Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

Tennessee speeding ticket attorneys know how important a clean driving record can be for financial purposes. Sometimes, your employment possibilities will be limited if you have been involved in a bunch of accidents or have multiple speeding tickets. Corporations generally do not like to hire employees with bad driving records if the job requires use of a company car. Trucking companies certainly get nervous if their drivers have bad driving records.

Depending on the circumstances, a speeding ticket or moving violation can cost anywhere from one to three-hundred and fifty dollars here in Tennessee. Even though it may be cheaper to simply pay the ticket, it could cost you more in insurance in the long run. Insurance companies are private organizations for the most part and all have different point systems. They can set there own rules and regulations for adjusting how a speeding ticket or moving traffic violation affects the insured.

A clean driving record is important and you will accrue points on it based upon the offense committed. Points can be added for moving traffic violations, speeding, and accidents. Some offenses are more serious and your license can be suspended or revoked if you commit one of the more serious offenses. Under Tennessee law, a regular driver license may be revoked or suspended for the following:

• DUI including implied consent
• allowing unlawful use of a driver license, including fraudulently altering a driver license or allowing another individual to use your license or identification
• mental or physical disabilities
• leaving the scene of a personal injury or fatal crash; failure to stop and render aid in an automobile crash
• perjury, or giving false information on the use or ownership of an automobile, or for the issuance of a driver license
• a felony that involves the use of an automobile
• evading arrest while operating a motor vehicle
• manslaughter/vehicular homicide involving the operation of an automobile
• two reckless driving violations within twelve months
• drag racing
• habitual offenders of moving traffic violations
• unsatisfied judgment resulting from the negligent operation of a motor vehicle
• purchasing or possessing any alcoholic beverage if 18-20 years old
• failure to comply with child support requirements
• driving a motor vehicle away from a gas station without paying for dispensed gas or diesel fuel
• failure to show evidence of financial responsibility to officer when involved in an accident or charged with a moving violation
• possession of a driver of five (5) or more grams of methamphetamine

If you are under 18 years old, you can lose your license for the following:

• convictions of any drug or alcohol offense, whether or not the offense occurred while driving
• dropping out of school (defined as having ten consecutive of fifteen total days in a semester of unexcused absences)
• failure to make satisfactory progress in school (which in general means passing three subjects per grading period)
• weapons violations

It is important to realize that commercial motor vehicle operators have separate rules and regulations regarding their commercial drivers licenses (CDL’S). These separate rules and regulations govern how CDL might be revoked or suspended. If you are cited with a moving violation or speeding in the East Tennessee area, contact a Tennessee traffic citation lawyer. Our traffic citation lawyers handle speeding tickets and other moving violations in Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Newport, Sevierville, Jefferson County, Maryville, Johnson City, Greenville, Bristol, Morristown, Kingsport, and Chattanooga.

Tennessee Speeding Ticket Attorneys understand that Tennessee law is designed to make our roads and highways safe. Speeding is a concern for lawmakers and law enforcement officials statewide. The police officers throughout Tennessee do the best job they can to enforce these laws for public safety. What should you do when you receive a speeding ticket in Tennessee? Most people simply pay the Tennessee Speeding Ticket through the mail, but this could be more expensive down the road.

Tennessee Speeding Ticket Attorneys understand that the facts and circumstances surrounding each speeding citation are different. Whenever you pay your ticket through the mail, you are essentially pleading guilty to the offense of speeding. This may cause your annual insurance rates to go up depending upon your insurance coverage. The increase of payments to your insurance company over time may be much more expensive than the cost of the paying the speeding ticket.

If you are convicted of a traffic offense, points may also be applied to your license. If enough points accrue, your license could be suspended. Transportation in today’s society seems to be a necessity, instead of a privilege. It is important to have a license for work, grocery shopping, and almost every basic activity, especially in rural areas. In addition, a speeding ticket can be devastating if you have a commercial license. Companies are increasingly letting go drivers who speed and receive traffic tickets.

An experienced Tennessee Traffic Attorney can help Tennessee drivers reach the best resolution for their speeding ticket or other traffic violation. Before you simply pay the traffic ticket through the mail, consider the consequences associated with simply paying the ticket.

Tennessee traffic lawyers can help you organize and present your defense to any traffic–related charge. Whether it be a citation for speeding, reckless driving, no insurance, operating a vehicle without a license, driving while revoked, driving while suspended, or an arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), if you are seeking legal representation, allow Tennessee traffic attorneys the opportunity to assist you throughout the judicial process.

