Traffic Offenses

When most people are cited for alleged traffic offenses or violations, they simply pay the tickets they were issued and try to forget about them. Even when alleged offenders are not required to appear in court, paying a citation is still the equivalent of pleading guilty and can result in points being added to a driver’s record and possibly lead to increased insurance rates, surcharges, and suspension of driving privileges.

Some alleged traffic offenses can be more serious and may carry much steeper penalties than just fines. Many traffic violations are misdemeanor offenses, but some can result in felony charges and may carry possible prison sentences for convictions.

Traffic Offenses Defense Lawyer in Denton, Frisco, Lewisville, Flower Mound, TX

Were you recently cited for any kind of alleged traffic violation in the greater Denton County area? You should not say anything to authorities until you have legal counsel. Contact the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy as soon as possible.

Richard McConathy and Brian Bolton are experienced criminal defense attorneys in Denton who represent individuals in Argyle, Flower Mound, Highland Village, Lewisville, Little Elm, The Colony, and many surrounding areas of Denton County. They can review your case and discuss your legal options as soon as you call (940) 222-8004 to take advantage of a free initial consultation.

Common Traffic Offenses in Texas

Speeding tickets are a frequent result of many traffic stops in Denton County, but alleged offenders can be cited for various other violations. A moving violation is defined under Title 37 Texas Administrative Code § 15.89 as being an “act committed in connection with the operation of a motor vehicle on a public street or highway, which constitutes a hazard to traffic and is prohibited by state law or city ordinance,” and the Administrative Code lists over 200 traffic offenses that constitute moving violations.

Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy represents people who have been issued citations relating to such traffic offenses as:

  • Reckless Driving
  • Leaving the Scene of an Accident
  • Vehicular Homicide / Manslaughter
  • Driving While License Suspended
  • Habitual Traffic Violator
  • Fleeing and Eluding
  • Racing on a Highway
 

Traffic Offenses

Driver Responsibility Program Points and Surcharges in Denton County

Chapter 708 of the Texas Transportation Code establishes the state’s Driver Responsibility Program. Under this program, points are added to the driver’s license of any individual convicted of a moving violation and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) must assess surcharges on the licenses of people who have accumulated six or more points during the preceding 36-month period.

For each conviction arising out of a separate transaction, DPS assigns points to a person’s license as follows:

  • Two points for a moving violation of the traffic law in Texas or another state; and
  • Three points for a moving violation of the traffic law in Texas or another state that resulted in an accident.
 

If a driver accumulates six or more points on his or her record within three years, that person will be required to pay a $100 surcharge for the first six points and an additional $25 for every point after six. Initial surcharges notices need to be paid within 105 days or the driver’s license will be suspended until an installment agreement is established or all surcharges and related costs are paid in full.

The state does offer two reduction programs relating to surcharges. The Indigency Program waives the surcharges owed for some individuals who have incomes at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and the Incentive program reduces the amount of surcharges owed for some individuals who have incomes above 125 percent and below 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

Texas Traffic Offense Resources

Traffic Offenses | Denton County, Texas — On this section of the Denton County website, you can find information relating to traffic offenses. View a document with general information for traffic offenses and learn more about the difference between taking a driving safety course and requesting deferred disposition to have traffic tickets dismissed. You can also download material relating to driver safety courses.

Justice of the Peace Precinct 1

Joseph A. Carroll Building
401 W. Hickory, Suite 227
Denton, Texas 76201-9026
(940) 349-3170

Justice of the Peace Precinct 2

The Colony Government Center
6301 Main Street
Suite 100
The Colony, Texas 75056-1634
(972) 434-7200

Justice of the Peace Precinct 3

Lewisville Government Center
400 North Valley Pkwy, Suite 2012
Lewisville, Texas 75067-3530
(972) 434-4750

Justice of the Peace Precinct 4

Roanoke Government Center
816 North Hwy. 377
Roanoke, Texas 76262-6175
(972) 434-3910

Justice of the Peace Precinct 5

Steven E. Copeland Government Center
1400 FM 424, Suite 124 
Cross Roads, Texas 76227-7284
(940) 349-3460

Justice of the Peace Precinct 6

Sandy Jacobs Government Center
1029 W. Rosemeade Pkwy 
Carrollton, Texas 75007-6251
(972) 434-7100

Texas Transportation Code | Chapter 708 | Driver Responsibility Program — View the full text of the state law relating to the Driver Responsibility Program. Find information about driver’s license points surcharges, surcharges for certain convictions and license suspensions, and collection of surcharges. You can also view statutes relating to installment payment of surcharges, indigent status and reduction of surcharges, and advance payment of surcharges. 

Find A Denton County Defense Attorney for Traffic Ticket | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy

If you were arrested or issued a citation in Denton County for an alleged traffic offense, it is in your best interest to exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal representation. Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy aggressively defend clients who were ticketed in The Colony, Little Elm, Lewisville, Highland Village, Flower Mound, Argyle, and many surrounding areas of Denton County.

Denton criminal defense lawyer Richard McConathy will work to help you avoid any fines or points on your driver’s record. Call (940) 222-8004 or fill out an online contact form to have our attorneys provide a complete evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.