Last Updated on June 18, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Rowlett Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer
The Smart Choice: Why Protecting Your Driving Record in Rowlett Still Matters (Even Without Surcharges)
For years, Texans faced the double burden of court fines and state surcharges for certain traffic ticket convictions. However, effective September 1, 2019, the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) and its associated state surcharges and “points” system were repealed in Texas. This means that while those additional annual state fees are a thing of the past, the implications of a traffic ticket conviction still carry significant weight. This article aims to educate those who want to understand the current state of affairs in Texas as it pertains to traffic ticket convictions and the significant value an experienced Rowlett traffic ticket attorney provides in this new landscape.
We still hear the question: “Why would I hire a Rowlett ticket attorney? I can just go down and pay them off and not have to pay you.” While it’s true you can simply pay your ticket, understanding the lasting implications of doing so is crucial for making smart decisions about your driving record. If you’d like to discuss your traffic tickets in Rowlett with our experienced team after reading this, feel free to contact our office at 214-321-4105.
Don’t Just Pay Your Tickets Off: Understanding How Convictions Impact Your Driving Record
Article 27.14 of the Code of Criminal Procedure is clear: if you decide to “just go and pay off” your traffic tickets, it will be counted as a conviction on your permanent record. And what does “permanent” mean?
- It’s There Forever: That conviction will remain on your record for as long as you are alive. It will be accessible to potential employers, who may use it against you in hiring decisions.
- Insurance Company Access: Insurance companies routinely check driving records. A conviction can cause your car insurance premiums to skyrocket, costing you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars over several years. This is one of the most significant “hidden” costs of not properly defending a traffic ticket.
- Future Legal Implications: Any conviction on your record can be seen by a prosecutor and used against you in any other legal case that may arise in the future.
So, for those who say, “Why would I hire a Rowlett ticket attorney when I can just save a few bucks and pay them off myself…” they might not fully grasp the true value of a protected and clean driving record. They are what we call “penny wise and pound foolish.”
Help With Warrants In Rowlett Municipal Court
Why a Clean Record Remains Crucial (Beyond Surcharges)
It’s important to reiterate: the Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) and its associated state surcharges and “points” system were repealed in Texas, effective September 1, 2019. This means that you will no longer receive additional annual surcharges from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) based on certain traffic convictions, and convictions no longer accrue “points” that directly lead to surcharges.
However, the abolition of the surcharge program DOES NOT mean that traffic tickets are consequence-free. It is still critically important to keep a clean driving record for several reasons:
- Insurance Rates: As mentioned, insurance companies still see all convictions on your record and will raise your rates based on them. This is often the most substantial financial impact.
- Driver’s License Suspension: Accumulating too many moving violations (even without the old points system) can still lead to your driver’s license being suspended by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Certain violations, like multiple convictions for driving without insurance or specific serious offenses, can independently trigger suspension regardless of a “points” system.
- Professional Licensing: Many professions, especially those involving driving (like commercial drivers, delivery drivers, etc.) or requiring a clean background check, can be negatively impacted by traffic convictions.
- Employment Opportunities: Many employers, particularly those requiring driving or trust, review driving records during background checks. A history of convictions can make you less desirable to hire.
Rowlett Ticket Defense Lawyer
The Value of Knowledge and Experience
Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. Knowledge is power. Our Rowlett ticket lawyers possess that knowledge, experience, and ability. That is what you are paying for when you hire a traffic ticket attorney in Rowlett. You are ensuring that a person with knowledge, experience and ability is there protecting you against what the State wants to take away from you – your clear driving record, your financial stability, and your peace of mind.
Let our experienced team evaluate your case and explain how we can help.
Give our Rowlett traffic ticket attorneys a call today at 214-321-4105 to discuss your case.
