Traffic Law in Knik-Fairview, AK

Car accidents in Knik-Fairview can result in significant expenses. According to Experian, damage to your suspension alone can run $1,000 to $5,000.

The medical bills, lost income, and other immediate costs can become overwhelming in a hurry. There can also be ongoing medical care, counseling, and a decreased quality of life. Moreover, you may have to carry these burdens alone without competent legal representation. Discover what you can do to protect your future with us today.

Knik-Fairview, Alaska Traffic Law

The term “traffic law” pertains to the development, execution, and policing of traffic regulations in Knik-Fairview, Alaska. The severity of traffic violations can range from minor speeding tickets to grave DUI accusations. These infractions result in various outcomes such as fines, suspension or revocation of license, and imprisonment.

You may receive points on your driver’s license if you don’t contest them. Accumulating too many can raise your car insurance rates for several years. Moreover, you can lose your driving privileges.

The DMV in Alaska uses a point system to assign the severity of a traffic violation based on the number of points. For instance, a speeding violation of 1-10 mph over the posted limit earns 2 points. But a reckless driving offense has a point value of 10.

If a driver accumulates 12 or more points within a year, they may receive a 90-day license suspension. If a driver has 18 or more points within 24 months, they may not drive for up to a year. However, some offenses have mandatory license suspensions or revocations, regardless of the points accrued.

Legal Strategies to Fight Knik-Fairview, Alaska Traffic Tickets

Many individuals are unaware of the possibility of contesting a traffic citation and succeeding. The thought of paying legal and court fees to dispute a ticket may not seem worthwhile. However, avoiding costly points on your license can be financially beneficial in the long term.

When you challenge your traffic ticket in Knik-Fairview, the police officer might not appear in court. This situation would result in a victory for you. In such cases, you won’t have to pay the fine, and the points on your license will go away.

Generally, the Palmer District Court will adjudicate your traffic violation. They have jurisdiction over traffic violations within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, including Knik-Fairview.

A proficient traffic attorney can create a compelling argument if the officer appears in court. The following are typical legal tactics that your lawyer could use to assist you in contesting a traffic citation.

Challenge the Officer’s Conclusion in Traffic Law Court

Your Knik-Fairview, AK lawyer could potentially argue that the officer’s judgment was incorrect. For instance, the officer may allege that you made an illegal turn. However, it may have been possible that they had an obstructed view. In this case, they could not discern whether the turn was illegal or dangerous.

Challenge the Officer’s Observations in Traffic Law Court

Your traffic attorney in Knik-Fairview may raise uncertainty about the officer’s statements. Making a compelling argument can be a daunting challenge because judges typically side with the police. Nevertheless, if you can present proof that validates your position, there is a chance of winning. Here are a few examples of evidence that could be beneficial:

• Pictures of the location where the traffic infraction occurred
• Testimony from witnesses, like passengers or people who were present nearby
• A diagram indicating the positions of your car and the officer’s car concerning the traffic violation
• Demonstrating the officer’s line of sight was obstructed, and it was impractical for them to witness what occurred

Prove Your Conduct Was Legally Justified

You can contend that illegal driving in Knik-Fairview, AK was a result of the circumstances. This argument has been successful in numerous instances. The primary objective is to demonstrate to the judge that you had a legitimate reason for doing so. Here are a few examples:

• Traveling at a slow speed while preparing to make a left turn
• Swerving your vehicle in response to spilling hot coffee from a cup in the cupholder due to a road bump
• Driving above the speed limit to reach the hospital urgently due to a medical emergency

Prove Your Conduct Was Necessary to Avoid Harm

On certain occasions, it may be necessary to breach the traffic laws in Knik-Fairview to prevent injury. This argument can be used as a legitimate defense to challenge a traffic ticket.

It’s essential to explain the situation coherently and precisely in court. Here are some examples of traffic law situations in which illegal conduct is necessary to avert harm:

• Exceeding the speed limit to evade an out-of-control vehicle
• Accelerating to avoid being rear-ended by an aggressive driver
• Braking suddenly on a busy road to avoid colliding with an animal crossing the road
• Swerving into the adjacent lane to avoid colliding with a car that entered your lane

Prove Your Conduct Was a “Mistake of Fact”

If you committed a traffic violation in Knik-Fairview because of a “mistake of fact,” you made an understandable mistake. You can use this as a defense for your traffic ticket. But it’s important to have photo evidence of the issue in question for your hearing.

The judge can use their discretion to determine if your error was a mistake of fact. Here are some examples of situations where this defense might be applicable:

• You unintentionally drove past a stop sign obscured by a tree or other obstacle.
• The sun made it difficult for you to see that a traffic light had turned yellow.
• A traffic sign was faded and difficult to read.

Traffic School Programs

Attending a traffic school that is endorsed or approved by the state can expunge your driving record. A judge may even mandate this as a prerequisite after being convicted of severe speeding or DUI. Despite incurring expenses, it may be a worthwhile investment.

In Alaska, individuals convicted of a DUI must complete an Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP). There are several providers a Knik-Fairview resident can contact for online courses. Alternatively, Mat-Su ASAP in Palmer may have in-person classes you can take.

Work With an Experienced Knik-Fairview, Alaska Traffic Law Lawyer

Challenging law enforcement officers in court can be daunting, especially if you have a history of traffic violations. The judge may be more inclined to side with the officers in these situations. While there are no guarantees, partnering with an experienced traffic law attorney in Knik-Fairview can help. You can restore impartiality to the proceedings and increase your chances of achieving a just outcome.

Are you ready to reach out to a traffic lawyer? We can even help you connect with an attorney across Alaska state lines. Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!