Getting your fine reduced for a traffic ticket in BC
Your first thought after getting a serious traffic ticket in BC may be whether there is a way to get the fine reduced. The fine may be burdensome for you and a reduction would help to ease this burden. You may believe that the charges or fines are unjustified. In some cases, there may be extenuating circumstances that led to the violation, and you feel leniency is in order.
The fine is a concern. The cost might be something that worries you but you should be aware of a bigger concern: the court has no power to take away the points if you plead guilty. It’s the accumulation of points on your license which can lead to higher insurance premiums or even license suspension. These expenses cost you a lot more than the fine.
Accumulating points on your record can have long-term consequences on your ability to drive and your insurance premiums. Traffic violations carry a specific number of points.
As you accumulate more points, the risk of suspension of your license increases. Additionally, ICBC and private insurance companies use your driving record as a factor in determining your insurance rates. The more points you have, the higher your rates will be.
An option to lower the fine
In some cases, for certain traffic offences, the fine may be lowered from the specified amount. This is done on a case-by-case basis in court and depends on the circumstances surrounding the violation and the circumstances of the offender. For example, if the violation was a minor infraction and the individual has a clean driving record, the fine may be reduced.
Not all types of traffic violations may be eligible for a reduced fine, and the outcome will depend on the individual case. However, it’s worth considering these options and consulting with a lawyer about the possibility of a reduced fine.
Defend the ticket or focus on reducing the fine?
It is a mistake to be concerned with the fine associated with a traffic ticket and fail to recognize the potential long-term consequences of points on your driving record. The fine may seem like a one-time expense that can be dealt with, but the points on your record can have ongoing and far-reaching effects. Simply put, money comes and goes.
The conviction is there forever.
As you accumulate points, your risk of license suspension increases, which is very costly. It can make it difficult for you to get to work, school, or other important places.
Insurance companies use your driving record as a factor in determining your insurance rates. The more points you have, the higher your rates will be, which can result in a financial burden many times beyond the cost of the ticket.
As driving lawyers, it’s important that we focus on defending the ticket, rather than only being concerned about the fine. By contesting the ticket in court, we may be able to have the charges reduced or even dismissed, which can prevent points from being added to your record.
An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the court system and build a defence that can help you to achieve the best possible outcome. Lawyers can help you to understand the legal options available to you, such as a trial, plea bargaining or requesting a review of the fine.
By focusing on defending the ticket, you can save money on the fine and avoid the long- term consequences of having a bad driving record.