Frequently
Asked
Questions
Have Questions About Traffic Tickets, Criminal Charges, or Hiring an Attorney?
You’re not alone. At The Ticket Center and Law Office of Rita Sanders, we’re asked every day about how traffic tickets affect your license, what criminal charges mean for your future, and whether hiring a lawyer is even necessary. This FAQ page was created to answer those common questions — from how Missouri’s point system works to what to expect in court and how our legal team can help protect your rights. Whether you’re facing a speeding ticket or a more serious criminal charge, we’re here to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Traffic FAQ’s
What happens if I just pay the ticket?
Paying a traffic ticket in Missouri means pleading guilty. That conviction puts points on your driving record and can lead to higher insurance premiums, license suspension, or even long-term damage to your record. Even minor moving violations can have serious consequences.
Why should I hire an attorney for a traffic ticket?
Hiring an attorney to handle your traffic ticket can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Many people simply pay the fine, assuming it’s the easiest path forward — but doing so is a plea of guilty that results in points on your driving record, which can lead to license suspensions and increased insurance premiums.
At The Law Office of Rita Sanders and The Ticket Center, our goal is to reduce or eliminate the points before any long-term consequences occur. We do this by aggressively advocating on your behalf and working to amend tickets to lesser violations, negotiate probation options, or dismiss charges altogether when possible.
We understand that bad things happen to good people, and we’re here to help you navigate the legal process without unnecessary stress. Our legal team analyzes every detail of your case and applies strategies only an experienced Missouri traffic attorney can offer — whether it’s identifying procedural issues, negotiating with prosecutors, or arguing for alternatives that keep your record clean.
For most traffic tickets, you won’t even have to appear in court — we can handle the process for you, saving you time, hassle, and uncertainty.
Schedule a free consultation with our team today to discuss the details of your situation. Just because you were issued a ticket doesn’t mean you have to accept the penalties. Let us help you fight back.
Do I have to go to court for a traffic ticket?
Often, no. In many cases, our attorneys can appear in court on your behalf, especially for minor violations. This saves you the hassle of missing work or rearranging your day. If your presence is required, we’ll guide you through exactly what to expect.
How does the Missouri point system work?
In Missouri, nearly every traffic ticket — even minor ones — is classified as a moving violation, meaning the offense occurred while the vehicle was in motion. When you’re convicted of a moving violation, a specific number of points is added to your driving record based on the severity of the offense. These points are tracked by the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) and can lead to escalating consequences if left unchecked.
If you accumulate 4 points within 12 months, the state will issue a warning letter, letting you know you’re approaching the danger zone. But the real penalties begin if you continue to rack up points:
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8 or more points within 18 months will result in a license suspension:
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First suspension: 30 days
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Second suspension: 60 days
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Third and subsequent: 90 days
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If you reach 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months, your license can be revoked for a full year.
While points gradually reduce over time — one-third removed after 1 year, one-half after 2 years, and all after 3 years of clean driving — some serious offenses or convictions may remain permanently on your record.
The consequences don’t stop at your license. Points on your record can also lead to higher insurance premiums, employment issues (for CDL or commercial drivers), and long-term impacts on your driving history.
That’s why working with an experienced traffic attorney is crucial. In many cases, we can negotiate a deal that keeps points off your license, helping you avoid suspensions, revocations, and insurance hikes.
Can points ever be removed from my license?
Yes. Points in Missouri gradually reduce over time — 1/3 removed after 1 year, 1/2 after 2 years, and all removed after 3 years without further violations. However, convictions may stay on your record longer. Hiring an attorney increases your chances of avoiding points in the first place.
How long does a traffic ticket stay on my record?
It depends on the violation. While points can drop off after 3 years, the actual conviction may stay on your Missouri driving record permanently, especially for serious offenses. That’s why it’s important to fight the ticket with legal help, not just pay it and hope it goes away.
Criminal Defense FAQ’s
What should I do if I’ve been charged with a crime?
If you’ve been charged with a criminal offense in Missouri, the most important thing you can do is remain calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not speak to law enforcement or prosecutors without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you in court. Contacting a criminal defense attorney immediately gives you the best chance of protecting your rights and building a strong defense strategy from the start.
What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
The key difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Missouri is the severity of the crime and the potential penalties. Misdemeanors are considered less serious offenses and typically carry penalties such as fines, probation, or jail time of less than one year — usually served in a local jail. Common misdemeanors include shoplifting, trespassing, or simple assault.
Felonies, on the other hand, are more serious crimes like armed robbery, drug trafficking, or violent assault. These offenses can result in more than a year of prison time, typically served in a state facility, along with steeper fines and long-term consequences like loss of voting or firearm rights. A criminal defense attorney can help determine how your charge is classified and what legal options are available.
Do I really need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge?
Yes. While misdemeanors may seem less serious than felonies, they still carry consequences like jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record. A skilled criminal defense attorney can often reduce or eliminate these penalties by negotiating with prosecutors, identifying flaws in the evidence, or presenting alternative sentencing options.
Will this charge stay on my record forever?
It depends. Some convictions can stay on your criminal record permanently, while others may be eligible for expungement under Missouri law. Expungement is a legal process that seals or removes certain offenses from your record, giving you a fresh start. An attorney can help determine if your case qualifies for expungement and guide you through the process.
What is expungement and how does it work?
Expungement is a legal process that removes or seals certain criminal records from public view. In Missouri, not all offenses are eligible for expungement, but many misdemeanors and even some non-violent felonies qualify — especially if a certain amount of time has passed since the conviction, and all terms of the sentence were completed.
Expungement can help clear your record when applying for jobs, housing, or professional licenses. The process involves filing a petition with the court, notifying relevant parties, and sometimes attending a hearing. Our firm can evaluate your eligibility and handle the process from start to finish, giving you the best chance at a clean slate.
What are the possible penalties for a criminal conviction in Missouri?
Penalties can vary widely depending on the severity of the offense. They may include jail or prison time, fines, community service, probation, mandatory counseling, or loss of certain rights (like gun ownership). Felonies and misdemeanors are categorized into different classes, each carrying specific sentencing guidelines. Having legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Do I have to go to court?
In most criminal cases, you will need to appear in court at some point, but your attorney may be able to appear on your behalf for certain hearings or reduce the number of required court appearances. Your lawyer can also help prepare you for what to expect and guide you through each step of the process.