We can help negotiate on your behalf so that you can avoid points on your license, increased insurance premiums, and loss of your driving privileges. Even if this is your first traffic citation or speeding ticket, it is important to contact a Tennessee traffic lawyer before paying your ticket. In many instances, it is important to have a lawyer at your initial court appearance. Adequate time is needed to investigate the specific facts of your case, and to allow your attorney to prepare your defense.

Tennessee traffic lawyers frequently represent out-of-state residents who have been cited for traffic violations on I-40 or I-75. It can be burdensome to travel back to Tennessee to appear in court or to obtain counsel. In most cases, we can handle certain citations without the need for your appearance.

Tennessee traffic attorneys represent clients charged with DUI's, speeding tickets, reckless driving, operating without insurance and other traffic violations throughout East Tennessee. Contact our office for a free initial consultation about your particular situation. Our attorneys handle speeding tickets and other moving violations in the East Tennessee area including Knoxville, Newport, Sevierville, Morristown, Maryville, Gatlinburg, and Pigeon Forge.

Tennessee traffic attorneys provide the aggressive representation you need to win your case. Our firm handles traffic-related matters including speeding ticket defense and other moving violations. If you have received a speeding ticket in Sevier County, Knox County, Blount County, Hamblen County, Cocke, County, Grainger County, McMinn County, Roane County, or Greene County, contact a Tennessee traffic lawyer.

A simple traffic citation can have significant consequences. You want to protect your rights, but suppose you can't make the court date and you don't know what to do. Tennessee Traffic attorneys have been helping drivers with commercial driver's licenses (CDL’s) and standard driver's licenses fight traffic tickets in the East Tennessee area. We provide representation in the following areas:

• CDL and Trucker Violations: Your livelihood depends on your ability to drive. Don't let a traffic violation lead to a suspended license.
• Speeding Tickets: If you simply pay the fine, you are essentially pleading guilty and will be subject to future headaches. Your insurance may skyrocket while your employability diminishes.
• Traffic Warrants: Contact an attorney before you get arrested during a warrant roundup.
• Out-of-State Drivers: Our firm frequently represents out-of-state drivers who were pulled over in Tennessee, and those who are unable to represent themselves.
• What to Expect in Court: Our firm can help you through every step of the traffic violation proceedings, so you understand your options.
• Non-Traffic Violations: If you have been ticketed for additional misdemeanor offenses, such as possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, driving on a revoked license, or other related offenses, we can help.

Tennessee traffic citation lawyers help you fight to keep your license and keep your insurance rates down. Our attorneys understand the challenges you face and the options you have available. We may be able to appear in court on your behalf, so you don't have to. Contact our firm today for a free initial consultation about your particular citation. Our firm handles traffic offenses in Knoxville, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Maryville, Newport, Loudon, and Morristown.

Tennessee Traffic Lawyers know how important a clean driving record can be. If you receive a moving traffic violation, you risk losing your drivers license, paying high fines, and steep increases in your insurance premiums. In some extreme cases, you could even face the possibility of jail time. Our Tennessee traffic citation attorneys handle all types of moving violations in the Knoxville, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg area.

Not only can you lose points for speeding, you can lose points for all moving traffic violations. All drivers start out with zero points on your driving record. You can not get 12 points placed on you license within a 12 month period. If you do, then you risk your license being suspended. It is important to realize that not all moving traffic violations are valued the same. How many points that will be applied toward your license depends upon the nature of the offense. The following list displays how many points a moving traffic violation will cost you towards your Tennessee license.

Following emergency vehicle unlawfully (2 points)
Failure to signal change of vehicle direction (2 points)
Failure to maintain control or improper control (3 points)
Operating without being licensed (3 points)
Operating without license required for type of vehicle being operated (3 points)
Speed less than posted minimum (3 points)
Making improper turn (3 points)
Following improperly (3 points)
Violation of bumper law (4 points)
Careless or negligent driving (4 points)
Failing to yield right of way (4 points)
Wrong way, side, or direction (4 points)
Improper passing – Passing where prohibited (4 points)
Signs and control devices – Failure to obey traffic instructions (4 points)
Leaving the scene of an accident (property damage only) (5 points)
Fleeing law enforcement officer (6 points)
1st Offense violation of driver license restrictions (6 points)
Passing school bus taking on or discharging passengers (6 points)
Reckless driving (6 points)
Adult driving while impaired (8 points)
Reckless endangerment by vehicle – misdemeanor (8 points)
Driving while license canceled (8 points)
Operating without being licensed (8 points)
No license for type of vehicle being operated (under suspension) (8 points)

If you receive a moving traffic violation in Tennessee, you should understand the consequences of a guilty plea and how that plea will affect your license. A drivers license is important. People that lose them have difficulty obtaining a new license. If you receive a moving traffic violation, contact a Tennessee Traffic Citation lawyer. Our lawyers help with traffic problems in Knoxville, Sevierville, Newport, Maryville, and Jefferson City.

