In Greenville, South Carolina, common traffic violations include speeding, running red lights or stop signs, driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, and driving without insurance.
These violations can result in fines, points on your driving record, license suspension, or even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.
If you’re facing one or more traffic violations, the skilled Greenville attorneys at Fedalei & Reid Law can help by reviewing the evidence, challenging inaccuracies, and identifying potential defenses. They can also assess whether your traffic stop was lawful and if any procedures were violated.
Our knowledgeable attorneys can also negotiate on your behalf to reduce penalties or avoid harsher consequences, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the entire legal process.
For a confidential case evaluation and legal consultation with a skilled traffic violations lawyer in Greenville, South Carolina, please call us at (864) 668-1661 or contact us online today.
Greenville, SC Traffic Violations Guide:
- Most Common Greenville, SC Traffic Violations
- Potential Penalties and Other Consequences of a Greenville, SC Traffic Violation
- Possible Defenses to a Greenville, South Carolina Traffic Violation
- How a Greenville, SC Traffic Violation Attorney Can Help
- Steps to Take After Incurring a Traffic Violation in Greenville, SC
- Talk to an Experienced Greenville, South Carolina Traffic Violations Lawyer Today
Why Choose Our Greenville Traffic Violations Lawyer?
Incurring a serious traffic violation leaves many drivers confused and unsure of what to do or where to turn.
Look no further than the experienced SC DUI defense lawyers at Fedalei & Reid Law. We can review your circumstances with you, fight for your rights, and pursue the best possible result in your case.
You can see our most recent case reviews and client testimonials on this site. Our Greenville office is conveniently located at 600 East North Street, Suite 103, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601.
Most Common Greenville, SC Traffic Violations
Traffic violations in Greenville, South Carolina, come in many forms, ranging from minor infractions to more serious offenses that can have lasting consequences.
Speeding is one of the most frequently cited violations, with drivers exceeding posted limits on highways, residential streets, and in areas with lower speed limits.
Some drivers fail to adjust their speeds in construction zones or school zones, which can lead to increased enforcement by law enforcement officers monitoring these high-risk areas.
Running red lights and stop signs is another common offense.
Many drivers attempt to beat a changing light or fail to come to a complete stop at an intersection. Traffic cameras and law enforcement patrols frequently monitor intersections where these violations are more likely to occur – especially in areas with heavy traffic flow.
Reckless driving also covers a range of behaviors, including tailgating, improper passing, and weaving through traffic at high speeds. Drivers who make aggressive lane changes or fail to yield can be cited for reckless driving. In some cases, road rage incidents also result in reckless driving citations.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is among the most serious traffic violations. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more likely to cause accidents.
Sobriety checkpoints and law enforcement patrols aim to identify and stop these drivers before accidents occur. Officers often look for swerving, delayed reactions, and erratic driving behavior when determining whether a driver is under the influence.
Operating a vehicle without proper documentation is another issue that frequently leads to traffic violations. Police cite some drivers for driving with a suspended or expired license, or pull others over for failing to maintain proper registration or insurance. These violations often go unnoticed until police stop a driver for a different reason, leading to additional complications.
Improper lane changes, failure to signal, and disregarding right-of-way rules are also common violations for which a driver may receive a citation.
Potential Penalties and Other Consequences of a Greenville, SC Traffic Violation
In Greenville, South Carolina, traffic violations can lead to a variety of legal penalties and consequences that range from fines to license suspension or even jail time.
The severity of the penalty typically depends on the type of violation, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, and whether any aggravating factors are involved, such as repeat offenses or accidents resulting from the violation.
For less serious violations, like speeding or running a red light, the consequences are usually financial. Fines can vary depending on how much over the speed limit a driver is going or how dangerous the violation is.
In addition to fines, drivers often face points on their driving record, which can lead to higher insurance premiums. Accumulating too many points over a short period can result in a license suspension, making it difficult to legally drive.
More serious violations, such as driving under the influence (DUI), can lead to much harsher penalties.
A DUI conviction in South Carolina can result in a fine, mandatory DUI education programs, community service, and a driver’s license suspension. Subsequent offenses or a DUI involving a crash can lead to jail time and longer license suspensions.
In cases where a DUI causes serious injury or death, the charges can escalate to more severe criminal offenses with significantly harsher consequences.
Reckless driving, which involves driving in a manner that endangers others, is also treated seriously in Greenville.
A reckless driving conviction can lead to fines, points on the record, and even jail time in some cases. If an accident occurs due to reckless driving, the driver may face additional charges, such as vehicular manslaughter, depending on the circumstances.
Additionally, driving without insurance in South Carolina is illegal, and can lead to significant fines, license suspension, and difficulties in obtaining car insurance in the future.
