Serving Indiana Since 1994

Evansville Traffic Violations Lawyer Standing Up For You

Last updated on January 22, 2025

Traffic violations in Indiana can lead to serious consequences, including fines, license suspension and jail time. These infractions can significantly impact your life. Working with a criminal defense attorney is vital to navigating these legal challenges and protecting your rights.

Since 1994, Bob Zoss Law Office, LLC, has represented clients in Evansville with personalized care and attention. We are a family-owned and operated law firm; you can entrust us with criminal defense charges like traffic violations. We aim to get through the legal process with minimal impact on your life.

Common Traffic Violations In Indiana

Indiana’s traffic laws are designed to maintain road safety, but violations can lead to significant consequences if not addressed properly. Below, we address some of the most frequent offenses and their potential repercussions.

  • Driving without insurance: The state requires all drivers to maintain a minimum level of liability insurance. If caught driving uninsured, you could face fines, license suspension and increased insurance premiums.
  • Driving without a license (suspended or revoked): This can occur due to previous traffic violations, unpaid fines or other legal issues. Driving without a license can result in severe penalties, including extended suspension periods, hefty fines and potential jail time.
  • Habitual traffic violator (HTV): Being designated as an HTV can result in a lengthy license suspension, ranging from 5 to 10 years. Offenses that contribute to HTV status include repeated DUI offenses, reckless driving and multiple major traffic violations within a 10-year period.

By understanding these common violations and working with a criminal defense lawyer, you can better mitigate the impact on your driving record and personal life.

How Long Do Indiana Traffic Violations Stay On Your Record?

If you’re convicted of a traffic violation, points will be assessed on your record. For instance, failing to use your headlights could lead to two points on your driving record. Something more serious, like driving on a suspended license, could lead to eight points.

Once these points are applied, they will stay on your driving record for the next two years under Indiana law. After that, the points will expire. If you get more points during this two-year period, they can accumulate. However, the points will eventually be removed once they reach this two-year deadline.

That said, it’s important to note that a conviction could still be listed on your record, even after the points have been removed. For example, there will still be a record of a speeding ticket, even if it’s more than two years old. However, you won’t have any more points on your record, which will return to zero.

Can Traffic Tickets Be Fought?

Absolutely, you have the option to fight a traffic ticket. Simply because an officer believes you broke the law and committed a traffic violation doesn’t mean it happened. While you will still be given a citation after being pulled over, you have the option to go to court and fight the ticket.

The exact tactics you use to do this will differ from case to case. For instance, perhaps the officer claims you ran a stop sign, but you believe you came to a complete stop. If you have a dashcam or can obtain security footage of the incident from a nearby business, you may be able to present video evidence showing that you did, in fact, stop at the sign. In this case, you are disputing the officer’s evidence.

Other potential tactics include disputing personal opinions held by the officer, contesting that equipment –such as a radar gun – was defective or not properly calibrated, or even arguing that the law is being applied incorrectly – for example, if you’re accused of reckless driving but don’t believe your actions met the standard for recklessness.

Protect Your Driving Privileges

If you face any traffic violations in Indiana, consult with Bob Zoss Law Office, LLC. The legal system can be complex, and having an advocate on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Call 812-266-9609 today to schedule a consultation.