How Can I Look Up My Traffic Ticket in Charlotte, North Carolina?

Traffic violations can be a costly headache. Points on your license and increased car insurance premiums may only be the beginning. If you need your car to get to and from work, the tickets you’ve received could affect your reputation or even your income. Keeping track of your violations is the first step in getting your driving record under control. You may be asking, “How can I look up my traffic ticket in Charlotte, North Carolina?”

Traffic Ticket Laws in North Carolina.

According to the District Attorney’s Office for Mecklenburg County, there are more than 175,000 traffic cases every year. In 2023, a study showed that misdemeanor traffic violations accounted for 39.7% of all criminal charges in North Carolina. This same study cited that the top offenses were expired registration and driving with a revoked license, followed by not having a license or operating a vehicle without insurance.

In addition to those mentioned above, here are some other examples of traffic violations in North Carolina:

• Speeding
• Failure to stop at a sign or red light
• Not wearing your seatbelt
• Hit and run
• Following too close
• Failing to yield

Fines and Penalties in North Carolina

The fine for speeding tickets depends on how fast you were going and can vary greatly. If you are driving 15 miles per hour over the limit or over 80 mph, you could be charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Reckless driving is defined as endangering others or property. This offense is considered much more severe than speeding due to the possible consequences of not using caution while operating a vehicle. It carries a Class 2 misdemeanor charge, which can be sentenced with up to 30 days in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, and 4 points on your license.

Impaired driving, or driving while impaired (DWI), is also a misdemeanor. It’s classified by having a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or above or having drugs in your system. A judge hears the details of the case and determines the sentence, which could be years in jail.

Understanding your charges is the first step in the process. If you are facing consequences for a traffic violation, like misdemeanor charges, fines, and suspension of your license, you need a plan and someone in your corner to help you through the legal process.

Looking Up Your Traffic Ticket in Charlotte

The North Carolina Judicial Branch offers a portal on its website where you can look up your traffic violations. You can also contact the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Courts to assist you with finding the details of your case. This is good information to have, but you may not want to pay the fine right away. Once the fines are dealt with and the points are added to your license, the case is over and cannot be changed. Finding a skilled traffic ticket attorney may be a better option.

Hire a Traffic Ticket Lawyer

If you need help with a traffic ticket case, Kevin L. Barnett is the Charlotte traffic ticket lawyer you can trust. Even though many people just pay the ticket to be done with it, not consulting a criminal defense attorney may be a costly mistake. Mr. Barnett has been practicing law and dealing with complex traffic ticket cases for over 20 years. Don’t settle for an inexperienced lawyer when your future is on the line.

FAQs

Q: Where Can I Find My Traffic Ticket Information Online in Charlotte, North Carolina?

A: To find your ticket online, visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch portal. All court documents are public records, including traffic violations. Anyone can look up court documents, like your defense attorney and their staff. It is not necessary to register or log in to use the portal to access your information, and it is easy to navigate.

Q: What Details Do I Need to Look Up a Traffic Ticket in Mecklenburg County?

A: The only details you need to look up a traffic ticket in Mecklenburg County are your first and last names. You enter them after clicking the Smart Search option inside the portal. You can also contact the Clerk of Court in Mecklenburg County and provide your name. They can find your traffic ticket if you don’t want to use the online portal. There are also computers within the courthouse in Charlotte with access to the portal.

Q: Can I Check the Status of My Charlotte Traffic Ticket Without the Citation Number?

A: Yes, you can check the status of your Charlotte traffic ticket without the citation number, but it’s wise to have a copy of the citation you received from the police. It has the details of the incident laid out for your legal team. There is an option within the portal to enter the citation number along with your name. Once you have entered the information, the database searches for your case. You simply click on it to see the details.

Q: How Do I Find My Court Date or Payment Options After Locating My Charlotte Traffic Ticket?

A: The portal provides information on court dates and paying your fines. There is a Search Hearings option that highlights the date and time you should arrive at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. On the main menu of the portal, there’s a button labeled Make Payments, which is where you add your payment details. For step-by-step instructions, the North Carolina Judicial Branch has a Portal Overview Guide.

Contact a Charlotte Traffic Ticket Attorney Who Gets Results

When it comes to protecting your driving record, hire a traffic ticket lawyer you can trust. You need a seasoned traffic ticket attorney who has experience and gets results. The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett is responsive and accessible to you in your time of need. We can fight for reduced fines, fewer points, and possibly avoid jail time if your offense is more severe. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start building the defense you deserve.