Why Should I Fight a Traffic Violation?

 Posted on April 24, 2025 in Traffic Violations

 After being served with a ticket for a traffic violation, you may be tempted to simply pay the fine and move on. However, taking the path of least resistance may not be in your best interests. Paying a traffic ticket is equivalent to pleading guilty, so you will face all the consequences of a conviction. A Tennessee traffic defense attorney can represent you in court and work toward an ideal outcome on your behalf.

Fighting a traffic violation requires a comprehensive knowledge of the law. At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we can defend you against charges of reckless driving, speeding, and similar offenses.

Criminal Penalties for Traffic Offenses

Convictions of certain traffic violations can leave you with a criminal record. This information will show up on background checks run by your present and future employers, and it can stand in the way of your housing opportunities in the future. On top of that, a criminal conviction can also incur heavy fines or jail time.

Consider the crime of reckless driving, defined as any behavior behind the wheel that puts people or property at risk. In Tennessee, this offense is a Class B misdemeanor, which can carry up to half a year in jail and several hundred dollars in fines. If you are convicted of this charge, you face all of these criminal penalties as well as the stigma of a criminal record.

Will a Traffic Violation Affect My License?

Paying a traffic ticket can have lasting implications for your driving privileges. Any conviction of a traffic crime in Tennessee will result in points being added to your driver’s license.

Every moving violation comes with a different number of points depending on the severity of the crime. For instance, texting while driving is only penalized with three points, while unlawfully passing a school bus can result in eight points on your record. If you accumulate 12 points in a one-year period, you could have your license suspended for anywhere from six months to a year. Our traffic defense lawyer can look for ways to avoid a suspension or reduce the administrative penalties.

How Do Traffic Violations Impact CDL Drivers?

In Tennessee, commercial drivers are held to a higher standard than other motorists. DUI is one such example of this higher standard. While the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration for most drivers is .08 percent, commercial drivers can only have half of that amount in their system before they are considered to be under the influence.

Also, some traffic violations will result in your CDL being revoked, regardless of whether or not you were working at the time. At Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney, we can help defend you against threats to your commercial driver’s license, fighting to protect your livelihood.

Meet With a Knox County, TN Traffic Defense Attorney

Have you been served with a citation or arrested for a traffic offense? If so, Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Attorney can help. Our Union County, TN criminal defense lawyer can give you an idea of what to expect during your case and the possible consequences of a conviction. No matter the charge, we will provide you with aggressive representation and clear legal guidance. Call us at 865-281-1000 to schedule a free consultation today.