Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

The validity of traffic stops is a frequently contested issue in Tennessee criminal law, and with good reason. In many cases, it is the act of initiating a traffic stop that leads to charges of driving under the influence, simple possession, possession with intent to distribute, and many others. The United States and Tennessee Constitutions protect drivers from unreasonable searches and seizures, which has basically been interpreted in Tennessee to mean that a police officer must have “reasonable suspicion,” to believe the vehicle or its occupants are involved in criminal activity in order to stop the vehicle. Such suspicion can be provided by many different circumstances, such as the driver violating a traffic ordinance or driving suspiciously in some cases.

In State v. Brotherton, the Court will decide if a police officer had reasonable suspicion to stop the defendant’s vehicle based on the fact that the taillight was not in “good condition” because it was projecting a glaring or dazzling light. In this case, the defendant had broken the taillight and attempted to repair it with red repair tape. The intermediate appellate court held that the taillight was in proper working condition in that it provided proper warning and safety measures to other motorists and thus was in “good condition.” Thus, it held that the officer did not have probable cause for the stop. As such, the stop would have been illegal and any evidence of criminal activity uncovered during the stop would probably be suppressed.

Continue reading "State Supreme Court to Look at Traffic Stop Issue" »

For the tenth time, a Tennessee man has been arrested for driving on a revoked license. Police pulled the man over after seeing him cross the center line last Friday. During the traffic stop, the man decided that if he just drove away really fast he might not get a ticket. A high-speed chase ensued, leading police across two counties and reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. The man eventually pulled over and surrendered to police. The charges against him include driving with a revoked license.

T.C.A. section 55-50-504 makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle on a public roadway with a suspended, cancelled, or revoked license. The first offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail. A second or subsequent offense under this statute is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to eleven months and twenty-nine days in jail.

Continue reading "Tennessee Man Arrested for Driving with Revoked License for the Tenth Time" »

A man from Clinton, Tennessee died this past Wednesday night after a car struck him as he was crossing the street in Lexington, Kentucky. Police are still searching for the driver, who fled the scene. This is a classic and tragic example of what is known as a hit-and-run. From both a criminal law and injury law standpoint, commission of a hit-and-run is one of the absolute worst decisions that someone can make while driving a vehicle. The personal injury consequences are discussed in today’s blog on www.tennesseeinjurylawyerblog.com while this article deals with the criminal consequences of a hit-and-run.

A hit-and-run can give rise to a number of criminal offenses, the most serious of which is vehicular homicide (assuming the hit-and-run was not planned beforehand). T.C.A. section 39-13-213 defines vehicular homicide in the following manner:

• (a) Vehicular homicide is the reckless killing of another by the operation of an automobile, airplane, motorboat or other motor vehicle, as the proximate result of:
  
  1. Conduct creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to a person;
  
  
  2. The driver's intoxication, as set forth in section 55-10-401. For the purposes of this section, “intoxication” includes alcohol intoxication as defined by section 55-10- 408, drug intoxication, or both; or
  
  
  3. As the proximate result of conduct constituting the offense of drag racing as prohibited by title 55, chapter 10, part 5.

Continue reading "Hit-and-Run Kills Tennessee Man" »

There comes a time in every driver’s life when the light turns yellow at the worst possible moment and the decision has to be made: keep going or slam on the brakes. The root of the problem in this situation is that it is hard to calculate in a split-second whether or not the failure to stop will constitute running a red light and lead to a possible citation. Having to make this decision is frustrating and usually boils down to whether or not the driver thinks a policeman may be nearby. The Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals recently heard a case that may shed some light on this vehicular vexation.

In a case styled State v. Mowery, the Court of Criminal Appeals was faced with the question of whether or not the defendant was guilty of failing to obey a traffic signal under Tenn. Code Ann. Section 55-8-110(a)(1) where he had entered the intersection to turn left when the light was green, properly yielded to oncoming traffic, and then turned left when the way was clear although the light facing him had already turned red. The court held that the turn was legal unless there was some sort of signage at the intersection that prohibited the turn, which in this case, there was not.

