Mankato Traffic Violation Lawyer

Sometimes a traffic offense may seem too minor to necessitate hiring legal representation, but there is nothing trivial about wanting to maintain a clean driving record. People often consider traffic violations not to be a big deal, but they do not realize that even a single offense can taint what would otherwise be a clean driving record.

If you or someone you care about has been accused of a traffic violation in Mankato or anywhere in southern Minnesota, you have the right to fight your charge and defend your record. To learn more about your rights and options, call the traffic violation team at Knutson + Casey as soon as possible.

Types of Traffic Offenses Drivers Could Face in Mankato, Minnesota

There are numerous types of traffic violations drivers can face in Mankato, Minnesota, including, but not limited to:

  • Speeding
  • Careless driving
  • Drunk driving
  • Causing an accident
  • Failure to obey a traffic control device
  • Stop sign violations
  • Failing to signal a turn
  • Improper lane change
  • Street racing
  • Driving too fast for the conditions
  • Improperly displayed license plate
  • Driving with a suspended license
  • Failure to show proof of insurance
  • Parking in a restricted area
  • Driving with an expired tag or vehicle registration
  • Having illegal tint
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • Parking in a handicapped spot
  • Road rage that leads to an altercation, injury, or disruption

Some traffic violations, such as driving while intoxicated (DWI), can lead to life-altering penalties and pricey fines. When you partner with a southern Minnesota criminal attorney at Knutson + Casey, you know you will have an experienced legal professional protecting your rights and providing the advocacy that you need throughout your case.

Possible Penalties for Traffic Violations in Mankato, Minnesota

Should you choose to simply accept a charge for a traffic violation and move on, you may find that the ramifications of driving offenses can end up haunting you in the future. If you waive your right to fight an accusation of a driving violation and it is solidified on your record, you could face penalties such as:

  • Steep fines
  • An increase in your car insurance rates
  • Inability to be hired for a job that requires a perfect driving record
  • Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, including loss of commercial driving privileges (CDL)
  • Vehicle forfeiture
  • Incarceration

Most traffic tickets in Minnesota are petty misdemeanors and are not considered to be crimes. However, police officers do have the ability to determine whether a violation was committed in a way that endangered another person or property. If a police officer deems an offense to have risked endangerment, the violation becomes a misdemeanor crime. Once an offense becomes a misdemeanor, the recipient must be seen in court and faces fines of up to $1,000 or up to a 90-day stint in jail.

Penalties for traffic violations will depend on the severity of the offense you have been accused of and whether you have previous violations on your record. To keep your driving record as clean as possible, Minnesota law allows you to fight any traffic violation with the help of a defense attorney.

What to Do If You Are Pulled Over in Mankato, Minnesota

Few things can make your heart drop faster than seeing flashing lights coming up behind you on the road and realizing they are for you. The next time this happens to you, follow these steps to help ensure your safety and protection of your rights:

  • Use your turn signal and pull over to the right-hand side as soon as it is safe to do so.
  • Do not attempt to exit the vehicle.
  • Keep your hands visible.
  • Avoid making any sudden movements.
  • Roll down your driver’s side window.
  • Turn on your interior light if it is dark outside.
  • Follow the directions of the police officer.
  • Answer questions and be respectful, but keep in mind that anything you say can be used against you in a court of law.
  • Do not consent to a search.
  • Avoid asking unnecessary or excessive questions.

If you are issued a citation after being pulled over, it may seem excessive to hire an attorney to fight something that seems like a minor offense, but partnering with a traffic violation lawyer can actually save you money in the long run.

Fight a Traffic Violation with an Award-Winning Defense Attorney in Mankato, Minnesota

Just because you receive a ticket does not mean that you must live with a mark on your driving record. Drivers successfully beat traffic violation accusations every day in Minnesota, especially when they are represented by a traffic violation attorney. Fight to preserve your clean driving record and keep your insurance rates low with Knutson + Casey.

We have defended thousands of Minnesotans accused of various crimes, from minor traffic offenses to serious crimes like homicide and kidnapping. No matter what you have been accused of, you can count on Knutson + Casey to be by your side throughout the process. Call (507) 344-8888 or send us a completed contact form