Garza Law Firm: Speeding Tickets

Garza Law Firm empowers clients with the knowledge they need to make the best decisions for life’s challenging moments, especially the ones that happen in the car 

Story by Michael Clement

Getting a speeding ticket can be frustrating and stressful, especially if you weren’t aware you were speeding. Many people assume officers give a grace of “10 miles over” the speed limit, but that’s not always the case. A judge once told a woman in open court that if she was going 36 mph in a 35 mph zone, she was speeding—plain and simple.

In Tennessee, receiving a traffic citation isn’t just about paying a fine. The ticket requires you to appear in court, and ignoring it can lead to additional penalties. Many people think it’s easier to just pay the fine and move on, but that decision can have long-term consequences, including higher insurance premiums and points on your driving record. That’s why hiring an attorney—especially one with experience in Tennessee traffic laws—can be a smart move.

At Garza Law Firm, we take these cases just as seriously as all the rest. We help clients minimize fines, keep points off their record, and even get their tickets dismissed. Our experienced legal team understands the traffic laws in Tennessee and knows how to negotiate the best possible outcome.

What Happens After You Get a Speeding Ticket?

Your speeding ticket will list important details such as the specific violation, the fine amount, and your scheduled court date. At that point, you have two options:

1. Pay the fine – This is an admission of guilt and can lead to higher insurance premiums and points on your record.

2. Fight the ticket in court – This gives you a chance to reduce or eliminate the penalties.

Ignoring a ticket can have serious consequences. If you fail to appear in court, you could face contempt charges, added fines, and a Class A misdemeanor, which carries a $2,500 fine.

How Can Garza Law Firm Help?

At Garza Law Firm, our experienced attorneys specialize in defending speeding and traffic violations in Tennessee. Here’s how we can help:

1. Identifying Errors and Weaknesses in Your Case — Our attorneys will thoroughly review your case to spot potential errors. For example, they might ask questions like: was the radar gun properly calibrated, did the officer follow proper procedures, or are there inconsistencies in the report?

Even minor mistakes can be used to challenge the citation and get your ticket reduced or dismissed.

2. Negotiating a Better Outcome —  Attorneys negotiate with prosecutors every single day. At Garza Law, we can often work out a deal that reduces the charge to a non-moving violation, which won’t add points to your license; allows you to attend a local driving school to keep the ticket off your record; or lowers your fines and court costs. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible result for you.

3. Preventing Points on Your Driving Record — In Tennessee, accumulating 12 points on your license within a year can result in a suspension. Here’s how speeding violations impact your record:

Too many points can increase your insurance premiums and even lead to license suspension. Our team fights to keep these points off your record.

4. Representing You in Court — If necessary, we will appear in court on your behalf and argue for a favorable outcome. Many cases don’t even require you to be present—we handle everything for you.

Should You Contest Your Speeding Ticket?

If your violation is minor and your record is clean, paying the fine might seem like the simplest option. However, if the ticket results in points, increased insurance costs, or possible license suspension, it’s worth fighting.

Hiring an attorney can save you money in the long run by preventing insurance rate hikes, avoiding expensive court fines, and keeping your driving record clean.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record?

In Tennessee, a speeding ticket typically stays on your record for two years from the date of conviction. Too many violations can lead to a suspended license and significantly impact your insurance rates. And that’s not something any of us at Garza Law want out clients to experience.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Handle Your Ticket Alone

Hiring an attorney for a speeding ticket isn’t just about avoiding a fine—it’s about protecting your driving record, keeping your insurance costs down, and ensuring the best possible outcome. At Garza Law Firm, we have the experience and legal knowledge to fight for you.

If you’ve received a speeding ticket in Tennessee, don’t take chances—contact Garza Law Firm today. We’re here to help you keep your record clean and your driving privileges intact.

Garza Law Firm
550 W. Main Street, Suite 340
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-830-1843
garzalaw.com