That “simple” traffic ticket just became a criminal charge—and now you need a traffic offense lawyer in Dallas, TX who knows how to fight back.
What started as a routine stop can spiral into license suspension, massive fines, and even jail time, especially if you’re facing criminal traffic violations in Dallas County criminal defense courts.
Don’t let a traffic mistake destroy your driving privileges—Call (972) 528-0478 for your free consultation now.
Why You Need a Dallas Traffic Defense Attorney
Most people think traffic tickets are “no big deal”—until they discover the hidden consequences. In Dallas County, traffic violations can trigger automatic license suspensions, thousands in surcharges, and even criminal records that affect employment.
Our Traffic Defense Results:
- Racing on Highway: Case Dismissed (Dallas County M1518718)
- Reckless Driving: Reduced to Class C violation (Dallas County M14-81402)
- Leaving Scene of Accident: Case Dismissed (multiple counties)
The stakes are higher than you think:
- Commercial drivers face career-ending disqualifications
- Multiple violations trigger habitual violator status
- Insurance rates can double or triple
- Some violations carry mandatory jail time
Traffic Citations vs. Criminal Traffic Offenses
Understanding the difference can save your license and your freedom. Not all traffic matters are created equal—some can be paid online, others require court appearances and carry criminal penalties.
Class C Traffic Citations (Fine-Only)
- Speeding 10+ mph over limit: $200+ fine, 2 points
- Running red light/stop sign: $200+ fine, 2 points
- Failure to yield: $200+ fine, 2 points
- Illegal lane change: $200+ fine, 2 points
Strategy: Even “simple” citations add points and trigger surcharges. We often get these reduced to non-moving violations with no points.
Criminal Traffic Offenses (Jail Possible)
- Reckless driving: Class B misdemeanor, up to 180 days jail
- Racing on highway: Class B misdemeanor, up to 180 days jail
- Fleeing police: Class B misdemeanor, up to 180 days jail
- Hit and run: Third-degree felony, 2-10 years prison
Critical difference: Criminal charges require court appearances and can result in permanent criminal records affecting employment, housing, and professional licenses.
Reckless Driving Defense
Reckless driving in Dallas carries serious consequences beyond typical traffic violations. Under Texas Transportation Code § 545.401, “willful or wanton disregard for safety” can result in Class B misdemeanor charges with up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 in fines.
Common reckless driving scenarios:
- Excessive speeding (25+ mph over limit)
- Aggressive lane changes or tailgating
- Street racing or exhibition driving
- Driving while texting with near-miss accidents
Our defense strategies include challenging officer observations, questioning speed detection methods, and presenting evidence of safe driving history. Recent success: Reckless driving reduced to “No Driver’s License” violation, avoiding criminal record (Dallas County M14-81402).
Penalties:
- First offense: Up to $2,000 fine, 180 days jail, 2 points
- Commercial drivers: Potential CDL disqualification
- Insurance impact: Rates increase 20-40%
Next steps: Contact us immediately if charged with reckless driving—we can often negotiate reduced charges before your court date.
Fight Reckless Driving Charges →
Suspended License Defense
Driving with a suspended or invalid license escalates from Class C citation to Class B misdemeanor with potential jail time. Texas Transportation Code § 521.457 makes it illegal to operate a vehicle when your license is suspended, revoked, or expired.
Common suspension triggers:
- DWI convictions (automatic 90-day suspension)
- Multiple traffic violations (point accumulation)
- Failure to pay traffic fines or appear in court
- Medical suspensions or insurance lapses
Defense approach: We examine the validity of the original suspension, challenge notice requirements, and negotiate occupational licenses for work/school driving needs.
Escalating penalties:
- Class C: First offense, up to $500 fine
- Class B: Prior conviction, up to $2,000 fine, 180 days jail
- Class A: Multiple priors, up to $4,000 fine, 1 year jail
Critical for CDL holders: Any suspension of regular license triggers CDL disqualification, potentially ending trucking careers.
Next steps: We can often restore driving privileges through occupational licenses while fighting the underlying charges.
Hit and Run Defense
Leaving the scene of an accident in Dallas can escalate from misdemeanor to third-degree felony depending on injuries involved. Texas Transportation Code § 550.021 requires drivers to stop, provide information, and render aid when possible.
Hit and run charges:
- Property damage only: Class C misdemeanor, $500 fine
- Injury accident: Class B misdemeanor, up to 180 days jail
- Serious injury: Third-degree felony, 2-10 years prison
- Fatal accident: Second-degree felony, 2-20 years prison
Common defenses:
- Driver was unaware accident occurred
- No legal duty to remain (parked car scenarios)
- Insufficient evidence of identity
- Medical emergency or safety concerns
Case example: Hit and run dismissed after proving client left scene due to threats from other driver and immediately reported incident to police.
