Source: https://www.alvafirm.com/criminal-defense/serious-traffic-offenses/
Timestamp: 2019-02-23 02:51:51
Document Index: 239911397

Matched Legal Cases: ['in fine', '§ 3732', '§3732', '§3733', '§ 3742', '§3736']

Philadelphia Serious Traffic Offense Lawyer | Philadelphia Criminal Traffic Violation Attorney
Philadelphia Serious Traffic Offense Attorney
Traffic tickets are often seen as a nuisance. When you are pulled over for a traffic violation in Philadelphia, the temptation is to pay the fine and move on.
However, a traffic ticket is a criminal accusation. And just like any criminal violation, the prosecution has to prove all charges beyond a reasonable doubt. A traffic violation can lead to serious consequence, especially certain offenses that can even result in jail time.
Philadelphia Serious Traffic Offense Lawyer
Just like any criminal proceeding, you have a right to an attorney in a traffic violation proceeding. When faced with any serious traffic violation, having a Philadelphia serious traffic offense lawyer on your side can make the difference between jail time and driving away from the courthouse freely.
Traffic offense can have serious consequences, including losing your ability to drive. At Alva & Shuttleworth, LLC, we apply the same skills and principles from defending first degree felonies to defending your serious traffic charges. Call us today at (215) 665-1695 to set up a consultation.
We represent people facing serious traffic violations throughout the Philadelphia area, including in Bucks County, Delaware County, Montgomery County and Chester County.
Pennsylvania Serious Traffic Offense Information Center
Serious Traffic Violations in Pennsylvania
Points System for Philadelphia Drivers
Some traffic offenses, like speeding and running a red light, may result in fines and heightened insurance rates. Some, however, can result in more serious consequences that can significantly affect your life, and even put you behind bars.
Homicide By Vehicle (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3732):
Homicide by vehicle may be charged if the driver is accused of causing the death of a person through gross negligence while violating a traffic law, other than drunk driving, if the violation is the cause of the death. For example, if a person runs a red light, striking and killing a pedestrian crossing the street at a crosswalk, he or she could face homicide by vehicle charges.
Homicide by vehicle is a third degree felony. It is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine up to $15,000.
Aggravated Assault By Vehicle (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. §3732.1):
If a person causes serious bodily injury through gross negligence while violating a traffic law, he or she may be charged with aggravated assault by vehicle. Like homicide by vehicle, this is a third degree felony.
Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. §3733):
This charge involves willfully not stopping for a pursuing police officer if the officer is flashing lights or otherwise giving a signal to stop. The charge is a second degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of at least $500.
If a police officer is endangered during the flight or the accused is allegedly drunk, the charges could be escalated to a third degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine up to to $15,000.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3742, 3743):
Also know as hit and run or failure to stop and render aid. After an accident, a person has a duty to stop and give certain information or alert authorities. If a person fails to do so, it might be a crime.
If the accident involved death or injury, it is a first degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Reckless Driving (75 Pa. Cons. Stat. §3736):
Reckless driving is driving that shows “willful and wanton disregard” for the safety of others. It is a summary offense and is punished with a $200 fine.
Pennsylvania uses a point system to assess drivers that have accumulated multiple traffic violations. Each violation is worth a certain amount of points. For example, driving 6-10 miles over the speed limit is worth one point. Driving 26 or more miles above the speech limit is worth five points. The more points, the worse the offense.
Every time you hit six points, there is an assessment. You may have to take a driver’s test, or face a hearing to determine whether you should be able to keep your license. If you hit 11 points, your license is suspended for a certain amount of time. Every 12 months you keep a clean driving record, three points are erased.
The accumulation of points is one reason to hire a Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer for traffic violations: To keep the points from growing.
Alva & Shuttleworth, LLC | Philadelphia Area Major Traffic Violation Attorney
Major traffic violations are not to be taken lightly. Some can have much worse results for you than a speeding ticket. You have a right to an attorney, and you should use it. Hire a Philadelphia serious traffic offense lawyer from Alva & Shuttleworth, LLC. We will fight for you. Call (215) 665-1695 today to schedule a consultation.
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