Citation for Right Turn on Red in Wake County - What to do? (Morrisville: insurance, lawyer)

[Riley14]

Received a citation for making an illegal right turn at a red light - there was a sign posted stating no right on red but I missed the sign and made the turn. Trying to figure out options as far as contesting it, getting it reduced, etc. as it is my first ever ticket in ~10 years of driving. Also unsure as to how many points it will add to my license. Anyone dealt with this is Wake county and if so how did it shake out?

[bluecomet]

Just appear in court yourself and ask for forgiveness based on previous driving record. Save attorney fees. If this is your only violation it should not affect your insurance rates. Drive safely!

[danielbmartin]

Minor offense? First ticket? You are a good candidate for a PJC.

Understanding the Prayer for Judgment or PJC in North Carolina Traffic Violations. - Avvo.com

[lb27608]

Also unsure as to how many points it will add to my license.

This would fall under the "all other moving violations" category of the points system. If convicted (either in court or by simply paying the fine), it would be 2 points on your driver's license and 1 insurance point. That would trigger a 30% increase in your insurance rate.

PJC sounds like a good option.

[Starglow]

With your clean driving record I'm surprised the officer didn't let you go with just a warning..assuming you admitted your mistake. Maybe they'll give you the option of taking a safe driving class in exchange for no points on your license...but I'm not sure if NC does that.

[NJSP]

Originally Posted by Starglow

With your clean driving record I'm surprised the officer didn't let you go with just a warning..assuming you admitted your mistake. Maybe they'll give you the option of taking a safe driving class in exchange for no points on your license...but I'm not sure if NC does that.

No

[jmcstef]

The article daneilbmartin posted is good advice, it's good to save PJCs whenever possible, particularly when there are others on the same insurance policy. Requesting a PJC yourself does not guarantee the PJC will be granted, as the article states -- sometimes you just get raked over the coals trying a DIY approach to legal stuff. Lawyers have all sorts of tricks up their sleeves like continually rescheduling the appearance until they know things are in their favor, they know which judges are a PITA and avoid them, etc.. and since you'll likely pay the court fee no matter what, the lawyers fee + court fee is often a lot cheaper than taking a half day or whatever off work to go and pay the court fees yourself even if you win the PJC.

I'd recommend talking to a couple of lawyers and see if there's a way you can get the illegal right turn reduced to a 2 pointer. I knew someone who was able to do that. The lawyer will need to know in advance whether you prefer the reduction or the PJC. It's kind of a game of odds really.

[Bpobill]

Originally Posted by Starglow

With your clean driving record I'm surprised the officer didn't let you go with just a warning..assuming you admitted your mistake. Maybe they'll give you the option of taking a safe driving class in exchange for no points on your license...but I'm not sure if NC does that.

There's not very many in the area, and they have them in place if your view is obstructed and cannot make the turn safely (in most cases).

If I were the OP I would get an attorney. It's only a couple hundred bucks and they will get you out of the points.

[wizard-xyzzy]

Insurance points, or the threat of them, are a great revenue generator for many lawyers.

I wouldn't waste a PJC on anything this minor.

[mm_nature]

Riley14
Received a citation for making an illegal right turn at a red light - there was a sign posted stating no right on red but I missed the sign and made the turn. Trying to figure out options as far as contesting it, getting it reduced, etc. as it is my first ever ticket in ~10 years of driving. Also unsure as to how many points it will add to my license. Anyone dealt with this is Wake county and if so how did it shake out?

Hi Riley14, I got a similar citation recently on the intersection of Morrisville-Carpenter Road. I came to complete stop and looked and then took the right turn but somehow missed the no turn on red sign. I am not familiar with this area and the roads were empty......mistaken it as any other intersection. would you please share what the outcome was for your citation. I am weighing my options, anyone has any suggestion or similar experience if I should appear in court or get a lawyer. fine + court fee ~$250