Choose Traffic Attorney Kevin Wichman For Your Traffic Ticket Violation in Kansas City
Experience and Proven Results – Kevin Wichman of Wichman Law Firm LLC grew up in Johnson County, Kansas, and has handled trials in many courts throughout the Kansas City metro. He has successfully defended clients on many traffic charges since 2010. He is familiar with the varying laws of different jurisdictions throughout the Kansas City metro, and can spot inconsistencies that invalidate many charges. Recognized as a top trial lawyer by his peers, he is a persistent advocate on behalf of his traffic clients to ensure a fair and just outcome.
Attentive Care and Thorough Preparation – Unlike a large firm juggling clients case by number, with Kevin Wichman as your lawyer you are always an individual. He personally handles your traffic ticket case from start to finish. His unwavering belief in his clients ensures that he will fight for the best ultimate outcome for your situation. When you call, especially at emergency times with a DUI or vehicular homicide charge, you’ll get an immediate answer. When you have questions, you’ll get a clear explanation of options and next steps. When you are concerned, he’ll listen carefully and respect your needs.
Affordable Fees – Fees for traffic tickets, DUI, vehicular homicide and other criminal charges are affordable and transparent. Kevin Wichman Law will clearly outline the firm’s fee schedule so there are no surprises. You will be kept informed at all times of the services rendered and traffic court and filing expenses that are covered by a comprehensive fee.
Wichman Law Firm LLC is a leading traffic and criminal defense firm serving the Kansas City metro. Attorney Kevin Wichman has years of experience in jury trials in local courts and in tough settlement negotiations against large insurance companies and corporations. He will return your call immediately and set up a free consultation to discuss your case. He will review your any information you may have, including location and time of day of the traffic violation. He will be able to advise you of next steps and the process of dealing with the court system. He will prepare timely filings with the courts and work toward a successful resolution as quickly as possible, so you can move ahead with your life.
About Traffic Tickets
While DWI charges are among the most serious charges levied against motorists in Kansas City, penalties for a range of other traffic tickets also cause upheaval for numerous residents on both sides of the State Line. In a region built upon hundreds of miles of sprawling roads around the metro, the extreme result of cumulative traffic citations- loss of a license – really hits home and your wallet.
Lingering unpaid traffic tickets don’t go away on their own even seemingly minor citations that many people ignore. These charges stay on your record and can also throw obstacles in your path to other employment or housing down the road.
At the very least, charges typically lead to sharply higher insurance rates that become the new base rate for each renewal for at least three years, possibly five years. It’s been estimated by Insurance.com that tickets could boost your premium 6 to 22% depending upon the violation.
Types of Traffic Ticket Violations
Traffic Violations Go Beyond the Obvious
Speed limits on interstates have increased in recent years, and many motorists think they can simply keep these speeds on local roads. Hence, speeding tickets are widespread with charges that easily run to hundreds of dollars.
Yet officers have the ability to ticket you for a wide range of other violations that you may not even realize.
Other examples:
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving (texting)
- Driving with a revoked license
- Driving on a suspended license
- Failure to stop at a stop sign or stop light
- Failure to maintain a lane
- Failure to produce evidence of insurance
- Failure to lead right of way
- Improper passing
- Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Failure to use a seat belt
What to do when pulled over for a Traffic Ticket
In this age of heightened tension with police, even a simple traffic violation could grow out of proportion. Here are some steps to take to remain calm, courteous and fully aware of your surroundings in order to contest any charges later on.
- When you see flashing lights behind you, safely pull over to the right as soon as possible. Drive slowly if you feel that you must drive ahead to find a safe spot. Turn off the ignition and wait inside your car with your hands visible at all times. It may take a few minutes before the officer approaches your car.
- Roll down your window and listen politely to the officer; be prepared with your driver’s license and registration. Tell the officer if you need to get into your glove compartment to retrieve documents. Avoid any sudden moves and request that passengers remain quiet and still as well.
- Accept a citation without undue discussion. Arguing with the officer could escalate charges. Remain poised and mentally note all details about the incident. These mental notes will prove helpful to a future discussion with your attorney.
Penalties in Kansas and Missouri
Driving Rules
Missouri follows the point system, whereby you accumulate points for various violations that could lead to the suspension or loss of your driver’s license. These points add up quickly if you rack up a bunch of tickets, and they remain on your record for a least three years.
License Suspended: 8 points within 18 months (for 30/60/90 days based on first/second/third suspension)
License Revoked 1 Year: 12+ points within 12 months; 18+ points within 24 months; 24 points within 36 months
(remains on driving record for 5 years)
Kansas does not use a point system, but various violations lead to the same result with a suspended or revoked license.
License Suspended or Restricted: 3 moving violations within 12 months
License Immediately Revoked:
- Homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle
- Failure to stop and render aid to any injured parties in the event of a motor vehicle accident (resulting in the death or personal injury of another person)
- Reckless driving
- Any felony in which a motor vehicle is used
- Attempting to elude a police officer
- Aggravated vehicle homicide
- Vehicle battery
Commercial Driver’s License Challenges
Commercial Driver License (CDL)
Rules are more stringent for CDL holders. If you drive professionally, traffic convictions for all vehicles must be reported to your employer. Serious violations yank your CDL for a year, leading to loss of your livelihood for serious violations such as DWI/DUI, driving with a suspended license and leaving the scene of an accident. Keeping a clean driving record is imperative for any CDL driver both on the job and off.
Hit and Run Traffic Ticket
State traffic rules require that drivers remain at the scene of an accident; seek medical help if required; and exchange license, registration and insurance information with other parties.
In the emotional aftermath of an accident, though, some drivers may flee. Their judgment is clouded, because fleeing the scene immediately escalates violations from misdemeanors to possible felony charges. Drivers who are uninsured or unlicensed or facing other charges may be especially prone to leaving the scene.
In any hit and run, you must immediately contact legal counsel to protect your rights.
Steps to Take
Contesting any of these charges takes current knowledge of the intricacies of the driving regulations in both states as well as regulations for municipal and district courts in various jurisdictions.
In many situations, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney to vigorously contest the charges and to protect your driving record, especially if you have points already or face the imminent prospect of the loss of your license.
If you lose your license in Missouri, you may be able to petition for limited driving privileges (LDP) or a ‘hardship’ license to get back and forth to work. But in Kansas, you’re out of luck.
In short, you don’t want to lose your license if this can be at all avoided – you can’t be on the road.
Wichman Law is your convenient source for defending traffic tickets in court and helping to resolve issues of previous unpaid tickets. We serve local residents as well as out-of-town visitors who can’t return to Kansas City for court dates.
We offer a reasonable flat fee for representation on a range of violations, or affordable fees for more extensive cases.
Call experienced traffic attorney Kevin Wichman today.