Tennessee Traffic Lawyers know how important a clean driving record can be. If you receive a moving traffic violation, you risk losing your drivers license, paying high fines, and steep increases in your insurance premiums. In some extreme cases, you could even face the possibility of jail time. Our Tennessee traffic citation attorneys handle all types of moving violations in the East Tennessee area.

You will accrue points on your driving record based upon the traffic violation committed. Points can be added for moving traffic violations, speeding, accidents, and certain criminal offenses. Some offenses are more serious and your license can be suspended or revoked if you commit one or more of the serious offenses. Our office frequently defends clients charged or cited with:

• Speeding excessively
• DUI
• Driving on revoked
• Driving on suspended
• Reckless driving
• Improper passing
• Following to closely
• Driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL
• Driving a CMV without a CDL in the driver’s possession
• Log book violations
• Move-over-law

If you receive a moving violation, be careful before you simply pay the fine. You should understand that paying the fine means that you are essentially pleading guilty to the offense. Contact one of our Tennessee speeding ticket lawyers if you have been cited or charged with a traffic violation in Knoxville, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Newport, Maryville, Morristown, Jefferson City, and Dandridge.

Tennessee Speeding Ticket Lawyers understand that Tennessee law enforcement officers use traffic citations to help keep our roadways safe; but receiving a traffic citation can have lasting consequences for Tennessee drivers. Some of the more common traffic citations in Tennessee include:

• Driving Without a License
• Driving Without Registration
• Driving Without Insurance
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident
• Mechanical Violations
• Reckless Driving
• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign
• Seat Belt / Child Restraint Violations
• Speeding

Mailing a traffic citation payment may seem like the easiest answer for many drivers. Paying the traffic citation, however, means that a Tennessee driver will automatically be convicted of the offense. A conviction can mean paying a fine and/or court costs, increased car insurance premiums, probation, points added to your driving record and even suspension of your driver's license. The Tennessee Department of Safety Traffic Violation Points System means that a Tennessee driver can accumulate between 1 to 8 points on his or her driver’s license for a speeding ticket. If a Tennessee driver accumulates 12 points in one year, that driver may face license suspension.

Many Tennessee drivers faced with traffic citations find that an experienced Tennessee traffic attorney may help them reach the best resolution for their situation. By contacting a Tennessee traffic attorney, drivers can review their individual cases and receive assistance and advice that will help control the impact of their traffic citation. If you receive a speeding ticket in Tennessee, contact one of our speeding ticket attorneys today. All initial consultations are free.

Tennessee Traffic citation lawyers help with all types of driver license problems. It is important for drivers to realize that they should be insured when driving. If not, you could be cited for violating Tennessee’s financial responsibility law under certain circumstances. The purpose of the law is to promote safety and to protect innocent members of the public from the negligence of motorists on the roads and highways.

Drivers in Tennessee involved in certain accidents regardless of fault, or cited with a moving violation within the terms of the statute, are required to show financial responsibility. According to Tennessee law, financial responsibility means:

• Documentation, such as the declaration page of an insurance policy, an insurance binder, or an insurance card from an insurance company authorized to do business in Tennessee, stating that a policy of insurance meeting the requirements of the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977 has been issued; or
• A certificate, valid for one year, issued by the commissioner of safety, stating that a cash deposit or bond in the amount required by the Tennessee Financial Responsibility Law of 1977 has been paid or filed with the commissioner, or has qualified as a self-insurer under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-111; or
• The motor vehicle being operated at the time of the violation was owned by a carrier subject to the jurisdiction of the department of safety or the interstate commerce commission, or was owned by the United States, this state or any political subdivision thereof, and that such motor vehicle was being operated with the owner's consent. Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-12-139.

A violation of the financial responsibility law in Tennessee is a Class C misdemeanor and could result in the suspension of your license. If you are cited with financial responsibility, contact a Tennessee Traffic citation lawyer. Tennessee traffic citation attorneys handle speeding tickets and other moving violations in the Knoxville, Sevierville, Dandridge, Newport, Maryville and Pigeon Forge areas.

