Don’t just pay the fine. Paying it is pleading guilty.
A traffic ticket feels minor until the points hit your license and your insurance renews. In most cases, we can get your ticket amended to a non-moving violation, so no points go on your record, and you never have to step into the courtroom.
Get a free ticket review or call (314) 526-3779.
Why hire a lawyer for a traffic ticket?
When you mail in your fine, you are entering a guilty plea. The Missouri Department of Revenue then adds points to your driving record, and your insurance company sees the conviction.
A lawyer can usually do better:
- Keep points off your license by negotiating the ticket down to a non-moving violation
- Save you a trip to court. In most municipal courts, we appear for you
- Protect your insurance rates, which often cost far more than the fine
- Protect a commercial license, where even one conviction can cost you work (see CDL DWI defense)
- Handle the paperwork and deadlines, so a missed court date doesn’t become a warrant
How it works
- Send us your ticket. Text or email a photo. We review it for free and tell you what we expect.
- We enter our appearance. We notify the court that we represent you, and in most cases your court date is handled by us.
- We negotiate with the prosecutor. We request the prosecutor’s recommendation and work for a no-points outcome.
- You approve the deal. Nothing is final until you agree to it.
- We close it out. We tell you exactly what to pay and when, and confirm the case is closed.
Traffic tickets we handle
| Ticket | Points if convicted (state charge / city or county charge) |
|---|---|
| Speeding, including work-zone and excessive speed | 3 / 2 (0 points for 5 mph or less over) |
| Driving while suspended or revoked | 12 |
| Careless and imprudent driving | 4 / 2 |
| Running a red light or stop sign | 2 (1 for a city stop-sign ticket with no accident) |
| No insurance | 4 |
| Leaving the scene of an accident | 12 / 6 |
| Expired registration | 0 (non-moving violation) |
| CDL tickets for commercial drivers | Same as the ticket type, and CDL holders can’t take a driving class to avoid points |
| Failure to appear and municipal warrants | No points, but the court can have your license suspended until the case is resolved |
Add 2 more points if the ticket involved an injury or property damage. For speeding, careless and imprudent, and most other moving violations, a court may let you take a driver-improvement course instead of taking the points, once every 36 months.
Charged with DWI? See our St. Louis DWI Defense page.
How Missouri’s point system works
The Department of Revenue adds points when you are convicted of a moving violation. Here is what triggers action against your license:
| Points on your record | What happens |
|---|---|
| 4 in 12 months | Warning letter from the Department of Revenue |
| 8 in 18 months | Suspension: 30 days (first), 60 days (second), 90 days (third or more) |
| 12 in 12 months, 18 in 24 months, or 24 in 36 months | One-year revocation |
A single speeding ticket can add two or three points. Two tickets in a year can put you close to a suspension. See our full guide to Missouri’s point system. If your license has already been suspended, see our guides to license reinstatement and the limited driving privilege.
Courts we appear in
We handle tickets in municipal and associate circuit courts across the St. Louis region, including:
- St. Louis County Municipal Court (see our St. Louis County Courthouse Guide)
- City of St. Louis Municipal Court
- St. Charles County Municipal Court
- Florissant, Chesterfield, Maryland Heights, O’Fallon and St. Peters municipal courts
- State traffic charges in St. Louis County, St. Louis City, St. Charles, Jefferson, Franklin, Lincoln and Warren counties
Don’t see your court? Call us. If it’s in the St. Louis area, we likely appear there.
Flat, upfront fees
We charge a flat fee for traffic tickets, quoted before you hire us. No hourly billing and no surprise costs. Court fines and costs are separate and paid to the court. Read more about what a defense lawyer costs in St. Louis.
Traffic ticket FAQ
Do I have to go to court?
In most municipal courts, no. We appear for you. Some charges, like driving while revoked or leaving the scene, may require you to appear, and we will tell you up front.
Will my insurance go up?
Insurers look at convictions on your driving record. If we get the ticket amended to a non-moving violation, there is usually nothing for them to see.
I already missed my court date. What now?
Call us right away. The court may have issued a warrant or sent notice to suspend your license. We can often get the warrant recalled and a new court date set without you being arrested.
I have an out-of-state license. Does a Missouri ticket matter?
Yes. Most states share convictions with each other, so a Missouri conviction can follow you home.
Is it worth hiring a lawyer for one speeding ticket?
Often, yes. Compare our fee to a few years of higher insurance premiums. We will give you an honest answer during your free review.
Get your ticket reviewed today
Send us a photo of your ticket and we’ll tell you what we can do, free. Call or text (314) 526-3779 or contact us online.