Insurance complications: Hit and run convictions often void insurance coverage for the accident, leaving drivers personally liable for damages.
Next steps: Contact us before speaking to police—statements made after accidents are often misinterpreted.
Racing on Highway Defense
Street racing charges in Dallas carry Class B misdemeanor penalties under Texas Transportation Code § 545.420, with up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 fines. Police often charge racing based on circumstantial evidence rather than actual competition.
What constitutes “racing”:
- Speed competitions between vehicles
- Drag racing from traffic lights
- Time trials or endurance contests
- Attempts to set speed records
Common over-charging scenarios:
- Two friends driving fast together (not actually racing)
- Single vehicle “exhibition of speed”
- Motorcycles accelerating from traffic lights
Our defense strategy focuses on proving lack of competitive intent, challenging police observations, and presenting alternative explanations for driving behavior.
Recent victory: Racing on highway dismissed after demonstrating client was simply passing slow traffic, not competing with other vehicle (Dallas County M1518718).
Additional consequences:
- Vehicle impoundment and storage fees
- Driver license points and surcharges
- Insurance rate increases
- Potential vehicle forfeiture
Additional Traffic Offense Resources
Serious Traffic Crimes:
- Vehicular Manslaughter Defense – Defend against vehicular homicide charges
- Fleeing Police Officer Defense – Challenge evading arrest charges
Complete Traffic Defense Services: For a comprehensive overview of all traffic violations we handle, explore our detailed service pages covering specific offenses and defense strategies.
CDL Traffic Violation Defense
Commercial drivers face career-ending consequences from traffic violations that barely affect regular drivers. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations impose strict disqualification periods for CDL holders.
CDL disqualifying offenses:
- Any DWI/DUI: 1-year disqualification (lifetime for second offense)
- Reckless driving: 60-day disqualification
- Following too closely: 60-day disqualification
- Improper lane changes: 60-day disqualification
Two-strike rule: Two serious violations in three years = 60-day CDL disqualification, regardless of whether violations occurred in personal or commercial vehicles.
Texas CDL point system:
- Regular license points also affect CDL status
- Out-of-state violations still count
- Even reduced charges can trigger disqualification
Our CDL defense approach:
- Negotiate non-CDL affecting dispositions
- Challenge violations before they appear on driving record
- Coordinate with employers on safety programs
Economic impact: Average CDL driver loses $40,000+ in income during disqualification periods, often resulting in permanent job loss.
Next steps: Contact us immediately—CDL violations have strict timelines for administrative challenges.
Understanding Texas Driver Responsibility Program (DRP)
The DRP adds thousands in surcharges on top of traffic fines, creating long-term financial consequences most drivers don’t expect. Texas Transportation Code § 708.052 requires annual surcharge payments for point accumulation and certain violations.
Point-Based Surcharges
- 6 points: $100 annual surcharge for 3 years
- 7+ points: $100 + $25 for each additional point
Automatic Surcharges (regardless of points)
- No valid license: $100 annually for 3 years
- No insurance: $250 annually for 3 years
- DWI conviction: $1,000-$2,000 annually for 3 years
Surcharge payment strategies:
- Payment plans available through DPS
- Hardship reductions for low-income drivers
- Community service alternatives in some cases
Failure to pay consequences:
- License suspension until all surcharges paid
- Reinstatement fees ($100-$125)
- Collection agency referral with additional costs
Case study: Client facing $3,000 in DWI surcharges successfully negotiated payment plan and completed community service alternative, reducing total cost by 60%.
Call (972) 528-0478 – Beat the Surcharges
Dallas County Traffic Court Procedures
Local knowledge makes the difference in traffic defense. Dallas County handles over 200,000 traffic cases annually across multiple court systems with different procedures and judges.
Dallas County Courts
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N Industrial Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207
- Criminal traffic offenses (Class A & B misdemeanors)
- Felony traffic cases (vehicular manslaughter, intoxication assault)
Dallas Municipal Court
2014 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201
- Class C traffic citations within Dallas city limits
- Parking violations and city ordinance violations
Justice of the Peace Courts
- JP Court 1-1: 600 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202
- JP Court 2-1: 7380 Jackson St, Dallas, TX 75214
- JP Court 3-2: 1341 W Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75247
Court-specific strategies:
- Judge Johnson (JP 1-1): Favors negotiated resolutions, rarely grants dismissals
- Judge Martinez (Municipal): Strict on CDL violations, lenient on first-time offenders
- County Court 1: Often allows defensive driving for first-time reckless driving
Timing considerations:
- Municipal court: 2-4 week average for hearing dates
- County court: 6-8 weeks for criminal traffic offenses
- Appeal deadlines: 10 days from conviction
Traffic Offense Defense Strategies
Effective traffic defense goes beyond simply showing up to court. Our strategies focus on constitutional challenges, technical defenses, and negotiated resolutions that protect your record.
