Seminole County is located just south of Orange County, Florida. With a population of almost 450,000 people, the county is a very fast growing county. The largest cities in Seminole County are Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, Sanford, and Winter Springs. Seminole County is home to zip lines, trails, nature walks, beautiful golf courses, fishing, shopping, and fine dining. The county has a wide array of tourist attractions brining many travelers traversing the major roadways, which are Interstate 4, US-17, US-92, State Road 46, and the Seminole Expressway.
The local law enforcement agencies are Seminole County Sheriff’s office, Altamonte Springs Police Department, Casselberry Police Department, Lake Mary Police Department, Longwood Police Department, Oviedo Police Department, Sanford Police Department, Winter Springs Police Department, and Florida Highway Patrol. These police agencies pull over individuals for civil and criminal infractions. They do so using radar devices and aerial surveillance. These agencies work together patrolling the streets of Seminole County.
Civil and Criminal violations may result in a hearing. In criminal cases, for example DUI, reckless driving, and driving without a license, a hearing will be required. The hearing will be attended by a judge, the arresting or citation-issuing officer, any witness, the individual and a Seminole County Traffic Attorney should you decide to hire one. A civil violation may result in a hearing if you choose to fight your ticket. If there are issues you would like a hearing officer or judge to hear as defenses to the ticket or if you would like to plead not guilty, you can attend a hearing where a judge can decide the outcome. The traffic hearings in Seminole County are heard in several locations:
Sanford—300 North Park Avenue, Sanford, FL
Altamonte Springs—225 Newburyport Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL
Lake Mary—100 N. Country Club Boulevard, Lake Mary, FL
Winter Springs—1126 East Highway 434, Winter Springs, FL
These locations are where the ten (10) circuit judges preside over hearings for the 10th Judicial Circuit, which is the circuit to which Seminole County belongs.
The most common traffic violations is unlawful speed, failure to yield or stop to a traffic signal, and DUI for moving violations. The moving violations come with higher penalties. The penalties include fees and fines, points, and possibly jail time if there are criminal charges. Non-moving violations include parking in a handicapped parking spot without a permit, overdue parking meter, and expired tags on your plates among other violations.
The points assessed can bring about further ramifications. Insurance rates may increase if you are considered a “high risk” driver by your insurance company. They will have to issue you an SR-22 insurance policy, which run up to four times as much as safe driver insurance. The points assessed also puts you at risk for a license suspended. Should you accrue twelve (12) points in a year, you could have your license suspended for one month. If you get eighteen (18) points in eighteen (18) months, your license could be suspended for three months. If you accrue twenty-four (24) points in thirty-six (36) months, your license could be suspended for a year. The points can be avoided by electing to attend a Driver Improvement Course, which are available in a in-person classroom setting, on DVD/video, or online. A simple online search will show the places—online and in-person—to attend the course. A Seminole County Traffic lawyer can assist you in getting points off of your license as well. In case you have met the statutory limit for having taken the Driver Improvement Course five times during your lifetime, an Altamonte Springs, Sanford, Lake Mary or Winter Springs Speeding Ticket lawyer can assist you in keeping points off of your license.
Seminole County has multiple cities and many attractions that call it home. Of course, traffic issues arise in the county due to the population and the tourists travelling to and from the county. It is of course best practice to hire a Seminole County Traffic Attorney to aid you in educating you about the process, defining the best defenses, and presenting your case to the court. Hire a Seminole County Traffic lawyer today!
