After a person has been pulled over for an alleged traffic violation in Texas, a police officer may issue a ticket that can simply be paid to resolve the matter. While many people opt to just pay the fine for a citation, it is important to understand that certain traffic offenses can result in possible increases in insurance rates, surcharges, and even a suspension of a person’s driver’s license.
Certain alleged traffic violations can result in misdemeanor or even felony criminal charges that require alleged offenders to appear in court. In such cases, people not only face the possibility of being ordered to pay fines but also possible being incarcerated in the state prison system.
Traffic Crimes Defense Lawyer in Plano, Allen, Frisco, and McKinney, TX
If you were ticketed for any kind of alleged traffic violation in the Collin County area, it will be in your best interest to immediately seek legal representation. Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy aggressively defend individuals accused of all kinds of traffic crimes in Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, and many surrounding areas of Collin County.
Criminal defense lawyers Richard McConathy and Brian Bolton can fight to help you achieve the most favorable outcome to your case, including possibly having your ticket and any criminal charges dismissed. Call (469) 304-3422 today to have our attorneys provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case during a free, confidential consultation.
Types of Traffic Crimes in Texas
Title 37 Texas Administrative Code § 15.89 defines moving violations as being acts “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.” More than 200 different traffic offenses constituting moving violations are listed under the Administrative Code.
A few of the most common kinds of traffic violations that Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy handles include, but are not limited to:
- 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
Driver Responsibility Program Points and Surcharges in Collin County
The Driver Responsibility Program is established under Chapter 708 of the Texas Transportation Code. The Transportation Code states that the driver’s license of a person who is convicted of a traffic offense accumulates a point, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) assesses surcharges to individuals who have accumulated six or more points during the preceding 36-month period.
DPS assigns the following points for each conviction arising out of a separate transaction, under Texas Transportation Code § 708.052:
- 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.
Drivers are assessed surcharges when they accumulate six or more points on their driver records within three years. A driver is required to pay a $100 surcharge for the first six points and an additional $25 for every point after six.
Initial surcharges notices must be paid within 105 days or the alleged offender’s license will be suspended for failure to comply with the surcharge requirements. Driving privileges will remain suspended until an installment agreement is established or all surcharges and related costs are paid in full.
Texas Resources for Traffic Crimes
Traffic Tickets | Collin County — Visit this section of the Collin County website to learn more about traffic tickets issued in the county. You can find information about your options after receiving a ticket and search for your case to determine the fine amount. Tickets in Collin County are typically handled at one of the following five justice of the peace courts:
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
Collin County Administration Bldg.
2300 Bloomdale Rd., Suite 1164
McKinney, TX 75071
(972) 548-4125
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
Farmersville Sub-Courthouse
406A Raymond Street
Farmersville, TX 75442
(972) 782-8671
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3-1
Collin County Courthouse
920 E. Park Blvd., Suite 220
Plano, TX 75074
(972) 881-3001
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3-2
Collin County Courthouse
920 E. Park Blvd., Suite 210
Plano, TX 75074
(972) 424-1460
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
Collin County Courthouse
8585 John Wesley, Suite 130
Frisco, TX 75034
(972) 731-7300
Understanding the Driver Responsibility Program — View a DPS brochure about the Driver Responsibility Program. Learn more about the point system, convictions, and reduction programs. You can also find answers to several frequently asked questions.
Find a Collin County Traffic Crimes Defense Attorney | Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
Were you recently arrested or issued a ticket in Collin County for an alleged traffic offense? Do not pay your ticket without first discussing your case with legal counsel. Contact Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy today.
Richard McConathy and Brian Bolton are criminal defense attorneys who defend clients all over Collin County, including Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and many others. They can review your case and help you understand your legal options when you call (469) 304-3422 or complete an online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation.