Arlington Traffic Ticket Lawyer

Last Updated on June 26, 2025 by Beltz Law Group

Protect Your Driving Record: Defending Traffic Tickets in Arlington Municipal Court

Receiving a traffic citation in Arlington, Texas, can be more than just a minor inconvenience; it can have long-lasting and costly consequences if not handled correctly. Many drivers underestimate the impact of a traffic ticket conviction, leading to driver’s license suspensions and significantly increased insurance rates. This article aims to clarify the implications of an improperly resolved Arlington traffic ticket and how the Beltz Law Group can help you avoid these pitfalls.

Why a Traffic Ticket Conviction Can Become a Financial Nightmare

The financial strain of a traffic ticket often begins when individuals choose to simply pay off the citation without understanding the full repercussions. This decision is frequently driven by the misconception that hiring an attorney for traffic tickets in Arlington is “too expensive” or “too time-consuming.”

Let’s debunk those myths:

• Cost-Effective Defense: Hiring an attorney to defend a non-warrant traffic ticket in Arlington can be remarkably affordable, often costing less than $100. Compare this to the potential hidden costs of a conviction, which could lead to thousands of dollars in increased insurance premiums over a three-year period.
• Time-Saving Convenience: Engaging a lawyer for traffic ticket defense in Arlington typically takes only a few minutes to sign up. Once retained, your attorney can often attend most pre-trial hearings on your behalf, saving you valuable time and the hassle of court appearances.

The true financial nightmare unfolds when you prioritize short-term savings over protecting your driving record. While paying a ticket directly to Arlington Municipal Court might seem like the cheapest option at the moment, it results in a conviction being reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Once DPS records a conviction, that’s where the real trouble begins. The primary goal in traffic ticket defense is to prevent convictions from appearing on your DPS record, as this is where the most significant long-term financial savings and protection of your driving privileges lie.

Important Change: The Abolition of the Surcharge Program

It’s crucial to note a significant change in Texas law: The Driver Responsibility Program (DRP), which assessed state surcharges for certain traffic offenses and accumulated points, was abolished on September 1, 2019. This means you will no longer face annual surcharges from the state for past or future traffic convictions.

However, the abolition of the surcharge program does NOT mean traffic ticket convictions no longer have serious consequences. While the specific state-imposed surcharges are gone, convictions still lead to:

• Driver’s License Suspensions: Accumulating too many moving violation convictions within specific timeframes (e.g., 4 or more in 12 months, or 7 or more in 24 months) can still trigger a driver’s license suspension by DPS.
• Increased Insurance Rates: Insurance companies still access your driving record. Convictions for moving violations signal increased risk, almost certainly leading to higher auto insurance premiums for several years.
• Employment Impact: Many professions, particularly those requiring driving, necessitate a clean driving record. Convictions can jeopardize current employment or future job opportunities.

Therefore, the fundamental principle remains: avoiding a conviction on your driving record is paramount.

How Lawyers Defend Traffic Tickets in Arlington

While traffic ticket attorneys in Arlington are not “magicians” with “silver bullets,” they possess the legal knowledge and strategic approaches to effectively defend your case. Our methods involve a thorough examination of your citation and the legal process to identify potential avenues for dismissal or favorable outcomes.

Some key aspects an experienced Arlington ticket lawyer will investigate include:

• Timeliness of the Ticket: How old is the traffic ticket? Are there any limitations on prosecution that could apply?
• Officer Availability: Is the Arlington police officer who issued the citation still employed by the department and available to testify?
• Validity of the Complaint: Has a legally sufficient complaint been filed in your case?
• Compliance with Legal Requirements: Does the complaint comply with the requirements of Article 45A.101 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (formerly Article 45.019), which outlines the specific elements a complaint must contain to be valid? These include being in writing, properly sworn, stating the offense and date, and alleging the offense occurred within Arlington’s territorial limits.
• Other Legal Errors: Are there any other procedural or substantive legal errors in how the Arlington traffic ticket was issued or processed that could lead to a dismissal?

If a case is found to be legally insufficient, it may be a strong candidate for dismissal. Even if legally sound, your attorney will work to negotiate the best possible deal to protect your permanent driving record. Our priority is always to safeguard your record, as the long-term cost of a conviction (in increased insurance rates and potential license suspension) far outweighs any initial court fees. While we always strive to save you money on court fees, the protection of your record comes first.

Are Trials Necessary to Protect a Driving Record in Arlington Municipal Court?

Not every case can be resolved during the pre-trial phase through negotiations or legal motions. Some situations may necessitate setting a case for trial to ensure the best opportunity to protect your driving record. Examples where a trial might be considered include:

• Excessive Speeding Cases: Where the alleged speed is significantly high.
• Speeding in a Construction Zone with Workers Present: These often carry enhanced penalties.
• Commercial Driver Tickets: Due to the severe impact of convictions on commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).
• Cases with Strong Factual Defenses: Where you genuinely believe you did not commit the offense and have evidence to support it.

The decision to proceed to trial involves weighing the potential benefits against the costs and risks. An experienced traffic ticket defense lawyer will discuss these factors with you individually, providing a clear understanding of the implications of taking your case to trial versus accepting a plea bargain.

Contacting a Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer in Arlington

For many, hiring a lawyer is an unfamiliar process. You might not know what questions to ask or where to begin. The best first step is to call an Arlington traffic ticket lawyer to discuss all your concerns and questions.

At Beltz Law Group, we are in the service industry, dedicated to protecting our clients’ interests. You should never feel intimidated to ask questions about your traffic tickets, driving record, insurance rates, or anything else related to your case. That’s precisely what we are here for.

Take the time to call our Arlington ticket attorneys today at 214-321-4105. Let us help you navigate the Arlington Municipal Court system and protect your valuable driving privileges.