Best Speeding & Traffic Ticket Lawyers in Houston

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Calderon Legal Group
Houston, United States

Founded in 2019
English
Calderon Legal Group is a Houston based law firm specializing in Criminal Defense, Accidents & Injuries, and Immigration. The firm serves clients across the Houston metropolitan area and the Brazos Valley, delivering strategic defense, diligent personal injury representation, and effective...
Benavides Law Firm
Houston, United States

Founded in 2009
English
Benavides Law Firm is a Houston based criminal defense practice led by Kelly D. Benavides. The firm concentrates on defending individuals in criminal and traffic related offenses, including DWI, drug charges, assault, and other offenses, with a focus on protecting driving privileges and minimizing...
Houston, United States

English
Stephen Stewart Law Firm, based in Houston, Texas, concentrates exclusively on defending clients accused of DWI and related offenses. Stephen Stewart is a criminal defense attorney who has practiced since 2012 and has tried hundreds of jury trials, with a focus on achieving case dismissals where...
1egacy Group LLC
Houston, United States

English
1egacy Group LLC is a Houston based private investigations and mediation firm that delivers comprehensive investigations for criminal defense, post-conviction relief, trial consulting, corporate investigations, and background checks. The firm combines investigative discipline with legal insight to...

English
Montes & Guevara Attorneys at Law, PLLC is a Houston based law firm focusing on Personal Injury, Immigration Law, and Criminal Defense. The practice is led by two partners, Joseph D. Guevara and Stephanie A. Montes, whose bios describe extensive experience serving clients in Texas and before...

English
LaVine Law Firm is a Houston based criminal defense practice led by founder Brian LaVine. The firm handles the full range of criminal defense matters and focuses on DWI, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, sexual offenses, gun charges, drug offenses, domestic violence, and related cases. With a...
Houston, United States

Founded in 2000
English
The Daniels Legal Group P.L.L.C. is a Houston-based general practice law firm led by founder Gladys Daniels. With over 25 years of experience delivering immigration, family, criminal defense, personal injury and civil litigation counsel, the firm combines local advocacy with a global presence and a...
Lamb & Turner, PLLC
Houston, United States

Founded in 2019
English
Lamb & Turner PLLC is a Houston based law firm specializing in immigration and criminal defense matters, led by Jonathan H. Lamb whose practice extends over three decades. The firm handles a wide range of immigration services including family immigration, asylum, adjustment of status,...
The Leonard Firm
Houston, United States

English
Leonard Firm focuses on criminal defense in Houston, handling felonies, misdemeanors and white collar crimes. The practice covers both state and federal charges with a results-driven approach that tailors defense to the facts of each case. The firm emphasizes clear communication and proactive...

English
The Law Offices of Lisa K. Andrews is a Houston based criminal defense practice focused on protecting individuals charged with a wide range of offenses. Lisa Andrews began her legal career as an intern with the Harris County District Attorney's Office in 1995 and, after earning her law degree in...
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About Speeding & Traffic Ticket Law in Houston, United States

Speeding and traffic ticket laws in Houston are designed to keep roadways safe for all drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. When a driver is cited for a traffic violation, such as speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield, they are typically issued a traffic ticket by law enforcement. These tickets can result in fines, court appearances, increased insurance rates, and even points on your driving record. Houston, along with the rest of Texas, treats each moving violation as a serious offense, and ignoring or mishandling these tickets may lead to additional legal consequences, including license suspension or arrest warrants.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Although minor traffic tickets may seem straightforward, legal representation can be invaluable in several scenarios. You may need a lawyer if:

  • You believe you were wrongly cited and want to challenge the ticket in court
  • You have multiple violations or previous convictions, which may lead to harsher penalties
  • Your citation could result in significant points on your driving record or license suspension
  • Your job depends on maintaining a clean driving record or having a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
  • You do not understand the legal language or processes associated with your citation
  • You want to attempt to reduce fines, penalties, or insurance rate increases
  • You missed a court appearance and now face additional charges or warrants
  • Your violation involved an accident, injury, or potential criminal charges

