Can a Greensboro criminal defense attorney help you with a school bus traffic violation? Possibly!
It’s easy to not realize that a school bus is stopped in front of you while you are driving. There are many different types of buses and cars, so it can be easy to forget that you must stop for a school bus when it is stopped. Unfortunately, this is the case for many people who are charged with failure to stop for properly marked and designated school buses. If you find that you are one of these people, you should contact a Greensboro Criminal defense lawyer because there are multiple ways that they may be able to help you.
This rule is one that Prosecutors generally do not negotiate on, and judges tend to shy away from it as well due to clear policy reasons. Mainly, it’s because they need to protect the public safety of children. Therefore, deterring this issue through strict punishment is an important factor in enforcing this law.
Passing a stopped school bus is a Class 1 misdemeanor, five license points are assessed, and four insurance points are assessed. Further, a mandatory fine of $500 is charged if you are convicted of this misdemeanor. Although there are strict consequences for violating this law, there are a few different defenses that may help you if you’re caught in this situation.
For example, the State must produce a number of witnesses for a case involving this charge. It may be difficult for them to acquire civilian witnesses, or the bus driver may not be available. There are people that are needed to convict one of this charge. Further, the State must be able to prove that the bus was an actual school bus that has all of the required markings. They must also prove that all of the bask-flashing lights were working and recognizable form the vantage point of the Defendant. It may also be important to check the road itself. Was there a median or physical barrier between the bus and your car, and were you traveling the opposite direction? If so, you may not have committed a violation.
If you have been charged with this violation, you should contact a Greensboro criminal defense lawyer today to see if there are any valid defenses that can be applied to your care. The consequences of violating this law can be burdensome, so contacting a attorney may help you avoid the stresses of this violation. The Greensboro criminal defense attorneys at Garrett, Walker, Aycoth and Olsen know the requirements of the law and also genuinely care about each and every case presented by their clients. Call us today at 336-379-0539; we are here to help!