Paying a traffic ticket in Wisconsin is an acknowledgement of guilt and waives your right to a court trial - no further action is required on the driver’s part once the ticket is paid. Although you have, in effect, put it behind you, there may still be consequences you may not have considered.
For example, the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses a point system to track traffic tickets on your driving record. Two to three points can be added for something as minor as driving to slow or following too close. Accumulate 12 points in a year and your license can be suspended and, of course, you insurance rates will likely go up considerably.
Wisconsin Habitual Traffic Offender Law
The consequences multiply if you are found to be a habitual traffic offender (HTO) or a driver who is repeatedly found guilty of breaking traffic laws. Drivers earn the distinction of being a habitual traffic offender when they accumulate 12 or more moving violation convictions in the state of Wisconsin in a 5 year period; 4 or more major traffic violations in or out of state; or a total of 12 major and minor traffic violations in or out of state. Once you hit these numbers, it may result in an automatic 5 year revocation of your license.
Minor violations might include rolling a stop sign or not coming to a complete full stop before making a right on red, which many drivers frequently do. Major traffic violations include offenses such as reckless driving, drunk driving, vehicular homicide, hit and run, fleeing police or refusal to submit to a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration). Although it seems inconceivable that a driver would accumulate 12 violations - five years is a long stretch out on the road.
Experienced Wisconsin Habitual Traffic Offender and Waukesha Speeding Ticket Lawyer
When Scoring Points Is A Bad Thing - Contact Waukesha Speeding Ticket and Traffic Violation Lawyers For Help
If you have a history of traffic violations, it is better to fight any new traffic citations you receive to reduce the charges (points) or have the traffic violation citation dismissed altogether. In Wisconsin, you have the option to fight a traffic violation citation and getting the help of an experienced traffic violation attorney can help you succeed. For a free initial consultation with an experienced Wisconsin habitual traffic offender attorney and Waukesha speeding ticket lawyer of Andrew C. Ladd LLC for immediate assistance today.
