The state of Hawaii is often associated with carefree attitudes and a relaxed atmosphere. And for the most part, this is true as long as you stay on the right side of the state’s speeding laws.
As experienced Kamuela DUI attorneys, we can tell you that Hawaii takes speeding laws extremely seriously, and those found violating them are taken to task by legal authorities. Once you get a speeding ticket, you will have to not only pay expensive fines but also deal with higher insurance rates. In fact, every ticket you receive will only increase your costs.
However, just because you get a speeding ticket does not mean you are necessarily stuck with it. A competent Kamuela DUI attorney can help you clear the charges off of your record, thereby saving you a lot of money.
Through this post, our Kamuela DUI attorneys will help you understand how speeding laws and traffic tickets work in Kamuela, Hawaii; and whether or not you should contest them.
What Happens When You Get a Traffic Ticket in Kamuela?
Before considering whether or not you should fight your traffic ticket, you should know about the consequences of traffic violations in Hawaii. You will be faced with:
- Aggressive penalties and fines
- Potential license suspension
- Higher rate of insurance
In some cases, a traffic ticket can also lead to jail time.
It is necessary to know about the potential consequences of a conviction so you can decide on what you want to do with your ticket. Fighting the ticket makes sense if you want to avoid specific consequences and a conviction. In other cases, it may be better to simply pay the fine and get it over with.
Hawaii Does Not Follow Point System
Unlike other states in the US, Hawaii no longer uses a point system for moving violations. This, however, does not imply that violating the law repeatedly will not lead to stricter penalties. The Hawaiian legal system maintains a record for each driver. Repeated violations can mean bigger fines, greater insurance costs, and harsher punishments. Further, if you’re charged with multiple speeding violations, your license can be suspended.
The bottom line is, you should not make the mistake of taking your traffic ticket lightly just because the point system doesn’t exist in Hawaii anymore. You still stand to face stiff penalties that can land you in serious legal trouble.
When Does It Make No Sense to Fight the Ticket?
Many a time, drivers in Kamuela find that fighting a ticket isn’t worth the time and effort. Even if you have viable defenses in your favor, contesting a ticket can be a time-consuming and cumbersome process since you will have to go to court a number of times.
If you’re generally a disciplined driver who has received a traffic ticket for the first time, and you don’t expect to receive another for a long time to come, you can simply pay the fine and close the matter.
You also have the option of going to traffic school. This option may take a while to complete, but it will keep your driving record clear.
Make it a point to consider all your options before making any decision.
Traffic Record and DUIs?
Another reason to contest a ticket or opt for traffic school is that your driving record can affect the outcome if you face prosecution for DUI. For example, if you are a first-time offender with a clean driving record, it’s more likely the judge will hand down a lenient sentence. However, if you have a record of irresponsible driving, the judge may look less favorably at your case.
In addition, the State of Hawaii has added a new, highly intoxicated DUI standard. A conviction of highly intoxicated DUI carries heavier penalties: a minimum of two days in jail and six- to 18 months license revocation for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders face a minimum of 10 days in jail and license revocation from one- to three years.
The law defines highly intoxicated DUI as having a blood alcohol content above .15 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or .15 grams per 210 liters of breath.
A clean driving record increases the odds of your Kamuela DUI attorney getting your charges reduced.
What Happens When You Choose to Contest Your Kamuela Traffic Ticket
Even though Hawaii does not follow the point system, each ticket received plays an important role. Remember, as long as those tickets stay on your record, you will have to pay higher fines as well as insurance premiums. This is why making the effort to fight your speeding charges now will help prevent these consequences in the future.
If you decide to fight a ticket, you should work with a seasoned Kamuela DUI attorney. While hiring a lawyer will cost you, it is well worth the money as your effort in fighting the ticket will be minimized.
You may also choose to fight your ticket on your own. However, you should remember that every case is different. You will be required to dedicate a certain amount of time and physical as well as mental energy commensurate with the circumstances of your case.
Working with Kamuela DUI Attorney
If you’ve decided to fight your ticket, you’ve probably done this to avoid fines, prevent license suspension, and pay low insurance rates. To this end, a Kamuela DUI attorney can prove to be your strongest ally. Apart from representing you in court, your attorney will help you with:
- Requesting a contested hearing
- Requesting discovery for your case
- Negotiating with the prosecutor to get your charges minimized or dismissed
Call Our Kamuela DUI Attorneys Today for Sound Legal Counsel
It’s no secret that Hawaii’s speeding laws are complex. If you’ve been slapped with a traffic ticket, you will do well to seek legal assistance from Kamuela DUI attorneys and determine whether or not it is worth contesting. Regardless of what you choose to do, the above information should help you understand the entailments of your final decision.
If you want a fighting chance of getting a positive outcome in your traffic ticket case, you need to work with the right lawyers. Speak to Kamuela DUI attorneys at Olson & Sons at the earliest. You can call our Kamuela office at 808-885-8533 or get in touch with us online to schedule a consultation.
