Traffic Violation Attorneys in Grainger County

Did you get ticketed for a traffic violation? Paying the fine is not always your only option for resolving the situation. You could have defenses available to fight it for reduced fines or points — or even have the charges against you dismissed. Let Evan M. Newman, an experienced Grainger County traffic ticket lawyer at Daniel, Daniel, & Newman, help you discover potential resolutions to your case.

For more than 80 years, Eastern Tennessee residents — specifically those in Grainger County — have relied on the Daniel name for their legal needs. Evan is dedicated to delivering the same high-quality legal services that his great-uncle Creed Daniel and his son, the late Dirk Daniel, offered throughout the area.

As a Christ-centered business, Daniel, Daniel, & Newman understands and shares the values, ideals, and culture important to the Grainger County community. We will meet you where you are with the compassion and personal attention you deserve. Our clients’ high satisfaction rate speaks for itself.

Learn how our firm can protect your rights and defend your interests. Reach out to Daniel, Daniel, & Newman for a free consultation and case review.

How a Grainger County Lawyer Can Help with a Traffic Ticket

If you retain our firm, you will benefit from working with Evan, a seasoned Grainger County traffic ticket attorney. He is well-versed in handling all aspects of your case and working to reduce or minimize your Tennessee traffic violation penalties. Whether it is your first traffic citation or you have several citations on your driving record, Evan can help. He will guide you through the process, represent you at any hearings, and answer all your questions.

Types of Traffic Violations Our Grainger County Firm Handles

Our law firm is well-equipped to defend you against any traffic violation you are facing, including the following:

• Speeding – Speeding ticket fines vary depending on how fast you travel over the speed limit.
• Reckless or Careless Driving – Reckless driving in Tennessee is a Class B misdemeanor, subjecting you to fines, points on your license, and even jail time.
• Parking – While a single parking ticket could result in a minimal fine, multiple tickets could result in your vehicle being impounded.
• Use of a Cell Phone While Driving – If an officer stops you for using a cell phone while driving, you may be found guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.
• Failure to Observe a Traffic Signal – If you do not stop at a red light, you could face fines and points on your driving record.
• Improper Passing of a School Bus – Passing a school bus when the stop sign arm on the bus is flashing can result in steep fines and a Class A misdemeanor charge.
• Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License – The severity of the consequences depends on your case’s unique circumstances and prior driving record, including the reason for the suspension or revocation and the number of prior offenses.
• Driving Without Auto Insurance – You can be fined for driving without insurance, and your license will be suspended until you can provide proof of insurance.
• Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs – In addition to fines and your license suspension, you will be subject to jail time, depending in part on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when the officer stops you.
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident – Depending on the severity of the accident, a hit-and-run accident can result in misdemeanor charges or a felony if someone is killed.
• Racing on the Highway – If you drag race on a Tennessee highway, you can be charged with a Class E felony, which carries a prison sentence of up to six years and a $3,000 fine.

At Daniel, Daniel, & Newman, we provide comprehensive traffic violation defense. If you receive a traffic ticket in Tennessee, chances are we have assisted another grateful client with that type of violation.

What Is a ‘Moving Violation’?

In Tennessee, a moving violation is what the name suggests: a traffic violation occurring when a vehicle is in motion. The following are examples of moving violations:

The potential consequences for moving violations depend on the nature of the violation and your driving record but may include fines, probation, points on your driving record, and license suspension.

What Happens If I Fail to Pay a Ticket?

If you do not pay a ticket, your driver’s license may be suspended, you might have to pay a fine, and an arrest warrant could be issued. Specifically, the Tennessee Department of Safety will suspend your license until you pay the ticket. However, you may be able to apply for a restricted license, allowing you to drive to and from work or school.

What does an arrest warrant mean? A judge may issue a warrant for your arrest if you do not appear in court. The warrant allows Tennessee law enforcement to arrest you at any time at your home, workplace, during a traffic stop, or anywhere.

Is There Any Downside to Just Paying the Ticket?

Yes, there are disadvantages to paying the ticket, particularly if you have a reason to contest it. If you pay a ticket, it means you are pleading guilty to the traffic violation. What does this mean? Points can be added to your driving record, and, depending on the severity of the offense, your license could be suspended. Further, you may face higher insurance premiums.

The consequences of paying a ticket, especially if good cause exists to contest it, highlight the need to confer with an experienced traffic violation lawyer. As your lawyer, Evan can assess the circumstances of the alleged violation and advise you about whether paying a ticket or contesting it will serve you best.

Can I Try to Pay the Officer to Get Out of a Ticket?

Without question, you should never attempt to pay an officer to avoid getting a ticket. Bribing a police officer is an illegal and unethical act, potentially resulting in criminal charges. If the officer accepted the payment, they would likely be subject to disciplinary action, including termination.

This form of bribery undermines the Tennessee legal system and the integrity of law enforcement in general. Instead of offering payment to the officer, you can plan to contest the ticket in court with the help of a traffic violation lawyer. Tennessee police officers work hard to keep Grainger County residents safe. Be polite and cooperative when interacting with the officer during the traffic stop. Let Evan, as your attorney, help you contest the violation and argue against its validity in court when the time comes.

What If I Cannot Afford to Pay a Traffic Ticket?

We understand that your financial circumstances may affect your ability to pay a traffic ticket. After you contact your attorney and determine that paying the ticket is the best course for you, you can contact the court to establish a payment plan to make smaller monthly payments. Alternatively, your lawyer may suggest that you request a reduction in the fine if you can produce paystubs to support the request.

Simply not paying the ticket because you cannot afford it can result in a driver’s license suspension, additional late fees, and potential court action concerning your failure to pay, including a possible warrant for your arrest.

Can I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test If I Get Stopped for Drunk Driving?

No. Under Tennessee law, you cannot refuse to take a breathalyzer test if you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving.

Tennessee’s Implied Consent Law requires Tennessee drivers to submit to a chemical test if stopped by law enforcement. Refusing a breathalyzer test can result in suspension or revocation of your license. Further, the prosecutor can use your refusal to take a breathalyzer test as evidence against you in a DUI (driving under the influence) case. Note that under some specific circumstances, such as an accident or if a child is in your vehicle, you cannot refuse a test but will be forced to take it.

At Daniel, Daniel, & Newman, we understand how scary facing DUI charges can be, so we encourage you to contact our office as soon as possible after your charges are filed. By doing so, we can serve as your legal advocate at each stage of the case, protecting your legal rights and walking you through the process.

How Many Points Can Be on My License Before It Is Suspended?

According to the Driver Improvement Section of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, your license can be suspended if you accumulate 12 or more points on your driving record within 12 months.

You will receive a notice of proposed suspension and be allowed an opportunity to attend an administrative hearing. Failure to request a hearing will result in your driving privileges being suspended for six to 12 months. However, requesting a hearing in a timely manner will often result in you avoiding a suspension (or a reduction in suspension time) if you attend a defensive driving class.

When you receive the notice of proposed suspension, rest assured that Evan and Daniel, Daniel, & Newman can help you navigate the process. We understand how important it is to preserve your driving privileges so you can travel to work or school. Trust us to work toward your best outcome, whether by securing a minimal suspension or avoiding it altogether.

Contact a Grainger County Traffic Violation Attorney Today

Did you get a traffic ticket or were you charged with a more serious traffic offense in Grainger County? Don’t let fines or points on your driver’s license negatively affect your driving record or your finances. Instead, reach out today to Daniel, Daniel, & Newman. Let Evan Newman, a seasoned traffic violation attorney in Grainger County, discuss your options at a free, no-obligation case review.