Tennessee speeding ticket lawyers know that most people who have been charged with a traffic violation simply pay the fine. These individuals move forward with their lives, not knowing the full impact of paying the speeding ticket or other traffic violation. Whenever you pay a speeding ticket or other traffic violation, you are essentially pleading guilty to the offense. This may hurt your driving record, insurance rates, and ultimately your wallet.

If you drive a company vehicle, your employer may become nervous about lending you the company car. If you dive commercially for a living, a speeding ticket can be devastating. CDL holders should be aware that your license is subject to suspension for sixty days following a conviction of two serious traffic violations within a three year period while driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle. The federal government has really cracked down on commercial drivers, and many people lose their jobs after two serious violations.

If you contact a Tennessee speeding ticket attorney, we may be able to help you keep your ticket off of your record. No lawyer can guarantee results. However, we have successfully defended many commercial and noncommercial drivers charged with the following traffic violations:

• Speeding
• Following Too Closely
• Improper Lane Change
• Disregarding Stop Sign
• Tennessee’s “Move-Over” Violations
• Reckless Driving
• Driving on Suspended
• Driving on Revoked
• DUI
• Implied Consent
• CDL Violations
• Juvenile Traffic Defense

If you have been charged with speeding, or any other moving violation in the East Tennessee area, contact a traffic attorney. All initial consultations are free. If you are not from the East Tennessee area, we may be able to go to court on your behalf so that you won’t have to. Our traffic lawyers work in the following cities: Knoxville, Sevierville, Newport, Dandridge, Morristown, Maryville, Loudon, Alcoa, Johnson City, Madisonville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Bristol.

Tennessee traffic citation attorneys understand how important a good driving record can be. A speeding ticket or moving traffic violation causes headaches for you no matter who you are, and no matter what your financial situation. If you are cited with speeding, contact a Tennessee traffic lawyer.

All states have different rules pertaining to how a speeding ticket affects your driving record. The Tennessee Department of Safety established The Driver Improvement Section to monitor the driving records of Tennessee drivers. Adult drivers start out with twelve points on their license. If a Tennessee driver accumulates twelve or more points on his driving record within any one-year period, then his or her license is subject to suspension.

Tickets issued in other states may affect your driving record in your home state depending upon the circumstances. If you believe that a citation you received in East Tennessee will hurt your driving record in your home state, contact a Tennessee traffic attorney.

Tennessee traffic attorneys help fight to keep your drivers license clean and legal. We have helped clients from all over the country resolve their traffic problems. Our firm handles traffic citations in Knoxville, Loudon, Newport, Sevierville, Maryville, and Jefferson County.

Tennessee speeding ticket defense attorneys know that receiving a traffic violation in East Tennessee can be frustrating, especially if you are not from this area. No one likes to be traveling away from home and receive an unfamiliar speeding ticket. The last thing vacationers want is a speeding ticket or moving violation! If you are from out-of-state, it seems convenient to simply pay the ticket, or just throw it away.

East Tennessee has two major interstates, I-40 and I75. These interstates seem to be constantly under construction. Tennessee speeding ticket attorneys know that the police love to give tickets in construction zones. The police heavily monitor these areas to protect road workers. Our lawyers know that many of these areas are not clearly marked. If you are unfamiliar with the roads, you may not have realized you were traveling in a construction zone. Although every state values citations differently, being cited in a construction zone typically accrues large points towards your driving record.

If you receive a speeding ticket or moving violation in the East Tennessee area, contact a Tennessee speeding ticket attorney. Our lawyers routinely help out-of-state clients with the following traffic problems:

• Speeding
• Construction zone violations
• DUI
• Driving on revoked
• Driving on suspended
• Move-Over Violations
• CDL tickets
• Log book violations

Our Speeding ticket attorneys know that if pay the fine, you are essentially pleading guilty to speeding. This can cause your insurance to go up, and can cause points on your license. If you throw the ticket away, your license may become suspended in your home state. If you are from out-of-state, we may be able to go to court on your behalf so you won’t half to. Contact a Tennessee speeding ticket attorney for more information. All initial consultations are free. Our attorneys work in the following counties: Sevier, Knox, Blount, Anderson, Loudon, Cocke, Anderson, Grainger, Jefferson, Greene, Sullivan, Roane, Washington, and Monroe.

