Traffic Lawyer in Beaver County

Criminal Defense » Beaver Criminal Defense Attorney » Traffic Lawyer in Beaver County

If a traffic ticket in Beaver County has threatened your license or your livelihood, you’re not alone. Our traffic lawyers in Beaver County understand how PennDOT points stack up, how the local courts work, and what it takes to keep a small mistake from becoming a long-term problem. Our Beaver criminal defense attorneys may be able to protect your driving record and your future. Call 724-488-7572 for a free consultation.

Were You Ticketed in Beaver County? Here’s What You’re Really Facing

A Pennsylvania traffic citation is more than “just a fine.” Many moving violations add points to your record. Points drive up insurance costs and can lead to suspensions when they hit certain thresholds. Some violations—like school bus stops or work-zone speeding—carry automatic suspensions, even for drivers with otherwise clean records.

For CDL holders and professional drivers, the stakes are even higher. A conviction can trigger federal disqualifications, employer discipline, and a career setback. Students and under-21 drivers also face stricter rules if they rack up points quickly.

What Beaver County Traffic Charges Do We Handle?

We understand that every driver’s situation is unique, so we treat every case seriously. We handle all types of traffic charges, but here are a few of the Beaver County tickets we contest most often. Click the links to read the official Pennsylvania legal definitions.

Speeding (75 Pa.C.S. §3362)

Points depend on how many mph over the limit you were going; active work zones can add a 15-day suspension on top of points.

Red light / stop sign violations (75 Pa.C.S. §§3112, 3323)

These violations may seem minor, but they can add points to your record and often increase your insurance rates.

Careless driving (75 Pa.C.S. §3714)

A “catch-all” police use after a crash or unsafe maneuver. Adds points and can impact civil claims later.

Leaving the scene (property damage) (75 Pa.C.S. §3745)

Carries points and consequences that can grow quickly if there are injuries.

School bus violations (75 Pa.C.S. §3345)

Typical penalties include five points and a mandatory 60-day suspension. Courts take these seriously.

Driving while suspended (75 Pa.C.S. §1543)

Brings fines, possible jail (depending on the reason for the suspension), and a longer path to getting reinstated.

No insurance (75 Pa.C.S. §1786)

Can lead to license suspension, restoration fees, and headaches when you try to fix coverage gaps.

We also handle citations tied to criminal traffic allegations (reckless driving, fleeing and eluding, or hit & run) where a targeted strategy can often avoid points, cut penalties, and keep you on the road.

Understanding the Points System in Beaver County

PennDOT tracks moving violations using a points system. This is what you need to know:

Most moving violations add 2–5 points to your record.
At 6 points, PennDOT requires corrective action such as a written exam, driver improvement course, or a departmental hearing.
If you reach 11 points, PennDOT will suspend your license. The length of suspension depends on how many times you’ve been suspended before.
Work-zone speeding and school-bus violations carry automatic suspensions, in addition to points.
Drivers under 18 face stricter rules: reaching 6 points or going 26+ mph over the limit can lead to a 90-day suspension for a first violation.
Points can come off your record over time: if you drive 12 months without a new violation or suspension, 3 points are removed.

These rules apply across Pennsylvania. What changes locally are the Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) courts, how specific judges handle negotiations, and the opportunities to resolve cases without points. That’s where a lawyer familiar with Beaver County can make a difference.

What Are the Typical Points & Fines for Tickets?

Every case is different. Your real-world outcome will depend on your record, your circumstances, and your representation.

You can use the information below to understand the usual consequences.

Speeding 6–10 mph over (§3362): 2 points, fine around $35 + $2 per mph over.
Speeding 11–15 mph over (§3362): 3 points, fine $35–$45 + $2 per mph over (15-day suspension if in an active work zone).
Speeding 16–25 mph over (§3362): 4 points, fine $45–$55 + $2 per mph over (15-day suspension if in an active work zone).
Speeding 26–30 mph over (§3362): 5 points, fine $55–$65 + $2 per mph over (15-day suspension if in an active work zone).
Speeding 31+ mph over (§3362): 5 points, higher fines, and a departmental hearing.
Red light (§3112) or Stop sign (§3323): 3 points, fines around $25–$100 plus court costs.
Careless driving (§3714): 3 points, fine up to $200.
Leaving the scene—property damage only (§3745): 4 points, fines $250–$300, plus restitution.
School bus—red lights flashing (§3345): 5 points, mandatory 60-day suspension, fine of $250.
Under 18—6 points or 26+ mph over: 90-day suspension for first offense, 120 days for additional offenses.

What Happens After a Ticket is Issued?

