Highlands County is located in south central Florida. The county has a population of nearly 98,000 people. The county boasts the fifth eldest population in the nation, according to a 2012 census. Lakes Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge is also located in the county, which acts as a beautiful landscape for the residents and tourists alike. The major cities include: Avon Park, Sebring, and Lake Placid. The county is covered in 1,200 miles of county roads, 40 bridges, and 15 miles of sidewalk. The roadways that cover the area are patrolled by Highlands County Sheriff’s office, Avon Park Police Department, Sebring Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol.
The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office also has alcohol compliance checks where they have checkpoints through which cars must go through and be temporarily stopped for the checkpoint. The department published when and where the checkpoint will be. There are also aerial and radar speed detectors. Unlawful speed, careless driving, and failure to stop at a traffic signal are common traffic violations in Highlands County. These violations can result in a citation being issued and a possible hearing. For these charges and any other civil violations, you may decide you would like to attend a hearing where you can plead your case to a judge and they can decide your fate. In order to do so, you should send a written request to 590 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring, Florida 33780 within thirty (30) days of the citation issue date. After requesting a hearing date, you will be given a date at which you are to attend. At the hearing, the judge, any witnesses, the officer that wrote the citation, you, and a Highlands County Traffic Attorney should you choose to hire one will be in attendance.
If you have been issued a criminal citation, you will be required to attend a hearing. The hearing will have a judge, any witnesses, the arresting officer (or officer that issued the Notice to Appear), you and any Avon Park, Sebring, or Lake Placid Traffic lawyer if you decide to hire one. The lawyer can plead your case and present any defenses or assist you in deciding the plea to enter with the court. The criminal offenses include DUI, driving without a license, or reckless driving. These offenses come with other penalties that can include license suspension and/or jail time. Therefore, the best chance you have at avoiding further penalties is to contact a Highlands County Traffic Attorney as soon as possible.
Points may be assessed on your license in either case. Electing to take a Drivers Improvement Course may keep points off of your license. The Drivers Improvement Courses are run through private businesses and proper documentation will have to be provided to the Clerk of the Court. If such documentation is not provided within ninety (90) days of your citation, the court will have to provide documentation to the DMV, who will reserve the right to suspend your license. This option is not available to you if: you have chosen this option in the last year, you have chosen this option five times in your lifetime, you have chosen this option after more than thirty (30) days after the citation, you have been charged with a driver license, insurance, or insurance violation or you have a commercial drivers license.
Highland county is a small county with a lot to offer. The county has its fair share of traffic violations just like any other county in Florida. The best way to protect yourself and your rights is to hire a Highlands County Traffic Attorney. He or she can educate you about your rights, possible defenses for your case in particular, attend court for you, and teach you about the process. Hiring an Avon Park, Sebring, or Lake Placid Speeding Ticket lawyer can be the best decision you have ever made for yourself, your family, your wallet and your future.
