Person in black jacket and blue gloves holding a device near a seated woman in a car.

Traffic Law & DUI

Traffic Law and DUI Defense Help in Greensboro, Durham, and all of the Middle District

A single traffic stop in North Carolina can trigger a chain reaction of legal and financial consequences. From the immediate stress of a blue light in your rearview mirror to the long-term sting of spiked insurance premiums or a suspended driver’s license, the stakes are higher than most drivers realize. In North Carolina, many traffic offenses are categorized as criminal misdemeanors rather than simple infractions, meaning a guilty plea could result in a permanent criminal record.

At the Law Office of Stephen E. Robertson, PLLC, our Greensboro and Durham traffic attorneys provide over 25 years of experience in navigating the complexities of the NC Motor Vehicle Code. We don’t just “pay the ticket”—we strategically advocate to protect your driving privilege, your wallet, and your future.

Traffic Violations & Tickets: More Than Just a Fine

When you receive a traffic ticket, the “easy” path is often to pay the fine online. However, under North Carolina law, paying the fine is an admission of guilt. This admission can trigger license points and insurance surcharges that last for years.

Fighting Traffic Tickets

We represent drivers in Guilford, Durham, and surrounding counties to challenge the state’s evidence. Our approach includes:

  • Analyzing Radar/Lidar Accuracy: Ensuring the equipment used was properly calibrated and the officer followed protocol.
  • Negotiating Reductions: Working with District Attorneys to reduce “moving violations” to “non-moving violations” (such as Improper Equipment), which carry no points.
  • Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC): Utilizing this unique North Carolina legal tool to ask the court to “hold” the judgment, preventing points from hitting your record.

Impact on Insurance and Driving Record

North Carolina uses two distinct point systems: DMV License Points and SDIP Insurance Points.

  • License Points: Accumulating 12 points within a three-year period leads to an automatic license suspension.
  • Insurance Points: Under the Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP), a single conviction for an offense like illegal passing can increase your insurance rates by 35%, while a conviction for following too closely can result in an 80% increase.

Reckless Driving: A Criminal Offense

In North Carolina, Reckless Driving (N.C.G.S. § 20-140) is a Class 2 Misdemeanor. It is not just a “bad ticket”—it is a criminal charge that can lead to jail time.

Consequences of Reckless Driving

A conviction can result in:

  • Up to 60 days in jail.
  • Fines up to $1,000.
  • Four (4) points on your driver’s license.
  • Significant employment hurdles due to a criminal record.

Defense Strategies

We aggressively defend reckless driving charges by challenging the “willful or wanton” element of the statute. If the officer cannot prove you acted with a deliberate disregard for safety, we may be able to have the charge dismissed or reduced to a simple speeding infraction.

Speeding & Traffic Violations

Speeding is the most common citation in the Triad, but the penalties vary wildly based on the speed recorded.

  • Speeding Over 15 MPH: If you are caught going more than 15 mph over the limit (at a speed over 55 mph), your license can be automatically revoked for 30 days.
  • School and Work Zones: Penalties are enhanced in these areas, often carrying mandatory court appearances and higher fines.

We focus on reducing charges to protect your license. By demonstrating a clean driving history or completing a voluntary Driver Improvement Clinic, we often secure reductions that keep your insurance rates stable.

Driving With a Suspended License

Driving While License Revoked (DWLR) is a serious charge that often creates a “vicious cycle” of further suspensions and legal fees.

Causes of License Suspension

Common causes include:

  • Accumulating too many DMV points.
  • A conviction for a high-speed offense or DUI.
  • Failure to Comply: Unpaid fines or missed court dates from prior tickets.

Reinstating Driving Privileges

Our firm specializes in helping drivers navigate the NCDMV’s reinstatement process. We help you identify every “stop” on your record, resolve the underlying issues, and pay the necessary restoration fees (typically $70 to $130 plus service fees) to get you back behind the wheel legally.

Failure to Appear (FTA) in Court

If you miss a court date for a traffic violation, the court wait-period is short. After 20 days, the court notifies the DMV, and your license is indefinitely suspended.

Warrants and Arrest Orders

In many cases, a judge will issue an Order for Arrest (OFA) following a missed appearance. This means a routine traffic stop could lead to you being taken into custody.

Resolving Missed Appearances

We work to “strike” the Failure to Appear and recall the warrant. By appearing on your behalf, we can often resolve the original ticket and the FTA simultaneously, preventing an arrest and stopping the DMV suspension process.

Traffic Warrant Removal

Living with an active traffic warrant is a constant source of anxiety. We provide Traffic Warrant Removal services to help you clear your record without the fear of immediate incarceration.

  • Clearing Warrants: We petition the court to set aside the warrant and put your case back on the active calendar.
  • Reopening Cases: If you were convicted in your absence (Trial in Absentia), we may be able to file a Motion for Appropriate Relief (MAR) to reopen the case and fight the original charges.

Running Red Lights & Stop Signs

With the prevalence of traffic cameras and aggressive enforcement, signal violations are on the rise.

  • Traffic Camera Violations: These are often civil penalties, but they must be handled correctly to avoid late fees and credit impact.
  • Signal Violations (Officer-Issued): These carry three (3) license points and significant insurance surcharges. We investigate the visibility of the signal and the officer’s vantage point to build a defense that protects your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a lawyer go to court for me?

In many traffic cases, yes. Under North Carolina’s “Waiver of Appearance,” we can often handle your entire case without you ever having to step foot in a courthouse.

What is the “Prayer for Judgment Continued” (PJC)?

A PJC is a unique NC tool where the court accepts a guilty plea but does not enter a final judgment. It is typically available once every three years per household for insurance purposes.

Will a ticket from another state affect my NC license?

Yes. North Carolina is a member of the Driver’s License Compact. Out-of-state convictions are reported back to the NCDMV and can trigger a suspension of your NC license.

How long do points stay on my insurance?

Insurance points typically impact your premiums for three years from the date of the conviction.

Can I get a “Limited Driving Privilege” if my license is suspended?

In many cases, yes. We can petition the court for a “work permit” that allows you to drive for work, school, and household maintenance during specific hours.

Related Articles

Protect Your License Today

Don’t let a simple mistake on the road derail your life. Whether you are facing a high-speed reckless driving charge or need to clear an old warrant, the Law Office of Stephen E. Robertson is here to fight for you.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Greensboro or Durham traffic defense lawyer.