Continue reading "Court of Criminal Appeals Clarifies Rules of the Road" »

Just last week while driving in the middle lane on I-40, a police officer blew right by me going approximately 80 mph. He was not operating his blue lights or his sirens. Suffice it to say, driving at high rates of speed is unlawful even for emergency vehicles when not operating emergency equipment. It is also unlawful to text while driving—at least for the general public. And yes, while speeding, this officer seemed to be texting. The tail-tell signs: both hands resting at bottom of steering wheel grasping a small mechanical device, head directed downward.

But the new Tennessee traffic violation law does not apply to police officers. On April 23, 2009, the Senate adopted certain amendments to the text messaging law and passed Senate Bill 393, which, as amended, specified that the bill does not apply to officers of the state, or of any county, city or town, charged with the enforcement of the laws of the state, when in the actual discharge of their official duties.

Continue reading "Texting While Driving Unlawful in Tennessee, Except for Law Enforcement Officers and Emergency Personnel" »

As gas prices increase across the country, drivers in Tennessee should be mindful that in Tennessee, a person convicted of theft can lose the privilege to drive if the theft involved pumping gasoline at a gas station into the person's vehicle and driving away without paying for it. If you forgot to "Pay at the Pump," contact our Tennessee theft attorneys for a free case consultation. It is important to note that out-of-state drivers are not immune from the driver license suspension. Courts in Tennessee can suspend out-of-state licensed drivers non-resident driving privileges and will propmtly notify the resident's state licensing officials upon suspension.

In addition to the fine and imprisonment authorized by law for the particular theft offense, a judge may suspend the driver license of a first-time offender for up to six months. For second offenders and subsequent offenders, the license suspension is mandatory. For second offenders, the judge shall suspend the person's driver license for a six-month period. Repeat offenders, if convicted of three or more theft offenses for a gasoline drive-off, will have their driver license suspended for one year. For purposes of driver license suspension, there is no distinction between misdemeanor or felony theft of gasoline; all persons convicted of "drive off" gasoline theft are subject to driver license suspension.

If you have been charged with theft in connection with a gasoline "drive off" or other theft offense, contact our experienced Tennessee criminal defense attorneys. Our office has successfully represented individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony theft offenses.

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 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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 Traffic Attorneys know that on June 26, 2008, the Tennessee Highway Patrol kicked off the campaign known as “100 Days of Summer H.E.A.T.” H.E.A.T. actually stands for “Highway Enforcement of Aggressive Traffic.” If you believe that you are seeing more Trooper activity on Tennessee’s roadways this summer, you are correct. The Governor’s Highway Safety Office received a grant that allows nearly 500 overtime hours to be spent monitoring alcohol-related offenses, speeding, and seat belt violations – three major causes of vehicle-related fatalities.

It is important for motorists to be aware of this aggressive campaign. Troopers across the state will be handing out an increased number of traffic citations – which can lighten your wallet and put points on your driving record. If you receive a speeding ticket or other traffic citation this summer, contact a Tennessee Traffic Lawyer. Our traffic lawyers can explain your options and the implications of simply paying the fine. If you are charged with an alcohol-related offense or serious traffic violation, you could be facing jail time and loss of your driving license among other penalties. Tennessee Traffic Attorney’s handle:

DUI;
Implied Consent Violations;
Speeding Tickets;
Move Over Violations;
Commercial Driving Infractions;
Reckless Driving;
Failure to Stop;
Failure to Yield;
Evading Arrest; and
Driving While Revoked; Suspended; or Cancelled;

If you are from nearby states like North Carolina, our Traffic Attorneys may be able to go to court on your behalf. This saves you the expense of traveling back to Tennessee and possibly taking a day off work. Contact a Tennessee Traffic Lawyer for a free consultation. Our firm has offices in Knoxville and Sevierville. We have successfully defended clients in Cocke County, Knox County, Sevier County, Hamblen County, Jefferson County, Blount County, Greene County, and Washington County.

