It may seem like a little inconvenience to get a traffic ticket in Missouri. However, it could have a consequence that may last for many years. The normal process would be for you to simply pay your ticket and forget you received it or at worst, just pay it and hope it does not cost you anything. Most people just don’t realize the big picture. One traffic ticket in Missouri could spell points on your driving record, increase in insurance rates, and a possible suspension of your license. Do not leave all of that for chance. Speak with a Missouri traffic ticket attorney today so you do not deal with all of that paperwork.
What Are Points on a Missouri Driving Record?
Missouri employs a points system approach to record bad driving. The more points you attain, the closer you are to losing your license. For each traffic infraction you commit, you receive a set amount of points.
Points:
- Speeding (less than 25 mph over limit): 2 points
- Speeding (25+ mph over limit): 3 points
- Running a stop sign or red light: 2 points
- No proof of insurance: 4 points
- Careless driving: 2 points
- DUI or DWI: 8 to 12 points
If you get 4 points in 12 months, the state sends a warning.
If you get 8 or more points in 18 months, your license may be suspended.
Why You Don’t Want Points
Points do more than threaten your license. They also:
- Increase your car insurance rates
- Stay on your record for years
- Make you a higher-risk driver in the eyes of employers
- Cost you more over time
Insurance companies raise rates if they see too many points. In some cases, they cancel your policy. This means you pay more or struggle to get covered. If you drive for work, like with a commercial license (CDL), points can lead to job loss.
How a Missouri Traffic Ticket Attorney Helps
A skilled Kansas City dui lawyer helps you fight the ticket, reduce the charge, or keep the points off your record. Here’s how.
1. They Fight the Ticket in Court
You’re not stuck with a ticket just because you got one. A lawyer can:
- Look for mistakes by the officer
- Review video or radar evidence
- Challenge how the ticket was written
- Argue for dismissal based on weak proof
If they win, the charge is dropped. That means no fine, no points, and no mark on your record.
2. They Get the Ticket Amended
If it’s not possible to pursue a full dismissal, the attorney may simply have the court reduce the charge, or take some other action by amending the condition of the original charge. The amendment would allow the citation to be amended to a less serious violation.
For example:
A speeding violation (2-3 points) would be amended to a “defective equipment” citation (0 points). You are preserving your record and saving your insurance!
3. They Prevent License Suspension
If you already have points, another ticket may push you over the limit. A lawyer can work to:
- Delay the case to spread out points
- Request driving school or probation instead
- Show the court why suspension is unfair
This helps you keep your license, especially if you rely on it for work or family.
4. They Save You Time
Courts have rules, deadlines, and paperwork. Missing even one thing can hurt your case.
Lawyers know how to:
- File the right forms
- Speak to prosecutors and judges
- Handle the case without needing you in court
You can often skip the court visit completely. That means no time off work or travel costs.
When Should You Hire a Traffic Lawyer?
Not every ticket needs a lawyer. But it’s smart to call one if:
- You already have points
- You’re at risk of suspension
- You have a commercial license (CDL)
- The ticket is for speeding, reckless driving, or no insurance
- You don’t want to go to court
Even a free consultation can help you decide if it’s worth fighting.
Missouri Driving Record: How to Check It
You can get your record online from the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). It shows:
- All past tickets
- Points on your record
- License status
Checking your record helps you stay informed and avoid surprises.
Real Example: How a Lawyer Helped
Let’s say you were going 30 mph over the limit. That’s 3 points. You also have a 2-point ticket from last year. You’re now at risk of a warning or suspension.
A lawyer might:
- Get the charge dropped due to radar issues
- Or change the ticket to a no-point offense
- Or get you into traffic school instead of adding points
In all cases, your record stays clean and your insurance stays low.
Common Missouri Tickets Lawyers Handle
Lawyers can help with nearly any traffic charge. Here are common ones:
- Speeding
- Running a red light
- Driving without insurance
- Driving on a suspended license
- Reckless or careless driving
- Improper lane changes
- No seatbelt (for drivers under 16)
- Following too closely
These may seem small, but any of them can lead to long-term problems.
What Happens If You Just Pay?
Paying the ticket is the same as pleading guilty. It means:
- Points added to your record
- Higher insurance premiums
- A permanent mark on your record
- Less chance to fight it later
Once the ticket is paid, it’s almost impossible to reverse.
Do Out-of-State Drivers Need to Worry?
Yes. If you live outside Missouri and get a ticket here:
- Your home state may add the points to your record
- You may face higher insurance even back home
- Ignoring it can lead to a warrant
A Missouri traffic lawyer can often handle it without you returning to the state.
Cost of Hiring a Missouri Traffic Lawyer
Most traffic lawyers in Missouri charge a flat rate. The cost often depends on:
- Type of ticket
- Court location
- How serious the charge is
For most tickets, expect to pay between $100 and $300. Bigger charges, like DUI or reckless driving, cost more. But one speeding ticket can raise your insurance by hundreds per year. Over time, a lawyer pays for themselves.
What If You Have a CDL?
Drivers with commercial licenses face stricter rules. Even small tickets can:
- Lead to license disqualification
- End your job
- Block future driving work
A lawyer can help avoid points or get charges reduced, protecting your CDL.
FAQs
1) Is it actually possible for lawyers to get tickets dismissed?Â
Yes, if the officer made an error, or if no evidence exists to the case. It just depends on the case.
2) What if I got a bunch of tickets all at once?
The lawyer could combine them, possibly get them reduced, or avoid getting points on them all.Â
3) Is it worth hiring a lawyer?
Yes, for the most part. Having a clean record can save you thousands of dollars down the line in insurance dues.Â
4) Do lawyers help with tickets after accidents?
Yes. If you got a ticket related to a crash, a lawyer can help mitigate the blame you receive or, if nothing else, the points you get.Â
5) Can I hire a lawyer after missing my court date?
Yes, they may be able to help you re-open the case, or stop the warrant from coming into play.
Final Word
Traffic tickets do not just go away. When you pay your ticket, you shall be saddled with points that can hurt your record, your finances, and the future you envision for yourself. A Missouri traffic ticket attorney near me will protect your license, avoid points, and save you time and money. No matter if you’re fighting one ticket or many, it is to your advantage to talk to a lawyer in advance of paying.
