Wake County Lawyer for Out-of-State Drivers

Guiding Out-of-State Drivers Through the North Carolina Traffic Court System

Drivers from outside of North Carolina who receive traffic violation tickets in the state face a range of serious legal and economic challenges in both North Carolina and their home state. So, a North Carolina traffic ticket will not lose its consequences just because you leave the state. Under the Interstate Violator Compact Act, the state of North Carolina will report any moving violations you’ve committed in the state to your home state.

Every state has its own way of handling traffic violations, so you may naturally feel confused or unsure about North Carolina’s process. It can be even more of a nuisance to have to return to North Carolina to deal with your case in court. This is where Lawrence J. Kissling III can help. Out-of-state traffic tickets do not have to cause you major inconvenience and expense. In most cases, Attorney Lawrence J. Kissling III can appear on your behalf, and you will not have to return to North Carolina to resolve your ticket.

If you live in another state but are facing traffic charges in North Carolina, contact Lawrence J. Kissling III, PLLC. The firm can appear in court on your behalf and handle all your North Carolina traffic concerns for you.

What Happens If You Get a Ticket as a Non-Resident?

A traffic ticket or suspended license in North Carolina is recognized in every other state. If you are a non-resident license-holder and have been issued a traffic ticket, you must follow the procedures of the North Carolina traffic court or face consequences impacting your driving privileges in your home state. In particular, if you fail to appear for a North Carolina ticket, the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles will notify your home state, who will likely revoke your driving privileges until you resolve the matter. 

There are a few different ways you can resolve a traffic violation in North Carolina, and Attorney Kissling can provide more detailed insight based on your situation. Generally, it is not the most efficient method to simply pay your fine and plead guilty when you have the chance to contest the charge in court and ask for a reduction instead.

Note that the National Driver Register (NDR) also keeps driving records of all individuals who have received a license suspension or serious traffic conviction in any state in the US. If you have been convicted in North Carolina, your charges will be reflected on your NDR record, and any state can access this information.

Going to Court on Your Behalf

While a traffic ticket will schedule a court date for you to present your case, you do not actually need to go if you have a North Carolina attorney represent you instead. You can sign a “Waiver of Appearance” that allows you to waive your obligation to appear in court and have your lawyer go for you instead. 

North Carolina is one of the stricter states when it comes to traffic violations, so you will want to put your best foot forward by hiring an experienced attorney. As a non-resident driver, you may also be less aware of your rights and duties as a driver passing through North Carolina and as you navigate the state’s traffic court system. Let Attorney Kissling appear in court on your behalf and save you the trouble of having to return to North Carolina to deal with a traffic ticket.