Constitutional Challenges
Fourth Amendment violations:
- Illegal traffic stops without reasonable suspicion
- Unlawful vehicle searches during routine stops
- Extended detention without justification
Due process violations:
- Lack of proper notice for court appearances
- Denial of right to confront witnesses (red light cameras)
- Inadequate legal representation advisements
Technical Defenses
Radar/Lidar accuracy challenges:
- Officer certification and training records
- Device calibration and maintenance logs
- Environmental factors affecting readings
Procedural defenses:
- Improper citation completion or service
- Statute of limitations violations
- Jurisdictional challenges
Negotiated Resolutions
Common plea negotiations:
- Moving violation reduced to non-moving (no points)
- Criminal charges reduced to Class C citations
- Deferred adjudication with dismissal upon completion
Alternative sentencing:
- Defensive driving course completion
- Community service in lieu of fines
- Probation with driving restrictions
Actual Dallas Traffic Defense Results
Real case outcomes from Dallas County courts:
| Charge | Result | Case Number |
|---|---|---|
| Racing on Highway | DISMISSED | Dallas County M1518718 |
| Reckless Driving | Dismissed, Reduced to Class C – No License | Dallas County M14-81402 |
Additional traffic-related victories:
- Multiple DWI cases with breath test results dismissed or reduced
- License suspension cases successfully challenged
- Commercial driver violations resolved without CDL impact
What Dallas Drivers Need to Know
Defensive Driving Eligibility
Texas allows defensive driving to dismiss one citation every 12 months, but restrictions apply:
- Must request within appearance deadline
- Not available for CDL violations or speeds 25+ mph over limit
- Court costs still required ($144 in most Dallas courts)
Insurance Impact
Traffic convictions affect insurance rates for 3-7 years:
- Moving violations: 15-25% rate increase
- Reckless driving: 40-60% rate increase
- Hit and run: 50-75% rate increase
- DWI: 100-300% rate increase
Employment Consequences
Background checks reveal traffic convictions:
- CDL jobs require clean driving records
- Delivery and transportation jobs affected
- Government positions may disqualify certain violations
- Professional licenses can be impacted
Protect Your Future – Call (972) 528-0478
Take Action Now – Don’t Let Traffic Violations Derail Your Life
Every day you wait gives prosecutors more time to build their case. Traffic violations seem minor until they cascade into license suspension, job loss, and thousands in hidden costs.
Why choose McConathy Law:
- Local expertise: 20+ years practicing in Dallas County courts
- Proven results: Hundreds of traffic cases dismissed or reduced
- CDL protection: Specialized knowledge of commercial driver regulations
- Cost-effective: Our fees often cost less than long-term insurance increases
Contact Information: Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
Phone: (972) 528-0478
Available 24/7 for emergencies
Remember: A traffic ticket today can become tomorrow’s suspended license. Your driving privileges are worth fighting for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I just pay my traffic ticket?
Paying is pleading guilty and results in points, surcharges, and insurance increases. We often negotiate better outcomes, including dismissals or no-point dispositions that save money long-term.
Can I get deferred adjudication for traffic offenses?
Yes, for criminal traffic charges. Class B and A misdemeanor traffic offenses are eligible for deferred adjudication, resulting in dismissal upon successful completion of probation terms.
How do out-of-state violations affect my Texas license?
Texas participates in interstate compacts that share violation information. Out-of-state convictions typically add points and can trigger DRP surcharges.
What happens if I miss my court date?
Failure to appear results in additional charges and license suspension. We can often lift warrants and reset court dates, but immediate action is required.
Can traffic convictions be expunged?
Dismissed cases can be expunged. Convictions generally cannot be expunged but may be eligible for nondisclosure orders after waiting periods.
Areas We Serve in Dallas County
Primary Coverage: Dallas • Irving • Garland • Plano • Richardson • Carrollton
Extended Service Areas:
- North Dallas: Addison • Farmers Branch • Coppell
- East Dallas: Mesquite • Rowlett • Rockwall County
- South Dallas: DeSoto • Lancaster • Cedar Hill
- West Dallas: Grand Prairie • Arlington (Tarrant County)
Related Dallas Criminal Defense Services
- Dallas DWI Defense – Protect your license from DWI charges
- Dallas Juvenile Defense – Protect your teenager’s future