TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS ATTORNEY IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Traffic offenses can be costly and might even keep you from driving. From speeding tickets to criminal charges involving accusations of drunk driving, I conduct a detailed investigation of what occurred and help you fight back against cases based on incorrect interpretations and overzealous enforcement of state and municipal traffic codes. 

If you or a loved one is facing traffic violation charges, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional legal assistance. My goal is to work diligently on your behalf, seeking to reduce the consequences of traffic violations whenever possible.  

Contact me today at Howard L. Lotven, P.C. to schedule a consultation and learn more about how I can assist you with your traffic record concerns. 

Traffic Charges I Can Help With 

My firm handles all types of traffic defense matters for Missouri motorists, such as citations involving alleged: 

• Driving while intoxicated — Even if your breathalyzer test result exceeds the legal intoxication level, I review the facts of the case to determine if the evidence should be excluded due to improper police procedure. 

• Speeding and careless driving — Penalties for speeding depend on how much above the posted limit the vehicle was traveling. Going more than 20 miles per hour over the speed limit triggers a fine of more than $200. 

• Cell phone use and other distractions — Motorists under the age of 21 are not permitted to text while they are behind the wheel. 

• Running a red light or stop sign — Failing to obey a stop sign or traffic signal is punishable by a $99 fine and, potentially, driver’s license points. These tickets are often based on the reporting officer’s subjective opinion. I make every effort to counter unsupported allegations. 

• Driving without a license or registration — Someone who is caught driving without a license can be charged with a Class D misdemeanor on a first offense and faces a maximum fine of $500. A second license offense or a failure to register your vehicle can lead to jail time. 

Don’t be intimidated by the allegations against you as errors frequently occur during the law enforcement process. I draw on my experience to find innovative ways to defeat unwarranted charges and reduce penalties.

Here to Help Motorists Avoid License Suspension 

Drivers who get ticketed sometimes want to move past the situation by admitting the charges and paying the fine, even if they’re not sure they committed an offense.  

This can lead to unforeseen negative consequences, including higher insurance costs and possibly license suspension. Most traffic violations carry license points, and if you accumulate eight points in an 18-month period, your driving privileges will be suspended for 30 days.  

Longer suspensions apply for those who collect more points, though your total can be reduced if you remain ticket-free for at least a year. Point values associated with specific traffic offenses include: 

• Careless and imprudent driving — Four points if charged under state law; two points under municipal law

• Speeding — Three points if charged under state law; two points under municipal law 

• Running a stop sign or red light — Two points

• Driving while intoxicated — Ranges from two points for driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of at least .04 percent to 12 points for felony DWI

If your driver’s privileges have been suspended for 30, 60, or 90 days, I can help you with the forms required for reinstatement. For revocations lasting a year or longer, you must retake the driver’s test.

Following an alcohol-related offense, you will need to install an ignition interlock device on your car for at least six months. My firm also works to obtain restricted driving privileges for clients that allow them to drive to work, school, and/or substance abuse treatment. 

Moving Violations vs. Non-Moving Violations 

Missouri's traffic laws distinguish between moving and non-moving violations to reflect different degrees of danger to the public.  

Moving violations are infractions occurring when the vehicle is in motion, including speeding, running red lights, DUI/DWI, and reckless driving. These violations typically carry heavier penalties, including fines, points added to your driving record, and in severe cases, suspension or revocation of driving privileges.  

Non-moving violations involve stationary issues such as parking violations, expired vehicle registration, or not having proof of insurance on hand. While these violations usually result in fines, they generally do not add points to your driving record. 

Effective Litigator Represents CDL Holders Accused of Unsafe Conduct 

In addition to assisting clients who have been accused of traffic offenses while driving their personal vehicles, my firm also advocates on behalf of commercial driver's license (CDL) holders.  

Stringent rules govern the operation of commercial vehicles, including a tougher DWI standard that can put a commercial driver out of work for a year if they are convicted. I have extensive knowledge of regulations relating to driver rest, vehicle weight, and other standards that can lead to license points and other problems for the operators and owners of large trucks.