Got Caught in Bradford County Speeding Over 30 MPH?

Most drivers are guilty of speeding now and then and police will usually give a bit of leniency to those traveling a few miles per hour over the speed limit. That allowance doesn’t extend to drivers whose speeding may endanger other people or property.

Although Bradford County is one of the smallest counties in terms of size and population, police serve more tickets for violating the speed limit than you may think. The rural roads make offenses over 30 mph, especially frequent, and the consequences can be particularly serious.

If you’ve been pulled over for speeding in Bradford County, Florida, contact The Law Place today. We offer a free consultation with one of our attorneys, where you’ll find out exactly how we can fight your speeding ticket.

Don’t start thinking about how to fight your ticket on the courtroom steps.

Call The Law Place today at (855)-831-7020.

Fines for Speeding Over 30 MPH in Bradford County

Although speeding 30 mph over the speed limit is not criminal, it can result in a fine up to $500. If you’re caught in a school or work zone, according to the Bradford County website, you can face a fine of up to double the initial fine amount.

Other Consequences for Speeding Over 30 MPH in Bradford County

In addition to fines, there are other serious consequences for driving 30 mph over the speed limit.

The State of Florida gives points on driving records for traffic violations. Each point stays on your license for 36 months from the date the ticket was issued. Penalties for points are as follows:

  • 12 points within 12 months – 30-day suspension of driver’s license.
  • 18 points within 18 months – 3-month suspension of driver’s license.
  • 24 points within 36 months – 1-year suspension of driver’s license.
  • 15 point violations or 3 major traffic offenses within 5 years – Revocation of driver’s license.

Keep a tally of how many points are on your driving record. One traffic violation may be enough to suspend your license, especially a high-point violation such as driving 30 mph over the posted speed limit.

The number of points on your license will also affect your insurance rates. High-point holders are considered risky, and insurers will increase your monthly premiums to match their calculations of risk. The initial speeding ticket may be a drop in the bucket compared to how much you’ll pay your insurer for continued coverage.

Is Speeding 30 MPH Over the Limit Considered Reckless Driving?

Speeding over violations rarely get upgraded to reckless driving. Tickets that occur within a school or work zone have a higher chance of being upgraded to reckless driving. This is a more serious charge that addresses a motorist’s wanton disregard for the safety of others or property.

However, the main reason for a speeding charge to be upgraded to reckless charging, however, is when other violations are committed at the same time, like weaving or being on the phone.

Florida Statute 316.192 states the maximum fine for reckless driving is $500, less than some counties may charge for some speeding tickets. However, there is also the possibility of jail time. Offenders can face up to 90 days in jail.

Getting charged with reckless driving is extremely serious, and you should consider enlisting the aid of a qualified attorney to help your case. Contact The Law Place today if you’re facing jail time for your speeding violation.

Can I Avoid Points With Traffic School in Bradford County?

In most cases, traffic school is offered as an alternative to accumulating points on your license. Drivers are afforded the option of traffic school one time per year, for a total of five times in a person’s life.

Unfortunately, for an offense such as speeding 30 mph over the limit or reckless driving, traffic school is not available. A judge may sentence you to traffic school, but this won’t remove the points from your license.

How Can Police Prove I Was Speeding?

Traffic officers have a few ways to prove you were speeding and will list how in their police report. Some are fairly outdated, such as pacing, where an officer will keep a constant speed behind you to measure how fast you might be going. However, modern technology can make an exact evaluation of speed without the problem of subjectivity.

Officers use special devices to justify serving motorists with a speeding citation. These include:

Radar Gun

Radar guns have been in use for decades and are standard equipment for most traffic officers in Bradford County, Florida. The device bounces radar waves off the vehicle in question to measure moving speed.

Although the device is inaccurate at times, the evidence it produces is hard to challenge in court. An attorney must prove that the device was malfunctioning at the time it took the measurement, which is extremely difficult to prove.

Laser Gun

A laser gun looks very similar to its older counterpart but produces a much more accurate result. The device fires a laser beam at moving vehicles and measures the time it takes for the laser to return to calculate the speed of the motorist.

According to Florida Statute 316.1906, the state requires police officers to hold a special license to operate this equipment to avoid challenges against the evidence they produce for court.

Do I Have to Go to Court for My Speeding Ticket?

Minor speeding offenses under 30 mph don’t require a court appearance. However, all offenses over 30 mph come with a court date. You can’t pay your ticket online or by mail, and you must present yourself before a clerk of the court or judge who will determine the specific penalties of your case.

How Can a Speeding Ticket Lawyer Help Me?

Hiring a qualified speeding ticket attorney has several benefits. A lawyer can show up to your court date in your place. This means you will not have to attend in person and will show how serious you are about the charges against you.

A traffic attorney can also fight your ticket. They can challenge the basis of the traffic stop and address any evidence the police have collected against you. While there is no guarantee your ticket will be thrown out, a lawyer has a much better chance of fighting the charge than you may have on your own.

Contact The Law Place to see what our attorneys can do for your speeding ticket today.

Contact The Law Place Florida Speeding Ticket Lawyers Today

Have you been served a speeding citation in Bradford County? Were you driving 30 mph over the speed limit and are afraid of what the consequences might be?

Don’t worry, The Law Place is here to help. David Haenel has more than 15 years of experience in Florida traffic law, serving Bradford County and the state of Florida. If it’s possible, we can help you contest your ticket or get the fine reduced, saving you time and money in the process.

Don’t hesitate. Call The Law Place today at (855)-831-7020 for a free consultation.

Bradford County Courthouse

945 N Temple Ave,

Starke,

FL 32091