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 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 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 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 citation attorneys help CDL holders from across the nation with their speeding and moving violations committed in East Tennessee. Our attorneys understand that today’s truckers in America are heavily regulated at both the federal and state level. These regulations may be confusing, especially since CDL holders travel throughout so many jurisdictions with different rules.

The state and federal legislature regulate the trucking industry heavily for safety reasons. If the vehicle needs a CDL driver to be legal, it is either heavy or transporting something dangerous. It is important that the drivers of these types of vehicles be cautious drivers. The heavier the vehicle, the more dangerous any accident might be.

Federal law mandates that a person must have a CDL to operate any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. In addition, a driver must have his CDL if a trailer with a GVWR of more than 10,000 pounds if the gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is 26,001 pounds or more. Any size vehicle that transports certain hazardous materials placards must also have a CDL driver. CDL holders lose more points on their Tennessee license compared to Class D drivers for similar violations. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety, the following schedule of moving violations applies to commercial vehicles:

• Reckless driving . . .7 points
• Improper passing . . . 4 points
• Improper or erratic lane change . . . 5 points
• Following improperly . . . 4 points
• Careless or negligent driving . . . 5 points
• Failure to obey traffic instructions . . . 4 points
• Wrong way, side or direction . . . 4 points
• Failure to yield right of way . . . 4 points
• Making improper turn . . . 4 points
• Failure to signal direction . . . 3 points
• Passing stopped school, church, or youth bus taking on or discharging passengers . . . 6 points
• Following emergency vehicle unlawfully . . . 3 points
• Speed less than posted minimum . . . 4 points
• Miscellaneous traffic violations . . . 3 points
• Failure to yield to emergency vehicles . . . 6 points
• Failure to stop at a railroad crossing . . . 8 points

Tennessee traffic citation attorneys understand that collectively, driving commercially is an integral element of American modern industry. If you have a CDL and are cited with speeding or a moving traffic violation, contact a Tennessee traffic lawyer. Our office handles these types of cases in Knoxville, Sevierville, Alcoa, Maryville, Newport, Dandridge, Johnson City, Greenville, Morristown, and Bristol.

Tennessee traffic citation attorneys handle traffic related problems from people of all ages. In 2001, Tennessee initiated a graduated driver license program for those under the age of 18. Motor vehicle crashes are a major cause of death for people aged 15 to 18. The purpose of this program was to incrementally teach young drivers how to drive by guiding their progression toward unrestricted driving.

The way that this program works is that there are 4 stages involved in obtaining the unrestricted Class D license. First, the young driver must obtain a learner permit by passing a standard exam and visual tests. In order to qualify for the learner permit, the applicant must be at least 15 years old. Someone at least 21 years old with a valid driver license must always sit in the front seat. The learner permit may only be used between the hours of 6 A.M. and 10 P.M., and all passengers between ages 4-17 are required to wear a seat belt. The applicant must have the learner permit for 180 days before applying for an intermediate restricted license, the next stage of this program.

There are two intermediate license levels. First, is the intermediate restricted license. In order to qualify, the applicant must be 16 years old and pass another driving test. The driver can not have 6 points on his or her driving record during the immediate 180 days preceding the application. The applicant must have verification from a parent, legal guardian, or driving instructor stating that the applicant has undergone 50 hours of driving experience including ten hours of night time driving. Once the intermediate restricted license is issued, all passenger between the ages of 4-17 are required to wear a seat belt. Those with an intermediate license can only have one other passenger in the vehicle, but there are exceptions to this rule. Those with an intermediate license are prohibited from driving between the hours of 11 P.M and 6 A.M., but there are exceptions here as well.

The intermediate unrestricted license is the next step in the graduated program. To qualify for this license, the applicant must be at least 17 years old and have held an intermediate restricted license for one year. The applicant must not have accumulated more than 6 points on the driving record; had a traffic accident that was his or her fault; or have two seatbelt violations.

