Asheville Criminal Defense Lawyer / Asheville Traffic Offenses Lawyer

Asheville Traffic Offenses Defense Lawyer

Traffic violations may seem minor compared with other criminal charges, but in North Carolina, they can carry serious consequences. Beyond fines, citations can lead to increased insurance rates, points on your driving record, suspension of your license, or even jail time in more serious cases. At The Pritchard Firm, we treat every traffic offense with the attention it deserves, ensuring that clients understand the stakes and have a skilled advocate protecting their rights.

With decades of experience in criminal law, Asheville traffic offenses defense lawyer John Pritchard brings a meticulous approach to traffic defense. As a former state prosecutor and Board Certified Specialist in criminal law, he has extensive courtroom experience and knows how to navigate the legal system to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients.

Traffic Offenses in North Carolina

Traffic offenses in North Carolina range from minor infractions, like speeding or failure to signal, to serious criminal charges, such as reckless driving, driving while license revoked, or vehicular assault. The classification of a traffic offense determines the potential penalties and whether it is handled in civil or criminal court.

Common Traffic Violations in Asheville

Some of the most common traffic offenses handled by The Pritchard Firm include:

Speeding and reckless driving – exceeding posted speed limits or operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers others.
Driving while license revoked or suspended (DWLR/DWL) – operating a vehicle without legal authority to do so.
Driving without insurance or registration – failing to maintain required financial responsibility or vehicle documentation.
Failure to yield, stop, or obey traffic signals – violations that can result in points and increased insurance premiums.
Hit-and-run or leaving the scene of an accident – serious offenses that may carry criminal liability.

Each of these offenses has distinct statutory provisions in the North Carolina General Statutes, and the potential penalties vary depending on the circumstances, prior record, and whether the case is classified as a misdemeanor or infraction.

The Consequences of Traffic Violations

While a single speeding ticket may seem minor, multiple citations can compound the impact. Penalties may include:

Fines and court costs – often ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars for more serious offenses.
License suspension or revocation – periods of lost driving privileges can disrupt employment, school, and personal life.
Points on driving record – accumulating points can lead to mandatory driver improvement courses or additional penalties, including loss of license.
Jail time – for criminal traffic offenses such as DWLR, reckless driving, or repeat offenses.
Insurance consequences – higher premiums or policy cancellations for serious or repeated violations.

The consequences underscore the importance of consulting an experienced attorney even for seemingly minor traffic charges.

Defending Traffic Cases in Asheville

Traffic defense is not just about contesting a speeding ticket. Many cases involve procedural or evidentiary issues that can be leveraged to protect a client’s driving privileges and minimize penalties. Some common strategies include challenging the accuracy of traffic measurements by questioning speed detection devices, radar, or timing methods. We might also employ procedural defenses, examining whether the officer followed proper protocol in issuing a citation. In many cases, questioning probable cause is a key defense that requires assessing whether the stop or investigation was legally justified.

The Pritchard Firm is skilled at negotiation and plea agreements in appropriate cases, seeking reduced charges or alternative penalties such as community service, fines, or driver improvement courses instead of license suspension or jail time. We also provide representation at DMV hearings where we advocate for clients during license suspension or revocation proceedings.

By taking a meticulous, case-specific approach, The Pritchard Firm works to safeguard clients’ rights and obtain favorable outcomes whenever possible.

Traffic Offenses With Criminal Implications

Certain traffic offenses in North Carolina are criminal in nature, meaning a conviction can result in jail time and a permanent criminal record. Examples include:

Reckless driving – defined under G.S. 20-140 as operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
Driving while license revoked or suspended – under G.S. 20-28, repeat violations may be classified as misdemeanors with potential jail time.
DWI – Drunk driving charges carry significant fines, probation, and potential imprisonment, as well as long-term license and insurance consequences.
Hit-and-run accidents – leaving the scene of an accident, especially when injury or death occurs, can lead to felony charges.

Even offenses that may initially appear minor can escalate depending on circumstances such as injury, property damage, or prior convictions.

Protecting Your Driving Privileges

One of the most important aspects of traffic defense is preserving the right to drive. North Carolina law allows the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to suspend or revoke driving privileges for certain offenses, sometimes even before a criminal conviction is entered.

At The Pritchard Firm, we represent individuals in DMV hearings to challenge administrative license suspensions. Additionally, we seek limited driving privileges and restricted licenses for our clients to allow commuting to work, school, or medical appointments. We also help clients understand the impact of points and advise on strategies to prevent the accumulation of points that trigger further penalties.

A proactive approach to license issues can prevent unnecessary disruption to daily life while a case is pending.

Why Choose The Pritchard Firm for Traffic Defense in Asheville

Traffic cases may seem straightforward, but even minor offenses can carry hidden consequences that affect your life for years. With decades of experience in criminal law, including traffic and DWI defense, attorney John Pritchard understands both the practical and legal stakes of these matters.

Clients benefit from the firm’s focus on personalized attention, where every case is treated individually and with a strategy tailored to the circumstances. John Pritchard’s experience in negotiation and trial means you will be adequately represented whether seeking reduction of fines, alternative penalties, or defending against criminal charges in court. As a former prosecutor who has handled thousands of cases and hundreds of trials, The Pritchard Firm possesses keen insight into local courts and knowledge of Asheville and Buncombe County judges and prosecutors.

Even first-time offenses or minor infractions deserve a knowledgeable advocate to ensure that potential consequences are minimized and rights are fully protected. From DMV hearings to criminal proceedings, our firm’s traffic defense practice ensures procedural and constitutional rights are respected.

Contact The Pritchard Firm for Traffic Defense in Asheville and Buncombe County

Traffic offenses in North Carolina are more than simple inconveniences; they carry serious financial, legal, and personal consequences. By taking a careful, strategic approach, The Pritchard Firm aims to protect clients’ driving privileges, reduce fines, and achieve the best possible resolution in every case.

Whether facing a speeding ticket, reckless driving charge, DWLR, or another serious traffic offense, having an experienced attorney who understands North Carolina law can make a significant difference. For residents of Asheville and Buncombe County, John Pritchard and The Pritchard Firm offer professional, personalized, and highly skilled legal representation for all traffic-related matters.