Legal Question in Personal Injury in Pennsylvania

i just got a citaton for causing a traffic accident with damages how long will this stay on my driving record


Asked on 1/08/11, 8:32 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Andrew Solomon Law Office of Andrew A. Solomon

Under the Pa. Motor Vehicle Code, violations of certain sections result in the assessment of points against you. A list of the offenses involving points can be found in the Motor Vehicle Code at Section 1535 (A). The number of your violation should appear on the citation. Points stay on your record for 12 months, with 3 points being deducted after 12 months, so long as you have had no new violations. If you get 6 points, the Dept. of Motor Vehicle will require ou to attend safe driving classes. If you get up to 11 points, your driver's license will be suspended.

First you should look up section 1535(A) in the Motor Vehicle code to find out how many points you are facing. (You can find this information through a Google search for Pa. Motor Vehicle code). Second you should plead innocent and go the hearing (preferrably with a lawyer). Many times the arresting police officer will "plea bargain" with you where you can plead guilty to another offense not involving points. It really depends on the severity of your violation; the severity of injuries received; and the location of the District Justice whom the case is before.

Of course, none of this applies if DUI is involved, in which case you absolutely should retain an attorney.

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Answered on 1/21/11, 4:04 pm


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