Texas Traffic Ticket Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
Why Choose Owsley and Associates ?
To get your ticket dismissed and to keep it off your record.
Choosing the right attorney to represent you is one of the most important aspects of your case. It is important not only to find an attorney who meets your personal needs, but one that will meet the demands of your case and provide you with competent representation. The right attorney on your case may be the difference between a guilty or not guilty verdict.
There is no question that there is a multitude of attorneys to chose from in the Houston area, however not all are equipped to meet your unique needs. That is why it is important to research your prospective attorneys and make sure that their firm has the ability to meet your needs. It is also why we are confident Owsley and Associates will be at the top of your list.
The team at Owsley and Associates is dedicated not only to the success of your case, but to you as the individual. This can be a very trying time and finding an firm that understands is essential. You can be certain that your case will receive comprehensive attention from our devoted staff of experienced legal professionals. Owsley and Associates is a law firm that has handled a wide variety of cases and recognizes the importance of service to our clients. Most importantly, Owsley and Associates recognizes the importance of their jobs and role in your life. We look forward to having the opportunity to represent you.
What are your fees
We often receive telephone calls or emails asking, “How much do you charge to represent someone charged with…?”
Many lawyers who advertise their prices will charge a fee for each and every court appearance. While the advertised price (the per-appearance rate) may initially seem like a bargain, it usually adds up to a lot of money, especially if you intend to put up a fight against the State or U.S. Government. We don’t believe in this. We don’t advertise our fees, and we won’t usually give a price quote, except in person.
Every case is different. Whether we take your case, and how much we charge, depends on the particular facts of each case. We prefer to make an appointment with you and discuss your case face-to-face before we start talking about money. If you are out of state and would like to discuss your case, we can arrange to meet with you either in our office or at your location.
Here, is some information that you might find useful. Generally (we make room for exceptions in exceptional situations):
• We do not charge “split fees,” in which there is one fee for a plea and another fee for a trial. Why not? We set one inclusive price. You will not be charged any additional fee if we go to trial. This prevents you from being encouraged to go to trial, when it may not be in your best interest.
• When we set fees, we take into account the possibility of settlement. If we think the case will probably settle, our fee will be less than if we think it will probably go to trial. Because of this, there are no unexpected fees for our services, and no refunds offers on settlement.
• We will make payment plans in very limited circumstances.
• We accept various methods of payment.
Can I really get a free consultation with Steven Owsley at no obligation?
Absolutely! In order to fully understand your traffic ticket case and know if I can help your situation I need to get the facts from you. There is never a charge for this. Once I have all the details of your case I will promptly give you a proposal of what fee would be.
What services does Steven Owsley provide for my traffic ticket case?
Steven offers turnkey settlement services to keep your driving record clear without your appearence in court. His legal services include; contacting the court, the prosecutor and/or the court personnel on your behalf; working with you to put together any evidence required; negotiating a resolution subject to your approval; handling the paperwork and financial considerations such as payment for any court costs, fines or contempt fees.
What type of payments do you accept if I decide to use your services?
We accept major credit cards and also through PayPal.com. Western Union and money orders from Walmart or convenience stores and personal checks and money orders via the U.S. Postal Service.
Should I just pay the ticket and save the trouble?
No. You should know that if just pay a speeding or traffic ticket in Texas, you are pleading guilty to the offense and you will face the consequences of such conviction. While at the time you are pulled over these tickets may seem no more than just a nuisance, the long-term consequences of being convicted of the charges or “just paying” a speeding or traffic ticket in Texas can be very serious and extremely costly.
Some of the potential problems are:
• A fine and/or court costs.
• Probation.
• Points added to your driving record
• Suspension or revocation of your license.
• The ticket will be on your record for the next THREE YEARS
• Car insurance premiums increased and/or denial of insurance.
• They show up on background checks done by prospective employers and can even be used as evidence against you if you are sued as a result of an automobile collision.
If a recent ticket has put you in danger of suffering any or all of these hardships, don’t worry. Attorney Steven Owsley has the experience and skill to represent you and help you avoid these expensive results. The facts of each case varies, so contact us for an evaluation of the circumstances of your particular case.
Shouldn’t I just pay the Texas Traffic ticket in the mail?
On the backs of most tickets, you will find what is known as the “window fine.” The instructions will advise you that you can pay this fine through the mail. However, they do not advise you of the effect of paying the ticket. If you pay the window fine through the mail, you will be found guilty and in many cases, the convictions will appear on your driving record. You may also see an increase in your insurance rates. You should contact an experienced traffic ticket lawyer to discuss your rights. Attorney Steven Owsley will do his best to work with you to minimize or dismiss your speeding ticket.
I’m from out of state. My home state will never find out about the ticket I got while travelling through Texas, will they?
False. The Texas Department of Safety reports all convictions for traffic citations, including speeding tickets, to your home state. Check with your local Department of Safety or equivalent agency to find out the consequences of getting a ticket in Texas. Each state imposes its own penalties. As a matter of fact, in some states, your driver’s license could be suspended if you are convicted of excessive speeding (i.e. 20+ MPH over the posted speed limit).
Will my insurance rates go up if I get a speeding ticket?
Your insurance premiums could increase from 25% to 400% after a traffic conviction. Many people just pay the ticket when a knowledgeable attorney in many cases is able to save their driving record and keep their insurance rates from increasing. Traffic violations will follow you for years and can cause increased penalties for any future violations.
How long will my speeding ticket stay on my record and who has access to my permanent record?
The DMV and law enforcement agencies have immediate access to your driving record. In addition, for “good cause” reasons, employers, attorneys and insurance companies may be granted access. Unless expunged by court order, offenses stay on your permanent record. However, your insurance company may only be concerned with offenses during the last several years when setting your premium.