Last Updated on June 18, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Garland Ticket Defense Attorney
Navigating Traffic Tickets in Garland, Texas: Why a Defense Attorney is Essential
Defending traffic tickets in Garland, Texas, has evolved significantly. While the Texas Legislature has made changes to certain programs, the consequences of a traffic ticket conviction remain serious. It’s no longer just about the initial fine; a conviction can severely impact your driving record, insurance rates, and even your ability to drive.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and current understanding of traffic tickets in Garland and why enlisting the expertise of a Garland traffic ticket attorney from The Beltz Law Group is crucial for your defense. If you would like to discuss your cases with our Garland traffic ticket attorneys after reading this article, feel free to contact us at 214-321-4105.
Understanding How Convictions Still Harm You
For years, the “Driver Responsibility Program” (DRP) and its associated “points system” dominated discussions around traffic ticket penalties in Texas. Drivers faced hefty state surcharges and automatic license suspensions based on points accumulated from convictions.
Garland Warrants Lifted
Important Update: The DRP and points system were repealed on September 1, 2019. This is significant news for Texas drivers, as it means:
- No More Surcharges: You will no longer receive additional annual state fees based on points or conviction-based surcharges from the DRP.
- No More Points: The system of assigning “points” to your driver’s license for moving violations is gone.
However, the repeal of the DRP does NOT mean traffic ticket convictions are consequence-free. In fact, protecting your driving record is as vital as ever. Here’s why a conviction for a traffic ticket in Garland can still significantly harm you:
- Driver’s License Suspensions: Even without points, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) can still suspend your license if you are convicted of:
- Four or more moving traffic violations within a 12-month period, OR
- Seven or more moving traffic violations within a 24-month period. This means accumulating too many convictions, even seemingly minor ones, can still lead to a lengthy suspension of your driving privileges.
- Increased Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies have access to your driving record. Every conviction can be seen by your insurer, and they will almost certainly raise your rates. This can lead to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in increased premiums over several years – a direct financial penalty that far outweighs the initial court fine.
- Permanent Driving Record: Once a conviction goes on your driver’s record, it is nearly impossible to remove without specific legal action (like successful deferred adjudication followed by expunction, if eligible). This record is visible to potential employers, particularly those requiring a clean driving history, and can impact future opportunities.
- Employment and Professional Licensing: Many jobs, especially those involving driving company vehicles or requiring professional licenses (e.g., CDL, nursing, teaching), conduct background checks that include driving records. A conviction can jeopardize current employment or future job prospects.
Garland Ticket Attorney
Different Types of Speeding Cases in Garland Municipal Court
Garland Municipal Court has jurisdiction over various Class C Misdemeanor traffic offenses, including different categories of speeding tickets, each with its own nuances and potential impacts:
- Basic Speeding (Texas Transportation Code § 545.351): This is the most common charge for exceeding the posted speed limit.
- Speeding in a School Zone (Texas Transportation Code § 545.066): These violations carry enhanced fines and are viewed with increased seriousness due to the presence of children.
- Speeding in a Construction Zone with Workers Present (Texas Transportation Code § 545.066): Fines for these offenses are typically doubled in Texas when workers are present, reflecting the heightened danger to road crews.
- Speeding 10% Over the Limit (as per certain law enforcement policies/radar tolerances): While not a distinct charge, exceeding the speed limit by a specific margin (e.g., 10 mph) can influence an officer’s decision to issue a ticket or a court’s willingness to offer certain resolutions.
- Speeding 15 Miles Per Hour or Greater Over the Posted Limit: Higher speeds often make it more challenging to negotiate favorable plea agreements, potentially pushing cases towards trial if record protection is the goal.
- Speeding in a No Passing Zone (Texas Transportation Code § 545.056): Sometimes combined with speeding, this indicates a hazardous maneuver in addition to excessive speed.
Garland Ticket Defense Attorney
Hiring a Garland Traffic Ticket Attorney to Defend Your Record
Given the ongoing consequences of traffic ticket convictions, even without the DRP, having an experienced traffic ticket lawyer in Garland on your side is essential. Our role is to create a buffer between you and the court system, ensuring that anything you say or do cannot be used against you to cause a conviction.
A Garland traffic ticket lawyer from The Beltz Law Group can:
- Plead “Not Guilty” on Your Behalf: This critical step preserves your legal rights and keeps the door open for various defense strategies.
- Put Distance Between You and the Court: In most cases, you won’t need to appear in Garland Municipal Court yourself, saving you valuable time and stress.
- Evaluate All Evidence: We will meticulously review the evidence that may be used against you, including the citation, police reports, and any available video footage. This assessment helps determine if the case is worth fighting at trial or if a negotiated deal to protect your record is the best path.
- Negotiate for Record Protection: We aim for outcomes like deferred adjudication (where the case is dismissed upon successful completion of conditions) or driver’s safety courses (if eligible), which prevent the conviction from appearing on your record.
- Fight for Your Best Interests: Whether through negotiation or trial, our priority is to protect your driving privileges, your insurance rates, and your long-term record.
One wrong decision, like simply paying the ticket, can lead to increased insurance premiums and even a suspended license for up to a full year in some scenarios.
Don’t let a traffic ticket in Garland lead to unnecessary complications. We strongly suggest you contact a lawyer in Garland for traffic tickets today to discuss your particular matter. To talk with our Garland traffic ticket attorneys, call 214-321-4105.