The final level of the graduated program is the regular driver license. An applicant may obtain a Class D license when he or she is 18 years old, or upon graduating from high-school or obtaining the GED. Speeding tickets, moving violations, certain non-moving violations, and accidents will reduce the time in obtaining a Class D license for minors. If you receive a traffic citation, contact a Tennessee traffic attorney. Tennessee traffic attorneys can help you hold or obtain your license. Our office handles speeding tickets and other traffic citations in Cocke County, Newport, Sevierville, Knoxville, Maryville, Morristown, and Dandridge.

Tennessee homicide attorneys provide aggressive representation for clients charged with any of the eight homicide offenses recognized in Tennessee. The penalty for any homicide crime is significant. Tennessee homicide lawyers understand how important these charges are and will fight for you at every stage of the legal proceeding.

Many negative connotations are associated with the word homicide. Not all homicides are committed with malicious intent. This is often the case in vehicular homicide cases. According to Tennessee law, vehicular homicide is the reckless killing of another by the operation of an automobile, airplane, motorboat or other motor vehicle, as the proximate result of:

• Conduct creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to a person;
• As the proximate result of conduct constituting the offense of drag racing; or
• By the driver's intoxication. Intoxication includes alcohol intoxication, drug intoxication, or both.

Vehicular homicide under the first two bullets is considered to be a Class C felony. Vehicular homicide under the last bullet is a Class B felony. Not only does the accused face jail time, the court will take away driving privileges if convicted of a vehicular homicide charge. The court shall prohibit a defendant convicted of vehicular homicide from driving a vehicle in Tennessee for no less than three years or more than ten years. Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-213 (2007).

Vehicular homicide can become aggravated in certain circumstances. Aggravated vehicular homicide is vehicular homicide, as discussed above where:

• The defendant has two or more prior convictions for:
A) DUI; B)Vehicular assault; C) or a combination of the two.
• The defendant has one or more prior convictions for the offense of vehicular homicide; or
• There was, at the time of the offense, .20% or more, by weight of alcohol in the defendant's blood and the defendant has one prior conviction for:
A) DUI; or B) Vehicular assault.

The term prior conviction here means an offense for which the defendant was convicted prior to the commission of the instant vehicular homicide and includes convictions occurring prior to July 1, 1996. The term prior conviction could also include convictions under the laws of another state, government, or country depending upon the circumstances.

Aggravated vehicular homicide is a serious charge in Tennessee. It is a Class A felony, the highest level of felonies. If you are charged with vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular homicide, or another homicide charge, contact a Tennessee homicide lawyer. Tennessee homicide attorneys assist clients in the Knoxville, Sevierville, Johnson City, Greenville, Maryville, Bristol, and Kingsport areas.

Tennessee traffic ticket attorneys help keep your license in good standing. Most drivers are going to receive a traffic citation at some point. Driving is one of those activities that people must do almost every day and it is important to keep your record clean. A conviction can add points to your drivers license and increase your insurance premiums.

Many people travel through the East Tennessee area. Gatlinburg is the gateway to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park (GSMNP), which boasts over nine million tourists annually and is the most visited park in the National Park System. Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are popular tourist destinations. Knoxville is a modern Appalachian city with two major interstates, I-40 and I-75, running through the heart of the city. With so many people visiting East Tennessee, speeding tickets and traffic citations will inevitably be given.

If you are from another state, be careful before leaving Tennessee without handling unpaid traffic citations. Tennessee takes unpaid traffic citations seriously. Tennessee is a member of the Non-Resident Violator Compact (NRVC). The purpose of the NRVC is to standardize methods used by different jurisdictions to process non-resident violators receiving citations, and their failure to appear or otherwise failure to comply with outstanding moving traffic summons.

The NRVC allows participating jurisdictions to inform each other's motor vehicle administrations when a resident of one jurisdiction did not comply with the citation’s terms. Once the home jurisdiction motor vehicle administrator receives notice of a resident’s citation noncompliance, the procedure for license suspension is initiated.

The NRVC forces motorists to appear in court to answer the citation or meet any other requirement the court mandates to satisfy the citation. A suspension will remain in effect until the court notifies Tennessee that the citation has been properly disposed of. If you have been charged with speeding or a moving traffic violation, contact a Tennessee traffic citation lawyer. Our office handles speeding tickets and other moving violations in the Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Newport, and Dandridge areas.

