Traffic Ticket Lawyer in Union, MO
Pay it or contest it? For a single ticket on a clean record, paying may be fine. It's a harder call if you already have points, drive for a living, or got a ticket that requires a court appearance. Schmanke Law Firm handles traffic tickets and traffic charges for drivers in Union and the surrounding area as part of its criminal defense practice, starting with what the ticket would actually do to your record.
What to look for on the ticket
Start with the specific violation. The ticket should name the offense and, often, the statute or ordinance number. That matters because the same conduct can carry different points depending on whether it was charged under state law or a city or county ordinance.
Next, find the court and the court date. The ticket will show which court the case is in and when you're due. It may also say whether you can pay without appearing. Some violations can't be paid ahead of time and require a court appearance, including any ticket where you received a summons to appear, violations involving injury or property damage, and driving on a suspended or revoked license.
How Missouri's point system works
| Points | What happens |
|---|---|
| 4 in 12 months | Advisory letter |
| 8 or more in 18 months | Suspension (30 days the first time, 60 the second, 90 after that) |
| 12 in 12 months, 18 in 24, or 24 in 36 | One-year revocation |
Points are added to your Missouri driving record only after a conviction, and only for moving violations. Equipment violations, like a burned-out taillight, don't carry points.
The number of points depends on the violation. A speeding conviction, for example, is 3 points under state law or 2 points under a city or county ordinance. Most other moving violations are 2 points. Some more serious violations carry more, and 2 points can be added when a violation caused an injury or property damage.
Points add up over time, and the Department of Revenue acts when they reach certain totals.
Points come down if you go without new points. After one year, your total is reduced by a third. After two years, the remaining points are cut in half. After three years, they drop to zero. The conviction itself can stay on your driving record longer than the points do.
Before you pay the ticket
Paying is sometimes the right choice. It's quick, and for a low-point ticket on a clean record, the consequences may be small.
Before paying, it helps to know how many points the violation carries, how many you already have, and whether this ticket would push you over a threshold. Commercial drivers and people who drive for work often have more riding on their record. In some cases, a court may allow a driver to complete a driver improvement program to avoid the points for a ticket. That isn't available for every ticket or every driver.
You can check your current points by calling the Missouri Department of Revenue or ordering a copy of your driving record.
Not every ticket is the same kind of case
Many traffic violations are infractions, which carry a fine but no jail time. Others are misdemeanors and are handled as criminal cases. Driving while intoxicated is handled separately, on our DWI Defense page. If your ticket is a misdemeanor, our Misdemeanor Defense page explains more about how those cases work.
What your lawyer does with the ticket
Schmanke Law Firm handles traffic cases by starting with the ticket itself and your driving record, so you know exactly what's charged, how many points are involved, and whether a conviction would trigger a suspension.
From there, the firm looks at the facts. Sometimes there's a problem with how the ticket was written or with the evidence behind it. The firm can talk with the prosecutor about how the case might be resolved. Depending on the charge and the court, that may mean an amended charge, a different disposition, or taking the case to a hearing. Some tickets have more options than others, and some have very few.
We'll explain what each option means for your points and your record before you decide. Whether you need to appear in person depends on the court and the charge, and we'll let you know. Until then, keep treating your court date as one you have to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points is a speeding ticket in Missouri?
A speeding conviction is 3 points when it's charged under state law and 2 points when it's charged under a city or county ordinance. The ticket should show which applies.
How long do points stay on your license in Missouri?
Points drop by a third after one year without new points, by half of the remainder after two years, and to zero after three years. If your license was suspended or revoked for points, your total is reset to 4 when you're reinstated. Old ticket convictions can generally be removed from a Missouri driving record three years after the conviction, or five years after reinstatement if the ticket led to a suspension or revocation, though some convictions have to stay on the record.
Can a traffic ticket be dismissed?
Some are, when the evidence doesn't support the charge or there's a problem with the ticket or the stop. It isn't the usual outcome, and it can't be predicted without looking at the ticket, the facts, and the court.
What happens if I missed my traffic court date?
Don't wait for a letter. Contact the court or a lawyer as soon as you realize it. Depending on the court and the violation, a missed date may lead to a warrant or other action. Many courts have a process for getting the case back on the docket, and dealing with it early usually gives you more options.
Do I need a lawyer for a traffic ticket?
Not always. Many people handle a single, low-point ticket on their own. A lawyer is more useful when you already have points, when a conviction could lead to a suspension, when the ticket requires a court appearance, when you hold a commercial license, or when the charge is a misdemeanor rather than an infraction.
Talk With a Traffic Lawyer in Union
If you have a traffic ticket and want to know what it means before you pay it, schedule a free consultation at our Union office at 301 East Main Street. Appointments are also available at our Owensville office. Bring the ticket and any court notices you've received. For more on the firm's other criminal matters, see our Criminal Defense page.