced in traffic law, and are eager to assist you in improving your driving record from past or current offenses. Don’t allow your past to haunt you any longer. Hire one of our experienced attorneys to represent you in your traffic matter, and save yourself the hassle and heartache. Call for a FREE CONSULTATION or contact us using our Contact Us page. (219) 841-5683.