Tennessee traffic citation lawyers often help not only people from Tennessee, but citizens from across the country. Tennessee traffic citation lawyers handle speeding tickets and other moving violations in the Knoxville, Sevierville, Maryville, Newport, and Gatlinburg areas.

East Tennessee has a lot of traffic traveling through the area. Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Great Smokey Mountains National Park (GSMNP) are popular tourist destinations. The GSMNP boasts over nine million tourists annually and is the most visited park in the National Park System. In addition, Knoxville is a modern Appalachian city with I-40 and I-75 running through the heart of the city.

The United States Constitution gives every state certain inherent police powers. Part of the police power is to regulate the rules and regulations of the road as long as these regulations and rules do not violate, and are consistent with other constitutional provisions. The most common constitutional provisions that affect the police power are the Commerce Clause and the Supremacy Clause, but this list is certainly not exhaustive.

The states can regulate their own roads to a degree, and this includes the punishment for violating the regulations of the roads. This is why all states have different speed limits, penalties, and point systems. Some states have harsher penalties for speeding and other moving traffic violations than others. North Carolina drivers should be aware that their point system is different than the point system in Tennessee. If a North Carolina driver gets a speeding ticket in Tennessee, it could affect the North Carolina driving record.

The North Carolina license will be revoked for at least 30 days if the driver is convicted while:
• driving any vehicle more than 15 mph over the speed limit, if you are driving at a speed higher than 55 mph.

The North Carolina license will be taken for 60 days if the driver is convicted of:
• a second charge of speeding over 55 mph and more than 15 mph above the speed limit within one year; or
• speeding plus reckless driving on the same occasion.

The North Carolina DMV may suspend your license for:
• Two convictions of speeding over 55 mph during the same year;
• One conviction of speeding over 55 mph and one conviction of reckless driving within a year;
• A conviction of willful racing with another motor vehicle, whether it is pre-arranged or unplanned.
• A suspended court sentence or part of a sentence mandating that you must not operate a motor vehicle for a specified period of time; and/or
• A conviction for speeding over 75 mph.

Tennessee Speeding Ticket Lawyers have helped many North Carolina residents retain their North Carolina licenses for speeding and other moving traffic violations committed in Tennessee. Tennessee Speeding Ticket attorneys understand that your point system is different than the point system in Tennessee and will help fight for your rights. If you have been cited with speeding in East Tennessee, contact a Tennessee Speeding ticket attorney.

Tennessee traffic law attorneys help fight to keep your drivers license legal. Keeping your license legal is important because the penalties for driving on a revoked or suspended license are harsh. Once your license is lost, it is usually difficult to get back. Points continue to be applied toward your license even though you don’t have one. If a person is convicted of speeding with a revoked license, he or she loses points for the speeding and points for the driving on revoked. The wait to get your license reinstated becomes longer with each citation received. A person is basically forced to break the law once his or her license is taken.

The problem is that driving is a necessity in today’s society. Most parts of East Tennessee are rural and spread out. A person must drive in order to function normally and public transportation is inadequate. The public transportation system may not run the correct routes for all daily activities. It becomes a hassle to get groceries, go to work, take the kids to school, and conduct all normal activities of the day. Even if the public transportation system goes where you want to travel, the hours are inconvenient. Any type of public transportation late at night is usually out of the question in East Tennessee. Someone without a license can ask friends and family for rides, but this becomes an annoyance for everyone after time. People finally submit to the rational temptation of driving on a revoked license. This is when he or she gets caught and the time becomes longer for reinstatement of the legal license due to the harsh penalties associated with driving on a revoked.

