Bay County Speeding Ticket Attorney – Speeding Ticket Lawyer in Panama City
Bay County, Florida is a beautiful stretch of beach territory boosting approximately 168,852 residents not to mention hundreds of thousands of tourists year-round. With beautiful Panama City nestled right at the heart of this Florida County, this is an excellent vacation destination or permanent resident environment. It is also unfortunately, a place where speeding tickets are commonly handed out. With this surplus of homeowners and tourists, the streets of Bay County are heavily patrolled by all of the following law enforcement organizations:
- Florida Highway Patrol
- Bay County Sherriff’s Department
- Panama City Police Department
- Panama City Beach Police Department
- Mexico Beach Police Department
- Callaway Police Department
- Parker Police Department
- Springfield Police Department
If you have been cited for speeding by any of the above-mentioned police or Highway Patrol departments, it is in your best interest to obtain the assistance of a Bay County speeding ticket lawyer immediately. This legal representative can file a not guilty plea for you and help you to build a strong defense.
Steps to Follow Upon the Receipt of a Bay County Speeding Citation
If you have been accused of traveling through Bay County at a speed of six or more miles per hour above the legal limit, you could run the risk of facing a myriad of unpleasant repercussions. Even if you were speeding, it is best to plead not guilty to the charge within 30 days of receiving your citation. Failure to do so will result in an automatic admittance of guilt and the many fines and penalties that coincide. In order to plead not guilty, your speeding ticket attorney in Bay County will respond in writing to the Bay County Courthouse at300 East 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401. This is also the location where your trial will be held.
Reasons for Speeding
There are many situations for which speeding could be unavoidable. Road conditions, congestion, heavy foot traffic and weather conditions can all affect your ability to drive. Panama City alone boats 27 miles of sandy white beaches and crystal blue waters not to mention Shipwreck Island Waterpark, Water Planet USA, Gulf World Marine Park, Sweetwater Creek Alligator Farm, Zooworld and Saint Andrews State Park. Bay County is also home to all of the following cities:
- Callaway
- Lynn Haven
- Mexico Beach
- Panama City
- Panama City Beach
- Parker
- Springfield
This is a place where beach meets forest, where palm trees sway against ocean breezes. Speed limits can vary particularly in school and/or construction zones where fines are often multiplied. The Gulf Coast State College and the Gulf Coast Community College of Art are two major draws many drivers, particularly those from out of town, could easily be unaware of.
Fines For Speeding in Bay County
The following chart details the fines commonly associated with speeding in Bay County, Florida: 6-9 Mph Above the Speed Limit $80.50 10-14 Mph Above the Speed Limit $155.50 15-19 Mph Above the Speed Limit $180.50 20-29 Mph Above the Speed Limit $205.50 30+ Mph Above the Speed Limit $305.50 These fines can vary depending upon whether the accused agrees to attend a Florida approved traffic school. They can also be doubled if a driver is found guilty of speeding through a school or construction zone. If your fine appears excessive in comparison to those listed above, contact a speeding ticket lawyer in Bay County to analyze this inconsistency.
Common Punishments Associated With Speeding in Bay County
It might seem tempting at first glance to simply pay the fine and forgot about the ticket. What many drivers are unaware of is the fact that paying a fine and pleading guilty to speeding in Bay County can result to three or more points being added to the license of the driver. As points accumulate against your drivers’ license, insurance premiums can go up and your license could be suspended in the future. In the state of Florida, if a licensed driver accumulates 18 points on their license over the course of a year and a half or 24 points in three years their license can be suspended for a year or more.
The Many Benefits of Obtaining Legal Representation
If you opt to plead not guilty to your Bay County speeding accusation by immediately obtaining legal representation, all of the following benefits could apply to you:
- You will not have to go to court (the lawyer will attend court and fill out the paperwork for you)
- The charges may be dropped
- You could avoid license suspension
- You could avoid accruing points on your license
- The charges could be reduced
If you have been accused of traveling at an accelerated speed in Bay County, Florida the difference between possibly losing your license and/or job and maintaining the freedom to drive at your leisure rests in the hands of your attorney. Contact a speeding ticket lawyer in Bay County for more information.