Possible Defenses to a Greenville, South Carolina Traffic Violation
In Greenville, South Carolina, individuals accused of traffic violations often have several legal defenses they can use to challenge the charges. The most common legal defenses depend on the type of violation, the incident's circumstances, and the available evidence.
A lawyer will understand these defenses, as they may help reduce penalties or even result in the dismissal of their charges.
- One of the most common defenses is challenging the accuracy of the evidence used against the driver. For example, in speeding cases, the driver may argue that the speed-measuring device, such as a radar gun or speed camera, was improperly calibrated or malfunctioning. If the device was not functioning properly, the evidence may be deemed unreliable, which may result in a dismissal of the case or a reduction in the penalty.
- Another defense often used in Greenville traffic cases is questioning the legality of the traffic stop. For a police officer to pull over a vehicle, they must have reasonable suspicion that a traffic violation has occurred. If the officer did not have a valid reason for stopping the vehicle, such as witnessing a violation or having specific evidence of wrongdoing, the driver may argue that police violated their constitutional rights. The court may throw out any evidence gathered during an unlawful traffic stop, including any citations or arrests.
- In DUI cases, one of the main defenses is challenging the results of the Breathalyzer or field sobriety tests. The driver may argue that police improperly administered the Breathalyzer, did not give the driver proper instructions for the sobriety tests, or that medical conditions, such as acid reflux, affected the results. Additionally, a DUI defense may involve questioning whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to stop the driver in the first place or whether the driver was coerced into providing a breath sample.
- In some cases, a driver may argue necessity as a defense. This means the driver needed to violate traffic laws to avoid greater harm, such as swerving to avoid an animal or other hazard.
Ultimately, the best defense will depend on the specific facts of the case. At Fedalei & Reid Law, we can determine the most effective strategy for challenging the violation.
How a Greenville, SC Traffic Violation Attorney Can Help
If you are currently facing one or more traffic violations in Greenville, South Carolina, hiring a skilled traffic violation attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Whether you are dealing with minor offenses like speeding or more serious charges like DUI, the experienced lawyers at Fedalei & Reid Law can protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences.
One primary way our attorneys can assist is by reviewing the details of your case. They will carefully analyze the evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any other documentation related to the violation.
If we find any discrepancies or weaknesses in the evidence, our lawyers will work to challenge those elements. This can lead to reduced penalties or even the dismissal of your charges.
In Greenville, police must conduct traffic stops lawfully. If the officer who stopped you did not have probable cause or reasonable suspicion, we can argue that the stop was illegal. If the court finds the stop unlawful, it may refuse to admit any evidence collected during the stop, including the violation itself, which may strengthen your defense.
For more serious violations, such as DUI charges, our attorneys will carefully examine the circumstances surrounding your arrest. They will evaluate whether police conducted field sobriety tests properly, if the Breathalyzer or blood test was accurate, and if the officer had a valid reason for stopping your vehicle. Any procedural errors may help us challenge the charges against you.
Additionally, if you face penalties like license suspension or large fines, our attorneys can work with the court to reduce or avoid these consequences. They may negotiate a plea agreement, arrange for community service, or help you enroll in driving safety courses as an alternative to harsher penalties.
Overall, having our skilled Greenville traffic violation attorneys on your side can greatly improve your chances of a favorable outcome, whether through reduced charges, penalties, or the dismissal of the case. We will guide you through the legal process and protect your rights every step of the way.
Steps to Take After Incurring a Traffic Violation in Greenville, SC
If you’ve incurred a traffic violation in Greenville, South Carolina, it’s important to take immediate and appropriate steps to protect your rights and minimize potential consequences. Your first step is to ensure that you fully understand the violation.
Next, pay close attention to the citation you’ve received, as it will outline the specific charge, court date, and other important information. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and respond by the specified deadlines. Ignoring the citation or failing to attend court can lead to additional penalties.
One of the most important steps is to contact the knowledgeable Greenville, SC, traffic violation lawyers at Fedalei & Reid Law as soon as possible.
Our attorneys can explain the legal process, evaluate the evidence against you, and determine the best course of action. We can negotiate with the prosecution to potentially reduce charges or penalties and help you prepare for any hearings.
Additionally, we can provide guidance on whether you should contest the violation or enter a plea. Finally, if your case goes to court, we can introduce evidence on your behalf and pursue the best possible result in your case.
By working with our experienced attorneys, you can ensure that your rights are protected and improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your legal matter.
Talk to an Experienced Greenville, South Carolina Traffic Violations Lawyer Today
The experienced Greenville, South Carolina, traffic violation lawyers at Fedalei & Reid Law can handle every aspect of your case and pursue the best possible result on your behalf. Don’t take a traffic violation lightly, you should always call an attorney as soon as possible.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney in Greenville, South Carolina, please call us at (864) 668-1661 or contact us online right away.