Knoxville traffic attorneys know how frustrating receiving an unexpected ticket through the mail can be. The city of Knoxville has installed cameras in certain red lights throughout the city to catch light-runners. The red light cameras were installed to promote safety on Knoxville’s roadways.

These fully automated devices collect all of the evidence authorities need to prosecute you if you are caught. If a camera catches you speeding through the intersection, you can expect a ticket (and usually a photograph of the violation) to arrive in your mailbox sometime in the near future. According to the City of Knoxville’s website, the following are locations throughout Knoxville containing red light cameras as of April 2007:

• Alcoa Highway at Kingston Pike
• Henley at Cumberland
• Henley at Main
• Henley at Western/Summit Hill
• Clinton Highway at Merchants
• Clinton Highway at Tillery
• Kingston Pike at Morrell
• Kingston Pike at Papermill
• Cedar Bluff at I-40
• Cedar Bluff at N. Peters
• Lovell Road at I-40
• Broadway at I-640
• Chapman at Greene
• Chapman at Moody
• Chapman at Young High
• Being considered: Broadway at Adair

There are complaints associated with these red light cameras. Many times, recipients of tickets are not notified sufficiently. These tickets are generally sent out via first class mail. There is no guarantee that the accused motorists will even receive the ticket. If the motorist receives the ticket, there is no guarantee that the accused individual will even understand the ticket, or know how to respond to it. If someone doesn’t pay, it is assumed that he or she refused to pay intentionally.

In addition, there is typically no identification of who drove the vehicle. Instead, the vehicle owner is mailed the ticket regardless of whether the owner was driving the vehicle. The vehicle owner is forced to prove his or her innocence, often by identifying the actual diver who might be a family member, friend or employee.

If you receive a red light ticket, or any type of moving violation in the Knoxville area, contact a Tennessee traffic lawyer. Our lawyers fight speeding tickets and other moving and non-moving violations throughout East Tennessee including Knox County, Cocke County, Jefferson County, Loudon, and Hamblen County.

Our Tennessee attorneys understand that receiving a citation for reckless driving can have long-term implications for Tennessee drivers. In the experience of our Tennessee traffic citation attorneys, a charge of reckless driving can increase insurance rates and can even affect driving privileges. If you’ve been charged with reckless driving, consulting an experienced Tennessee attorney can help you understand your legal options and resolve your situation in the best way possible.

According to Tennessee law, any person who drives a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property commits reckless driving. Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-205. In the experience of our Tennessee attorneys, willful or wanton disregard for safety must be determined from all the circumstances of the situation. Our Tennessee attorneys know that a conviction for reckless driving can be maintained for speed alone. However, driving at a high speed is not automatically sufficient to sustain a conviction for reckless driving.

In addition, a person commits reckless driving who drives a motorcycle with the front tire raised off the ground in willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property on any public street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway, or on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park, apartment house complex, or any other premises that are generally frequented by the public at large; provided, that the offense of reckless driving for driving a motorcycle with the front tire raised off the ground shall not be applicable to persons riding in a parade, at a speed not to exceed thirty miles per hour (30 mph), if the person is eighteen years of age or older. Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-205.

Reckless driving is a Class B misdemeanor and can be punishable by imprisonment of up to six months and fine of five hundred dollars ($500.00). In the experience of our Tennessee attorneys, the implications of a reckless driving citation can have consequences beyond the initial sentence. The Tennessee Department of Safety maintains a Driver Improvement Program to monitor Tennessee driving records. Every time a Tennessee driver is convicted of a traffic violation that driver is assigned a specific number of points. A Tennessee citation for reckless driving accumulates six points on the driver’s license. Any driver who accumulates twelve or more points on their license within one year faces proceedings which may lead to suspension of driving privileges. If you are convicted of two reckless driving charges within one year, you are subject to having your license suspended. Additionally, Tennessee drivers convicted of a reckless driving charge may face dramatic increases in their automobile insurance rates.

If you are facing a charge of reckless driving in Tennessee, it’s important for you to understand the long-term implications of a conviction. A Tennessee attorney can help you deal with your legal options and bring your situation to the best resolution possible for you and your family. Our office handles not only reckless driving charges, but all moving violations, speeding tickets, and traffic citations in the East Tennessee area. If you are charged with reckless driving, contact a Tennessee traffic attorney. Our lawyers assist clients with these charges and citations in Knoxville, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Newport, Maryville, Johnson City, Morristown, and Loudon.

