Traffic Violations Attorney in Brentwood, Tennessee

Not every lawyer understands the stress and uncertainty that comes with facing a traffic violation charge. But at William L. Pomeroy Law, they do. Their leading attorney has extensive experience dealing with all types of traffic violations. He leverages this knowledge to provide his clients with a robust defense strategy, constructed to achieve the most optimal outcome available. His ultimate goal is to minimize the impact of the violation on their clients' lives while upholding their rights and interests. Reach out today to learn how he can help during a free initial consultation.  

Attorney William L. Pomeroy, based out of Brentwood, Tennessee, offers collaborative and skilled legal representation to people grappling with traffic violations throughout Davidson County, Williamson County, and Rutherford County. 

Traffic Violations in Tennessee 

Tennessee's traffic laws cover a broad spectrum of offenses, ranging from speeding and reckless driving to running red lights, commercial driver offenses, DUIs, and driving under suspension. Each violation carries its own set of penalties, which could include fines, points on your driving record, license suspension, or even imprisonment in certain instances. Understanding these laws and penalties is imperative, and William L. Pomeroy Law is committed to ensuring that their clients are fully informed about their legal situation. 

Moving Violations vs. Non-moving Violations 

Traffic violations in Tennessee are categorized into moving and non-moving violations. Moving violations occur when the vehicle is in motion, like speeding or running a red light. Non-moving violations don't involve the vehicle being in motion and could include parking violations or expired registration. Both types of violations can lead to a range of consequences. 

The Point System in Tennessee 

Tennessee uses a point system called the Driver Improvement Program (DIP) to track and penalize drivers accumulating traffic violation points. Each violation carries a certain number of points, depending on its severity. Accumulating a specific number of points within a set time frame could lead to license suspension, the length of which depends on the number of points accumulated and whether the driver is a minor or an adult. 

The following is a list of violations and their corresponding point values in Tennessee: 

• Speeding varies from 1 point (1 to 5 miles per hour over the designated speed limit) to 8 points (for exceeding the limit by 46+ miles per hour). Points can be higher if the violation occurs in a construction zone. 

• Speed under the posted minimum, speed too fast for conditions, erratic operation, or a sudden lane change each carry 3 points. 

• Reckless endangerment is considered a serious violation and carries 8 points. 

• Reckless driving earns 6 points 

• Careless or negligent driving results in 4 points. 

• Failure to obey traffic instructions, improper passing, and driving the wrong way each earn 4 points. 

• Following improperly, failure to signal, obstructing traffic, coasting, driver view obstructed, inability to maintain control of the vehicle, improper operation of a motorcycle, improper lane or location, inattentive driving, and cell phone use each carry 3 points. 

• Use of a controlled access highway earns 4 points. 

• Passing a stopped school bus, fleeing law enforcement, child endangerment, and contributing to a crash with fatality each carry a hefty 8 points. 

• License restriction violation results in 6 points. 

• Failure to stop at a railroad crossing earns 8 points. 

• Leaving the scene of an accident results in 5 points, while failure to report an accident earns 4 points. 

• No license in possession earns 2 points, while driving without a license or while suspended each carries 8 points. 

• Contributing to a crash with property damage is 3 points, while contributing to a crash with an injury is 4 points. 

The traffic violation lawyer at William L. Pomeroy Law is well-versed in the workings of the DIP. He'll guide you through the entire legal process, helping you understand the potential implications of point accumulation on your driving privileges.  

Traffic Violation Fines and Penalties 

Traffic violation fines and penalties in Tennessee vary based on the offense. For instance:  

• A speeding ticket could result in fines ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the speed over the limit.  

• Reckless driving could lead to fines of up to $500 and possible imprisonment.  

• Certain offenses like DUIs could result in mandatory alcohol education programs, license suspension, and even imprisonment. 

Keep in mind that your penalty will depend on the specifics of your case and any prior violations. With William L. Pomeroy Law by your side, you can rest assured that they will work tirelessly to minimize the impact of these penalties. 

Traffic Violation Defense Strategies 

You have the right to challenge your traffic ticket or violation. The following covers some common defense strategies that may be applicable to your case: 

• Disputing the Officer - This approach involves challenging the credibility or reliability of the police officer's testimony or observations. The goal is to cast doubt on the accuracy of the officer's account of the traffic violation. For instance, consider a scenario where an officer claims a driver ran a red light. In this case, your lawyer might argue that the officer was positioned too far away to accurately see the traffic light or that obstructions blocked the officer's view. 

• Disputing the Evidence - This tactic questions the validity or accuracy of the evidence presented against the defendant, challenging the reliability of evidence such as radar or speed camera readings. For example, if a radar reading indicates a driver was speeding, your traffic attorney could argue that the radar device was not properly calibrated or that external factors affected the accuracy of the reading. 

• Arguing Mistake of Fact - This defense asserts that the driver had a reasonable belief that their actions were lawful or that they were unaware of the violation they were committing. It relies on proving that the driver made an honest and reasonable mistake. For example, if a driver made a turn at an intersection where a "No Turn on Red" sign was obscured by foliage, your defense could be built around the notion that you genuinely believed it was legal to make the turn. 

• Arguing Justifiable Action - This defense asserts that the driver's actions were necessary to avoid harm or danger. It aims to demonstrate that the driver had a valid reason for violating a traffic law. Suppose a driver exceeded the speed limit to quickly reach a hospital due to a medical emergency. In that case, your traffic lawyer could argue that the driver's actions were justified by the need to save a life. 

Please be aware that this information is not intended to serve as legal advice. Every traffic violation case is different, and the best way to determine your options and build a defense strategy is by seeking legal counsel from a reputable attorney.