Receiving a North Carolina Traffic Ticket is never a good experience. That feeling you get when the blue lights come up in your rear view mirror. The embarrassment of sitting on the side of the road while the Police Officer investigates you. Then having to go and sit through court until your case is called, all the time wondering what this will mean for your Driver's License and your Insurance Premium Costs. If you have ever been pulled over, you understand what I am talking about. As a Raleigh Traffic Attorney and a Durham Traffic Attorney I have seen many people run through the Traffic Court System. Many times while I was a Harnett County Assistant District Attorney, I would see people coming to Traffic Court not knowing what to expect or what to do.
In instances where a driver is charged with Improper Equipment or is plead to an Improper Equipment, the case is normally resolved in an efficient manner. These cases are efficient for the State to handle as an Improper Equipment conviction is what is known as a "non-moving violation." Previously, these charges carried with it a $10 fine above what one would normally pay for a normal speeding ticket. However, As of August 1, 2011, the N.C. General Assembly has saw fit to add a $50 surcharge. In addition to Court Costs, which have recently been raised as well, with more increases expected in the near future, this $50 surcharge makes for added costs to Drivers for a simple, non-moving violation.
Of note, it should be explained that not all North Carolina Counties will permit a Defendant to plead to an Improper Equipment. As an example, Wake county, which is the county of North Carolina's Capital, Raleigh, does not permit Improper Equipment Pleas.
In any situation involving a North Carolina Traffic Case it is always best to speak with a local North Carolina Traffic Attorney. They are best situated to advice you as to what would be the best outcome given your driving record, your traffic citation, as well as any pleas of those in your household. Since each county handles their traffic tickets differently, only a skilled Traffic Attorney can best advise what options you may have available to you and what course should be pursued. Additionally, these attorneys should have a strong grasp of North Carolina's Points Systems and how they impact your insurance premium and driver's license.