Tennessee traffic citation attorneys realize that the State of Tennessee upped the ante on traffic violations involving emergency vehicles. The Move Over Law is part of the Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicles Law. Tennessee drivers were already required to move to the right side of the road when an emergency vehicle approached before the enactment of the Move Over Law.

The Move Over Law affects cars that are approaching stopped emergency vehicles, police vehicles and authorized towing or road maintenance vehicles with flashing lights. When cars are approaching these stopped vehicles, the cars must yield the right of way and change lanes to move away from the vehicles. If cars cannot change lanes, the cars must slow down. The law is intended to protect state troopers and other officials who work on the side of the roadway.

According to Tennessee law, upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of the applicable laws of this state, or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only:

• The driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection, and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer; and
• Upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle, as above stated, the operator of every streetcar shall immediately stop such car clear of any intersection and keep it in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.

Upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, when such vehicle is giving a signal by use of flashing lights, a person who drives an approaching vehicle shall:

• Proceeding with due caution, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the authorized emergency vehicle, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, if on a highway having at least four lanes with not less than two lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle; or
• Proceeding with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe.

Upon approaching a stationary recovery vehicle or a highway maintenance vehicle, when such vehicle is giving a signal by use of authorized flashing lights, a person who drives an approaching vehicle shall:

• Proceeding with due caution, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the stationary recovery vehicle or the highway maintenance vehicle, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, if on a highway having at least four lanes with not less than two lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle; or
• Proceeding with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe. Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-8-132 (2007).

A violation of the Move Over Law is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars, or imprisonment not greater than thirty days, or both. If you have been cited with violating the Move Over Law, contact a traffic citation attorney. Our lawyers handle speeding tickets and other moving violations in Knoxville, Sevierville, Newport, Loudon, Johnson City, Greenville, and Maryville.

Knoxville criminal defense attorneys realize how important it is for your Tennessee driver license to be valid. Once you are declared an HMVO (Habitual Motor Vehicle Offender), your driving privileges are automatically revoked and you are not allowed to drive while the court order remains in effect. It is important to contact a Knoxville HMVO lawyer to minimize the risk of losing your license. A routine trip to the grocery, work, or school becomes inconvenient for your friends and family. No license to operate any motor vehicle in Tennessee can be issued for at least three years from the entry date of the order finding someone as an HMVO.

According to Tennessee law, Habitual offender means any person convicted of three offenses listed below within a five year period or five offenses within a ten year period:

• Voluntary manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle;
• Vehicular homicide;
• Involuntary manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle;
• Vehicular assault;
• Violation of meeting or overtaking school buses;
• Violation of the duty to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death;
• Violation of the duty to stop at the scene of an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle driven or attended by any person;
• DUI;
• Aggravated vehicular homicide;
• Adult driving while impaired;
• Reckless driving;
• Drag racing;
• Evading arrest in a motor vehicle;
• Reckless endangerment by use of a motor vehicle; or
• Driving on a cancelled, suspended or revoked license if the underlying offense resulting in such cancellation, suspension or revocation is any of the above offenses. Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-603 (2007).

If you are found guilty of driving while HMVO, the offense is punishable as a Class E felony. Class E felonies are punishable by imprisonment of 1 to 6 years and a fine not to exceed $3,000.00. If you or someone you know is charged with driving while HMVO, contact a Knoxville HMVO lawyer. Our Tennessee attorneys handle these charges in Knoxville, Newport, Maryville, Loudon, Morristown, Johnson City, Bristol, Greeneville, and Kingsport.

Tennessee traffic ticket attorneys help motorists with their moving and non-moving violations. Our traffic lawyers handle everything from parking tickets to license suspension hearings. If you have a CDL, it is important for you to realize that certain violations may cost you your CDL license.

According to federal law, a driver will lose his CDL if he has two serious traffic violations within a three-year period while operating a CMV (commercial motor vehicle).
Serious traffic offenses include the following:

• Speeding excessively, involving any speed of 15 mph or more above the posted speed limit;
• Driving recklessly, as defined by State or local law or regulation, including but not limited to, offenses of driving a motor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property;
• Making improper or erratic traffic lane changes;
• Following the vehicle ahead too closely;
• Violating State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control (other than a parking violation) arising in connection with a fatal accident;
• Driving a CMV without obtaining a CDL;
• Driving a CMV without a CDL in the driver’s possession.

If you are charged with speeding or any other traffic related offense, contact a traffic citation lawyer. Our office handles these cases in Knoxville, Maryville, Newport, Johnson City, Sevierville, Morristown, and Greenville.