Why Paying Your Traffic Ticket Is Considered Pleading Guilty

On the surface, a traffic ticket can look very similar to a regular bill.  An amount is printed on it, payment options are provided (such as online, mail-in, or in-person payment), and once paid, the whole ticket may seem to disappear. However, in Oklahoma, simply paying a traffic citation is a strong legal decision, and the effects can last much longer than the fine’s due date.

Payment Means Conviction

When you pay an Oklahoma traffic ticket without question, the court treats that payment as a guilty plea. Your traffic case closes, and the court will list your violation as an official conviction.

That conviction is then reported to Service Oklahoma, which handles your driving record. Oklahoma driving records operate through a point system; certain traffic violations carry a certain number of points, and points are placed onto your record once you’ve been convicted. If you accrue ten points within a five-year period, your driver’s license will be suspended. The first suspension can last one month, and repeat suspensions can extend that period.

Fortunately, points can be removed over time. In Oklahoma, completing and passing an approved defensive driving course can remove two points from your driving record, and going three consecutive years without adding any points resets your total back to zero. If you currently have points accumulated, a ticket you’re getting ready to pay could be the one that pushes you over the line.

The Insurance Problem

Car insurance companies check driving records. Having a conviction can raise your rates, and the increase can last for years. Over time, that cost bump can be far more expensive than the original fine.

Extra Risk for CDL Holders

If you are a commercial driver, receiving a traffic ticket is an even bigger headache. A conviction in any vehicle (including your personal car) must be reported to your employer within thirty days. For a professional driver, a simple ticket can threaten employment.

What You Give Up by Paying Your Ticket

Simply paying your ticket ends your options. However, if you plead not guilty and contest your ticket, or if you have an attorney appear for you, several options open up for you:

• A deferred sentence: Depending on your situation, a court may be able to offer you a deferred sentence, meaning that, as long as you receive no new traffic citations in a certain period of time, your current ticket will not appear on your driving record.
• A dismissal: If the officer’s evidence has gaps, your citation has errors, or the prosecutor can’t prove the case, there is a chance your ticket can be thrown out entirely.
• A reduced charge: Fighting your ticket may result in it being amended to a lower charge that carries fewer points.

 

None of these are guaranteed, but none are possible once you’ve paid your ticket.

The Bottom Line

Before you pay the fine on your traffic ticket, ask yourself:

• How would a conviction affect my insurance rates?
• Am I a CDL holder, or does my job depend on driving?
• Do I already have points on my driving record?
• Is the charge more serious than it looks (such as reckless driving, speeding in a construction zone, or failure to stop for a school bus)?

 

Paying your ticket is the fastest option, but it’s also a guilty plea that can result in points being added to your driving record. Before you pay your ticket, try consulting a traffic ticket attorney; hiring legal help can be beneficial in ways you may not realize. An experienced traffic attorney may be able to handle your court date for you, meaning you would not have to appear (this is especially useful if you do not live in Oklahoma).

A traffic lawyer can also speak with a City Prosecutor or Judge to work out a deal for you; this may include a deferred sentence or dismissal, so the points you would have received by paying the ticket will not appear on your driving record, and therefore keeping your insurance rates lower.

During this time, it’s important to be mindful of your court date, which is your deadline to pay the fine. Ignoring your ticket or waiting until after the court date has passed can create bigger problems, such as a bench warrant, additional financial penalties, or license suspension.

To receive a free consultation of your traffic citation, you may submit your information through our website or call us at (918) 947-9225.

Legal Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may change, and we recommend consulting a legal professional for personalized guidance.