Traffic Violation Attorney in Bella Vista

Protecting Your Rights & Driving Privileges

Navigating traffic violations in Bella Vista, AR, can be daunting, but with a skilled traffic violation attorney by your side, you're not alone. From traffic tickets to more serious offenses, I bring years of experience and insight to help you secure the best possible outcomes. With my background as a former prosecutor, I understand both sides of the courtroom, empowering you with robust legal strategies tailored to your unique situation.

Attorney Cody Dowden's firm is committed to ensuring that your rights are upheld and your driving privileges preserved. My approach is grounded in thorough preparation, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to personalized defense strategies. Each case we handle is meticulously reviewed, ensuring all legal avenues are explored to potentially reduce or dismiss charges.

Let a seasoned traffic violation attorney in Bella Vista—and former prosecutor—fight to keep your record clean. Call (479) 777-0640 now or contact us online for a free consultation.

Common Traffic Violations in Arkansas

While specific fines can vary by court (District Court of Benton County - Bella Vista Department, for instance), here's an overview of common traffic violations and their typical implications in Arkansas:

• Speeding (A.C.A. § 27-51-201 et seq.)
• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign (A.C.A. § 27-52-103, § 27-52-104)
• Reckless Driving (A.C.A. § 27-50-308)
• Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License (A.C.A. § 27-16-303)
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI) (A.C.A. § 5-65-101 et seq.)
• No Proof of Insurance (A.C.A. § 27-13-102)
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Hit and Run (A.C.A. § 27-53-101 et seq.)

Understanding Arkansas's Traffic Violation System

Arkansas classifies traffic offenses into two primary categories: infractions and misdemeanors, with penalties varying based on the severity of the violation and a driver's history. Understanding these distinctions is the first step in crafting an effective defense. As your lawyer, I will clearly explain how your specific charge is classified.

Infractions vs. Misdemeanors:

• Infractions: Most common traffic tickets, such as minor speeding violations (e.g., less than 15 mph over the limit), running a stop sign, or improper lane changes, are classified as infractions. These typically result in fines and points on your driving record but do not carry potential jail time. Paying an infraction fine online is an admission of guilt.
• Misdemeanors: More serious traffic offenses, like reckless driving, excessive speeding (e.g., more than 15-20 mph over the limit), driving with a suspended license, or first-offense DUI, are classified as misdemeanors. These carry the possibility of jail time, higher fines, and a more significant impact on your criminal record. If you're facing misdemeanor charges, securing a Bella Vista traffic violation lawyer is crucial.

The Arkansas Point System:

Arkansas employs an Administrative Point System to track driving infractions. Accumulating too many points can lead to the suspension or revocation of your driving privileges.

• Point Accumulation: Points are assessed to your driving record upon forfeiture of bail or conviction of a moving violation. The number of points varies depending on the severity of the offense. For instance:
  • Speeding (1-10 mph over the limit): 3 points
  • Speeding (10-20 mph over the limit): 6 points (sometimes higher depending on context)
  • Reckless Driving: 8 points
  • Racing or Speeding more than 31 mph over the limit: 8 points
  • Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: 3 points
  • Improper Lane Changes: 3 points
  • Passing a Stopped School Bus: 8 points
• Suspension Thresholds:
  • 10-13 points: The Office of Driver Services sends a warning letter.
  • 14-17 points within 3 years: Your license may be suspended for three months, usually after a hearing.
  • 18-23 points within 3 years: Your license may be suspended for six months, usually after a hearing.
  • 24 or more points within 3 years: Your license may be suspended for twelve months, usually after a hearing. If you reach certain thresholds (e.g., 14 points), a hearing is automatically scheduled with a Driver Control Officer. Failure to attend this hearing can result in an automatic license suspension. As your lawyer, I am keenly aware of how critical it is to manage your points to prevent these drastic consequences.

Why You Should Fight Your Traffic Ticket

Simply paying a traffic ticket or pleading guilty is an admission of guilt. While it may seem like the easiest solution, it’s rarely the best one. It is an admission of guilt with numerous unforeseen consequences that often outweigh the initial fine. There are many compelling reasons to challenge your charge with the help of a Bella Vista traffic violation lawyer.

• Avoid Points: Preventing points from appearing on your record is paramount. Fewer points mean lower risk of driver improvement program requirements, surcharges, and license suspension.
• Save Money on Insurance: Auto insurance rate hikes often outweigh the initial ticket fine. Fighting the ticket can save you substantial money in the long run by keeping your premiums down, as insurance companies monitor your driving record closely.
• Prevent License Suspension/Revocation: Accumulating too many points or being convicted of certain serious traffic misdemeanors will lead to the suspension or revocation of your driver's license. Contesting tickets helps keep your point total low, preserving your driving privileges, which are essential for work, family, and daily life in Bella Vista.
• Avoid a Criminal Record: For misdemeanor traffic violations, a conviction results in a permanent criminal record. This can limit future employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
• Challenge the Evidence: Law enforcement officers can make mistakes in their observations, their vantage point may be obscured, or their speed detection equipment may be improperly calibrated or used. As your lawyer, I know how to scrutinize the evidence.
• Potential for Dismissal or Reduction: Many tickets can be dismissed entirely if the officer's testimony is weak or if legal errors are found. Alternatively, I can often negotiate a reduction to a lesser, non-moving, or no-point violation, significantly mitigating the impact.

Legal Process & Expectation in Bella Vista Courts

Dealing with traffic tickets or violations in Bella Vista means you're engaging with the local court system. It’s essential to have a knowledgeable traffic attorney who knows the ins and outs of the Bella Vista court procedures. The familiarity I bring ensures preparedness at every step, from initial appearances to potential trial proceedings.

We guide our clients through each phase of the legal process with a clear focus on achieving favorable resolutions. This includes pre-trial negotiations, motions to dismiss, and trial advocacy if necessary. With our tailored approach, you gain a trusted advocate who navigates the often-intimidating courtroom environment with confidence and precision.

Take Action: Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Your traffic violation is more than a minor inconvenience—it can have lasting impacts on your life. At Cody W. Dowden, Attorney at Law, I am committed to helping you navigate these challenges with confidence. 

With a deep understanding of Bella Vista’s traffic laws and a commitment to personalized, honest, and strategic defense, I’m here to fight for you. Don’t face it alone—let’s walk this path together to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Reach out today at (479) 777-0640 for a free consultation. Let’s discuss how I can defend your rights and minimize the impact on your driving record and peace of mind.