Speeding Ticket Lawyers in Reading, PA
Getting pulled over for speeding in Reading, PA can feel like a minor inconvenience, but the consequences of simply paying the fine can follow you for years. From points on your license to increased insurance premiums and potential license suspension, a speeding ticket deserves serious attention. At Nevins & McAllister, our experienced speeding ticket lawyers in Reading, PA help drivers protect their driving records and minimize the impact of traffic violations.
Why You Need a Speeding Ticket Lawyer in Reading
Many drivers assume that paying a speeding ticket is the easiest option. However, this approach is essentially pleading guilty to the violation and accepting all the consequences that come with it. When you work with our criminal defense attorneys, you gain an advocate who understands Pennsylvania traffic law and can explore options you might not know exist.
Our speeding ticket lawyers evaluate every aspect of your case, from the accuracy of the speed detection equipment to whether proper procedures were followed during your traffic stop. We look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
Points on Your License
Pennsylvania uses a point system to track driving violations. Speeding tickets carry different point values depending on how fast you were traveling over the limit:
- 6-10 mph over: 2 points
- 11-15 mph over: 3 points
- 16-25 mph over: 4 points
- 26-30 mph over: 5 points
- 31+ mph over: 5 points plus a 15-day suspension
Accumulating six or more points can result in mandatory PennDOT hearings, suspension of your driving privileges, and required attendance at a safe driving course. Just as our attorneys handle serious matters like driving with a suspended license, we work to prevent your situation from escalating to that point.
Insurance Rate Increases
The financial impact of a speeding ticket extends far beyond the initial fine. Insurance companies regularly review driving records, and even a single speeding conviction can trigger significant premium increases. Depending on your insurance provider and driving history, you could see your rates jump by 20-30% or more. These increased costs typically last for three to five years, meaning a single ticket could cost you thousands of dollars over time.
How Speeding Tickets Can Affect Your Life
Beyond the immediate penalties, a speeding conviction can create complications in various aspects of your life. Commercial drivers face stricter standards and may jeopardize their CDL with traffic violations. Young drivers under 18 face enhanced penalties that can extend their learner’s permit period. Professional drivers, such as those in delivery services or transportation, may face employment consequences.
Additionally, if you’re already dealing with other legal matters, a speeding ticket can complicate your situation. For instance, if you have pending DUI charges, additional traffic violations can influence sentencing and demonstrate a pattern that prosecutors may use against you.
Our Approach to Speeding Ticket Defense
At Nevins & McAllister, we bring the same dedication to speeding ticket cases that we apply to all our criminal defense work. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your traffic stop and examine all available evidence.
Challenging Radar and Lidar Evidence
Speed detection equipment must be properly calibrated, maintained, and operated according to specific guidelines. We investigate whether the officer who stopped you followed proper protocols, whether the equipment was recently calibrated, and whether environmental factors could have affected the reading. Radar guns can pick up interference from other vehicles, while lidar devices require precise aiming and can be affected by weather conditions.
Our lawyers obtain maintenance records for speed detection devices and examine officer training certifications. If we find irregularities or procedural errors, we can challenge the validity of the speed reading that forms the basis of your ticket.
Negotiating Reduced Charges
Even when the evidence against you seems strong, our attorneys often negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges. In some cases, we can have a speeding ticket reduced to a non-moving violation that carries no points. This approach preserves your driving record while resolving the matter efficiently.
We leverage our relationships with local prosecutors and our reputation in the Reading legal community to achieve favorable outcomes for our clients. Just as we negotiate in cases involving first-time DUI offenses, we advocate for the best possible resolution in your speeding ticket case.
Common Speeding Violations in Reading, PA
Reading presents unique traffic enforcement challenges. State Route 222, which runs through the city, sees frequent speed enforcement, particularly in construction zones where fines double. Interstate 176 and the US 422 corridor also have heavy police presence.
School zones require particular attention, as speeding violations in these areas carry enhanced penalties and higher fines. Our lawyers understand the local enforcement patterns and use this knowledge when building your defense strategy.
Construction zone speeding deserves special mention. Pennsylvania law mandates doubled fines in active work zones, and these violations can result in steeper penalties even for drivers with clean records. If you received a ticket in a construction zone, our attorneys examine whether the zone was properly marked and whether workers were actually present.
Penalties for Speeding in Pennsylvania
The base fines for speeding tickets in Pennsylvania vary by how much you exceeded the limit, but these fines represent only part of the total cost. Court costs, surcharges, and administrative fees can substantially increase what you ultimately pay.
For excessive speeding (31+ mph over the limit), you face automatic license suspension in addition to fines and points. This 15-day suspension can be devastating for those who rely on their vehicles for work or family obligations.
Repeat offenders face enhanced scrutiny. If you accumulate multiple speeding tickets within a short period, you may be labeled a habitual offender, which can lead to extended license suspensions. This is similar to the escalating consequences faced by drivers dealing with a second DUI offense or third DUI offense.
Can a Lawyer Get Your Speeding Ticket Dismissed?
Many factors determine whether a speeding ticket can be dismissed entirely. Our attorneys have successfully obtained dismissals in cases involving:
- Faulty or improperly calibrated speed detection equipment
- Lack of proper officer training or certification
- Improper traffic stop procedures
- Insufficient evidence to prove the violation
- Mistaken identity or vehicle misidentification
- Errors in the citation itself
Even when dismissal is not possible, we often achieve outcomes that protect your driving record and minimize financial impact. This might include reduction to a non-moving violation, attendance at a defensive driving course in exchange for ticket withdrawal, or negotiated plea agreements that limit points and fines.
Why Choose Nevins & McAllister for Your Speeding Ticket Defense
Our firm has built a strong reputation throughout Pennsylvania for providing aggressive, effective legal representation across a wide range of criminal defense matters. From assault charges to drug crimes, we handle serious cases with skill and determination. We bring that same level of commitment to every speeding ticket case.
We understand that your driving privileges are essential to your livelihood and independence. Our attorneys take time to understand your unique circumstances, including how a conviction might affect your employment, insurance, and daily life. We provide personalized attention and keep you informed throughout the legal process.
Unlike large firms where you might be just another file number, at Nevins & McAllister you work directly with experienced attorneys who know Reading courts, prosecutors, and procedures. Our local knowledge gives us an advantage in negotiating favorable outcomes.
Our track record speaks for itself. We have helped countless Pennsylvania drivers protect their licenses, avoid points, and minimize the impact of traffic violations. Whether you’re facing your first speeding ticket or dealing with multiple violations, we have the experience and skill to help.
Contact Our Reading Speeding Ticket Lawyers Today
Don’t let a speeding ticket derail your life. The attorneys at Nevins & McAllister are ready to review your case and discuss your defense options. We offer consultations where we can evaluate the specific circumstances of your ticket and explain how we can help.
Time is critical in speeding ticket cases. You typically have only 10 days from the date of your citation to enter a plea. Waiting too long can limit your options and result in automatic conviction. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward protecting your driving record.
Our firm serves clients throughout Reading and Berks County, providing comprehensive criminal defense services. Whether you need help with a speeding ticket, more serious traffic offenses, or other criminal matters, Nevins & McAllister delivers the experienced representation you deserve. Let us put our knowledge of Pennsylvania traffic law to work for you.