The best way to avoid this rut is to keep your license legal in the first place. In the last two postings under the traffic laws tab, I discussed other ways that points can be applied toward your license. Points can accrue on your Tennessee license for moving traffic violations, speeding, and accidents. The following list displays how many points an accident in Tennessee will cost you:

• Contributing to occurrence of an accident resulting in property damage (3 points)
• Contributing to occurrence of an accident resulting in bodily injury (4 points)
• Failure to report accident (4 points)
• Contributing to occurrence of an accident resulting in the death of another person (8 points)

Accidents can be costly both in terms of money and points on your license. Points can add up quickly in accidents. Suppose someone traveling 16 m.p.h. over the speed limit is involved in a wreck that causes both bodily injury and property damage. It would cost this fictitious person 4 points for speeding, 4 points for the injury, and 3 points for the property, leaving only 1 point remaining on the license. Tennessee traffic attorneys handle all types of speeding, accident, and moving violations in the Knoxville, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge areas. Keep your license legal by contacting a Traffic lawyer.

Tennessee Lawyers understand that almost everyone who drives will speed at one time or another. There are very few drivers who can truthfully claim that they have never gone in excess of the speed limit during their lifetime. There are all types of different drivers on Tennessee’s roadways. Some drivers speed daily and never get caught. Others rarely speed and are normally cautious, but get an unlucky speeding ticket on a bad day. Drivers seem to know that a point system exist for driving behavior in Tennessee, but do not seem to know exactly what it is. So how does a speeding ticket affect your drivers license?

Tennessee follows the Problem Driver Pointer System program created by the federal government. Point systems are created to help monitor and promote safety on the road. The way it works in Tennessee is that all drivers start out with zero points on their driving record. You will accrue points on your driving record based upon the offense committed. Points may be charged toward your driving record for speeding, accidents, and moving traffic violations. The severity of the offense determines how many points will be added. If you gain 12 points within a 12 month period, then you should expect to receive a proposed suspension letter from the state. You will normally get a warning if you have 11 points applied toward your driving record. The following list displays how many points a speeding offense will cost you on your Tennessee license:

Where speed not indicated (3 points) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . construction zone (4 points)
1 thru 5 m.p.h. in excess of speed zone (1 point) . . . . . construction zone (2 points)
6 thru 15 m.p.h. in excess of speed zone (3 points) . . . construction zone (6 points)
16 thru 25 m.p.h. in excess of speed zone (4 points) . . construction zone (7 points)
26 thru 35 m.p.h. in excess of speed zone (5 points) . . . construction zone (7 points)
36 thru 45 m.p.h. in excess of speed zone (6 points) . . . construction zone (8 points)
46 m.p.h. and above in excess of speed zone (8 points). . construction zone (8 points)

If you receive a speeding ticket in Tennessee, 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 of speeding. You should expect that points will be charged according to the above chart. Our Tennessee speeding ticket lawyers handle speeding tickets in the Knoxville, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg area and can help provide a satisfactory resolution.

Tennessee Speeding Ticket Lawyers understand that the facts surrounding every speeding ticket case or other traffic violation is different. Our office handles speeding tickets in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, and Knoxville area. Speeding is a concern for lawmakers, law enforcement officials, and all motorists. An experienced Tennessee Traffic Attorney can help Tennessee drivers reach the best resolution for their speeding ticket or other traffic violation. People from out-of-town and locals alike receive tickets during large events like Tennessee football games or car shows.

Every year, thousands of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles come to the Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville area. These automobile enthusiasts make Sevier County home to numerous car shows and rod runs. The Spring Grand Rod Run is usually the kick-off event each year in April that starts a new car show season. This past weekend was the Shades of the past Rod Run. The Shades of the past Rod Run is usually held in early September of each year.

Every car show or rod run that comes to Sevier County is usually a success and a great experience for all, except for the heavy traffic. Businesses flourish as the local hotels begin to fill early in the week during event weeks. The area business parking lots are full by the weekend. Car shows bolster the local economy while tourists are able to enjoy our community.

These events go relatively smoothly except for the traffic along the parkway that becomes very congested. Anytime you have a large quantity of people confined to one location, law enforcement officials will be ready for all situations. They often hand out numerous traffic citations as a result.Before you simply pay the traffic citation or speeding ticket through the mail, consider the consequences associated with simply paying the ticket. This can cause your insurance to go up of put points on your license. Contact a Tennessee Speeding Ticket Attorney today for a free consultation about your specific case.