Having an experienced traffic ticket attorney helps protect your rights, navigates complex laws, and may save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Local Laws Overview

Houston, as part of Texas, follows state traffic laws outlined in the Texas Transportation Code. However, the city also enforces municipal ordinances and has its own protocols for handling tickets through the City of Houston Municipal Courts. Key aspects include:

  • Fines and Penalties: Fines for speeding and other violations vary based on how far over the limit you were driving and the specific zone, such as school or construction zones, which carry higher penalties.
  • Points System: Texas uses a Driver Responsibility Program which assigns points for moving violations. Accumulating too many points can lead to surcharges and license suspension.
  • Court Process: You typically have 20 days to resolve your ticket by paying the fine, entering a plea, or requesting a court date. Ignoring a ticket can result in an arrest warrant and added fees.
  • Defensive Driving: For certain violations, drivers may attend a defensive driving course to dismiss a ticket, provided they qualify and meet eligibility criteria.
  • Special Considerations for CDL Holders: Commercial drivers face additional restrictions and cannot usually have violations dismissed by defensive driving or deferred adjudication.
  • Camera-Enforced Tickets: Houston previously issued red-light camera tickets, though these are generally no longer enforced as of 2019, but some older cases may still be pending.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a speeding or traffic ticket in Houston?

Act promptly. Review the citation for instructions. Generally, you can pay the fine, request a court date, or enter a plea. Do not ignore the ticket, as this can lead to additional penalties.

Can I contest a traffic ticket in Houston?

Yes. You can plead not guilty and request a court hearing. At the hearing, you can present evidence, and witnesses, and argue your case before a judge.

Will a traffic ticket in Houston affect my insurance rates?

Most moving violations may increase your insurance premiums because they add points to your driving record. Some serious offenses lead to immediate notification to your insurer.

How does the points system work in Texas?

Points are assigned for each conviction. Two points for a moving violation and three points for violations resulting in a crash. Six or more points in three years can result in annual surcharges.

Is it possible to remove a ticket from my record?

Some tickets can be dismissed if you complete a court-approved defensive driving course or receive deferred adjudication, depending on your eligibility.

What happens if I miss a court date or do not pay my ticket?

Missing a court date or failing to pay may result in a warrant for your arrest, additional fines, and suspension of your driver's license.

Are there higher penalties in work or school zones?

Yes, traffic violations in school and construction zones carry significantly higher fines and may have other enhanced penalties.

Can I pay my traffic ticket online in Houston?

Most tickets can be paid online through the City of Houston Municipal Courts website. However, some violations require a court appearance.

What special rules apply to commercial drivers (CDL holders)?

CDL holders often cannot use defensive driving or deferred adjudication to dismiss tickets, and violations may jeopardize their commercial licenses.

Why should I consider hiring a lawyer for a traffic ticket?

An attorney may help get charges reduced or dismissed, represent you in court, protect your driving record, and save you money on fines or insurance.

Additional Resources

  • City of Houston Municipal Courts: Handles all traffic ticket cases within Houston city limits.
  • Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): Manages driving records, license suspensions, and the points system.
  • Texas Transportation Code: State laws and regulations related to traffic offenses and penalties.
  • Local Legal Aid Organizations: Provide free or low-cost legal advice for individuals with limited income.
  • Houston Bar Association: Directory of licensed attorneys and legal resources within Harris County.

Next Steps

If you have received a speeding or traffic ticket in Houston, take the following steps:

  • Read your citation and note any deadlines for action
  • Decide if you will pay the fine, contest the ticket, or seek an alternative resolution such as defensive driving
  • Contact a qualified Houston traffic ticket attorney for guidance, especially if the ticket may have serious consequences for your license or career
  • Gather any evidence or witnesses if you plan to fight the citation in court
  • Monitor your mail and email for court notices or updates regarding your case

Taking timely action and seeking professional guidance can help you protect your driving privileges and minimize the impact of a traffic ticket on your life.

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Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.