Hire a traffic ticket lawyer in Pennsylvania when a conviction would cost you more than the ticket: you are at risk of reaching 6 or 11 points, you hold a commercial driver’s license, you were cited for 31 mph or more over the limit, you have prior violations, or you live out of state and cannot return for the hearing. Paying a ticket is a guilty plea that adds points and is reported to your insurer. A lawyer can contest the citation, negotiate a reduction to a non point violation, and appear for you at the hearing. Shane Scanlon Law offers a free consultation, so you can find out whether your ticket is worth fighting before you pay.

When a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Is Worth It

• You are close to a point threshold. PennDOT requires an examination at 6 points, a departmental hearing at a second accumulation of 6, and an automatic suspension at 11.
• You hold a CDL. Federal rules treat 15 mph or more over the limit in a commercial vehicle as a serious violation, and repeat violations lead to disqualification.
• You were cited for 31 mph or more over the limit. This triggers a mandatory PennDOT departmental hearing.
• You have prior violations. Insurers weigh a pattern of violations more heavily than a single ticket.
• You are an out of state driver. A lawyer can often appear for you at the Pennsylvania hearing, and the conviction can be reported to your home state.
• Your license is already suspended or at risk. A new conviction can extend the suspension.

What a Conviction Can Cost

A speeding conviction adds 2 to 5 points depending on how far over the limit you were, and the fine is only part of the cost. Insurance premiums can rise for three years or longer, and over that period the added premiums often exceed the cost of fighting the ticket. See our full guide to Pennsylvania speeding ticket points and fines for the points chart and fine calculation.

What a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Does

• Reviews the citation for errors and the evidence for weaknesses, including how your speed was measured
• Appears for you at the magisterial district court hearing and cross examines the officer
• Negotiates a reduction to a violation that carries no points, when that is the best outcome available
• Appeals to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days if you are found guilty, which gives you a new hearing
• Represents you at a PennDOT departmental hearing when one is required

Traffic Ticket or Criminal Charge?

Most traffic citations are summary offenses. A DUI is different: it is a criminal charge with its own penalties, and it needs a separate defense. If you were arrested for DUI, see our DUI defense page instead. Driving under a suspended license can also carry criminal penalties, which we cover on our traffic tickets and suspended license page.

How to Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer

1. Do not pay the ticket until you have decided how to proceed, because payment is a guilty plea.
2. Note the hearing deadline on the citation and the plea options listed on it.
3. Call or contact the firm for a free consultation and send a photo of the citation.
4. Get an honest assessment of whether contesting the ticket makes sense for your record and your insurance.

Traffic Tickets We Handle

Shane Scanlon Law represents drivers cited for speeding, running a red light, careless driving, reckless driving, driving under a suspended license, and commercial vehicle violations throughout Lackawanna County, Luzerne County, and the rest of Northeast Pennsylvania.

FAQ

Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a speeding ticket in Pennsylvania?

It often is when points, your license, or your insurance rates are at stake. If a conviction would put you near 6 or 11 points, or if you hold a CDL, the cost of a conviction can exceed the cost of a lawyer.

Can a lawyer get a speeding ticket dismissed or reduced?

A lawyer can contest the citation and challenge the speed measurement, and in many cases can negotiate a reduction to a violation that carries no points. The outcome depends on the facts of your ticket and your record.

Do I have to go to court if I hire a lawyer?

In many cases your lawyer can appear for you at the magisterial district court hearing, which is especially helpful for out of state drivers. Some hearings, such as certain PennDOT hearings, may still require you to attend.

What does it cost to talk to a traffic ticket lawyer?

Shane Scanlon Law offers a free, no obligation consultation. We review your citation and tell you honestly whether fighting it makes sense.

Talk to Shane Before You Pay

Attorney Shane Scanlon is the former District Attorney of Lackawanna County, with more than 20 years of courtroom experience in Northeast Pennsylvania. Schedule a free consultation or call (570) 676-2381.