Last Updated on June 18, 2025 by Beltz Law Group
Garland Speeding Ticket Lawyer
Speeding Tickets in Garland: Protecting Your Driving Record in the Post-Surcharge Era
Many people mistakenly believe that simply paying off a speeding ticket makes the problem disappear. While the old state surcharge program and points system in Texas have been repealed, it’s more crucial than ever to understand that driving records are still incredibly important to protect. A speeding ticket conviction can still lead to significant penalties and unforeseen complications. This article explains the current state of affairs in Texas regarding traffic ticket convictions and how our speeding ticket attorneys in Garland can help safeguard your record.
If you are concerned about protecting your license and driving record after receiving a speeding ticket in Garland, please contact us right away.
Speeding Ticket Convictions and Your Permanent Record
Many people don’t realize that paying off a speeding ticket causes a conviction to appear on their permanent driving record.
Does a conviction ever “drop off” your record when you pay off a speeding ticket? The answer is no, not typically. It remains there forever, accessible for various purposes. This conviction can cause serious damage to your driving record due to continued state monitoring and other consequences. We have assisted countless individuals in Dallas County with Occupational Driver’s Licenses because speeding ticket convictions led to the suspension of their driving privileges. You must treat your driving record with care. That is where an experienced speeding ticket attorney in Garland can assist you.
Garland Ticket Defense Attorney
The New Reality: Why a Clean Record Still Matters (No Surcharges, But Real Costs)
It’s vital to clarify: Effective September 1, 2019, the Texas Driver Responsibility Program (DRP) was repealed. This means the old “points” system that assessed surcharges for certain convictions (e.g., $100 for every six points, plus $25 per additional point) and triggered suspensions based on points alone, no longer exists.
While this removes the direct state surcharge penalty, it does NOT mean speeding tickets are consequence-free. The “hidden costs” and implications of convictions are still very real and can be substantial:
- Skyrocketing Insurance Premiums: This is often the most significant financial impact. Insurance companies absolutely see every conviction on your record. Even one speeding ticket conviction can lead to your car insurance premiums increasing by hundreds or even thousands of dollars over several years.
- Driver’s License Suspensions: Your license can still be suspended! While the old points-based suspension is gone, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) can still suspend your license for:
- Four or more moving traffic violations within a 12-month period, or
- Seven or more moving traffic violations within a 24-month period.
- Convictions for specific serious offenses (e.g., DWI, driving with an invalid license, certain collision-related offenses) can also trigger suspensions.
- Individuals with multiple convictions for violating a restriction or endorsement on their license are also subject to suspension.
- It’s not uncommon for people to accumulate multiple tickets over time, then pay them all off at once, only to receive a suspension notice in the mail shortly thereafter, simply because the convictions all reported to DPS simultaneously.
- Employment Disadvantages: Many employers conduct background checks that include driving records, especially for jobs involving driving company vehicles or requiring a high level of trust. A conviction can make you a less desirable candidate or even lead to termination if you’re already employed.
- Professional Licensing Issues: Many professional licenses (e.g., nursing, teaching, CDL, real estate) require a relatively clean criminal and driving record. Convictions can lead to disciplinary action, suspension, or revocation of your license.
- Future Legal Implications: A conviction on your record can be used by prosecutors in future legal cases to demonstrate a pattern of behavior or a disregard for traffic laws, potentially impacting bond decisions or sentencing for new charges.
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Speeding Ticket Defense Strategies in Garland
The goal remains the same: keep the speeding ticket off your permanent record. Here’s how our Garland speeding ticket attorneys approach your defense:
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Pleading “Not Guilty” to Preserve Rights: The first crucial step is always to plead “not guilty.” This preserves all of your constitutional rights in Garland Municipal Court and allows your attorney to actively defend your case, rather than allowing an automatic conviction.
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Case Evaluation and Discovery: Your attorney will attend an initial pre-trial hearing (often on your behalf) to review the ticket, the official complaint, and any other available information from Garland Municipal Court. This stage is primarily to determine if there are any legal deficiencies in the case (e.g., missing paperwork, improper filing) that could lead to a legal dismissal. If video evidence (e.g., dashcam, bodycam) exists, a separate motion for discovery may be filed to obtain it.
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Negotiation with the Prosecutor: If no clear legal basis for dismissal exists, your Garland speeding ticket attorney will negotiate with the city prosecutor. The goal is to reach a resolution that prevents a conviction. Common outcomes include:
- Deferred Disposition (Deferred Adjudication): This is often the most desirable outcome. You pay a deferral fee and agree to certain conditions (e.g., no new tickets for a specific period). If you fulfill these conditions, the case is dismissed and never reported as a conviction on your driving record.
- Driver’s Safety Course (Defensive Driving): For eligible offenses and drivers, completing a state-approved defensive driving course can lead to dismissal. (Note: This is generally not an option for CDL holders or for excessive speeding).
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Preparing for Trial: If a favorable negotiated deal cannot be reached, your attorney will discuss the option of taking your case to trial. In Garland Municipal Court, trial options typically include:
- Plea or Dismiss Option (Officer No-Show): If the citing officer fails to appear for a designated trial setting, the prosecutor may be unable to proceed, leading to dismissal. This is often referred to as “playing chicken with the cop.”
- Trial Before the Judge: You present your case directly to the municipal judge. While quicker, judges can sometimes be less sympathetic, particularly if they have a background in prosecution.
- Trial Before the Jury: This is often the most robust option for strong factual defenses. You tell your story to six members of the community, and they decide your guilt or innocence. Successfully presenting a case to a jury requires a delicate skill in cross-examination, evidence presentation, and persuasive argument, which is why experienced legal counsel is essential.
Your Role in the Defense
For the best possible outcome, communication with your attorney is key. While your lawyer handles the legal strategy and court appearances, you can help by:
- Not Arguing with the Officer: Remain calm and polite. Do not admit guilt or argue at the scene. Take mental notes of the situation and any potential errors, but don’t share your “playbook” with the officer.
- Not Pleading Guilty Prematurely: Do not simply pay your ticket or enter a guilty plea until you have consulted with an attorney and are fully satisfied with the potential result. Holding your “not guilty” plea gives you maximum leverage.
Garland Ticket Defense Attorney
The Value of Experienced Representation
The “penny wise and pound foolish” approach of simply paying tickets without legal guidance can cost you far more in the long run through increased insurance premiums and potential license suspensions. The money invested in hiring a qualified Garland speeding ticket attorney is often significantly less than the financial burden of a conviction over time.
Our Garland traffic ticket lawyers are well-versed in the court’s procedures and dedicated to protecting our clients’ driving records. Don’t play with your record.
Take the time to consult a lawyer. Give us a call today at 214-321-4105 to discuss your speeding ticket in Garland.