Traffic matters usually begin with a citation from a local officer or Pennsylvania State Police. You must act by the deadline on the ticket. Either pay (which is a guilty plea) or plead not guilty to request a hearing at a Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) court. Ignoring a ticket can lead to a license suspension under 75 Pa.C.S. §1533 after statutory notice.

It’s important to consult a lawyer early if you plan to fight the ticket.

From Ticket to Resolution

Ticket Issued

Your citation lists the charges, the location, and the MDJ court that will hear your case. We review your ticket for technical issues, check the speed-timing method, and identify amendment options that keep points off your record.

Enter a Not-Guilty Plea

To fight the ticket, you must plead not guilty by the deadline on the citation. Our team files the plea correctly and begins evidence requests (officer notes, dash or body cam, calibration records, and so forth). Missing the deadline risks automatic conviction and additional penalties.

MDJ Hearing (Local District Court)

At the hearing, the officer testifies, and your lawyer can present evidence and cross-examine. Experienced representation may lead to:

Dismissal (when proof falls short)
A reduced or amended charge
Placement in a diversionary or alternative resolution program

We know how Beaver County MDJs typically handle amendments and what to emphasize. We may highlight your clean driving history and criminal record, CDL concerns, insurance impacts, or job needs. Our traffic lawyers aim for a no-points outcome.

What If I’m Convicted? Do I Still Have Options?

A conviction isn’t the end. You have 30 days to appeal for a de novo hearing in the Beaver County Court of Common Pleas, where the case starts fresh before a different judge. We handle paperwork, motions, and courtroom strategy to protect your license and limit long-term costs.

Missed a Deadline or Got a Suspension Letter?

If you didn’t respond to a ticket, PennDOT can suspend your license under §1533 after the court mails notice and a grace period passes. The situation can often be fixed. Don’t risk driving on a suspension. We can move quickly to reopen the case, ask for relief, or appeal.

Special Issues: CDL, Teen Drivers, & Out-of-State Drivers

Some drivers face added risks beyond the standard points and fines. Commercial drivers, young drivers, and those licensed in another state can experience harsher penalties or collateral consequences. These cases require a tailored defense strategy.

CDL Holders: Even a minor moving violation can have employer or federal consequences. We aim for no-point, no-CDL-impact resolutions where possible and coordinate your record across states if the citation will be reported interstate.
Under-18 Drivers: The threshold for suspensions is lower. Early intervention to avoid points is critical for insurance and school/work needs.
Out-of-State Drivers: Many states share traffic conviction information through interstate agreements. If you’re convicted in Pennsylvania, your home state will usually be notified, and the violation can add points or penalties to your local driving record. We build your defense with your home-state license in mind and, when possible, work toward outcomes that minimize or prevent your local consequences.

Our Defense Strategy in Beaver County Traffic Court

Our approach focuses on two goals:

Avoid points/suspensions
Contain total cost (fines, surcharges, insurance)

Here’s how we work a case:

We review the evidence and timing methods. We look closely at whether speed was measured with ENRADD, VASCAR, or pacing, check if certifications are current, and spot any calibration or chain-of-custody problems.

We challenge officer testimony. We question observation angles, traffic conditions, and signage to find weaknesses that could reduce or exclude the Commonwealth’s proof.

We negotiate for better outcomes. We push for amendments to non-point or lower-point offenses. Our knowledge of local Magisterial District Judges (MDJs) helps us pursue realistic offers that still protect your record.

We minimize insurance impact. Even if a fine remains, we work to avoid a points-assessed conviction that could raise your premiums for years.

We handle appeals when needed. If the MDJ decision harms your license, we take the case de novo to the Court of Common Pleas and fight for a better result.

Beaver County Courts & Resources

If your traffic case is in Beaver County, the following information could come in handy.

Beaver County Courthouse / Court of Common Pleas
Address: 810 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009
Courthouse Phone: 724-728-5700 | Administration Phone: 724-770-4700
Hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Website: Beaver County Courts
Notes: Departments include Court Administration, Clerk of Courts, Adult Probation, District Attorney, and more.

Clerk of Courts (criminal filings & records)
Address: 810 Third Street, Building B, Beaver, PA 15009
Phone: 724-770-4590
Website: Beaver Clerk Of Courts

Magisterial District Judges
Website: Magisterial District Judges
Notes: Your MDJ depends on your location. Find the full directory on the website.

PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
The official PennDOT website has resources on point thresholds, school bus suspensions, fines, driver improvement requirements, and more.
Website: PennDOT

Worgul, Sarna & Ness Related Pages:

Not sure which MDJ has your case? We’ll check and appear with you. Call 724-488-7572.

Why Choose Worgul, Sarna & Ness for a Beaver County Traffic Case?

Local Insight: We appear in Beaver County MDJ courts and the Court of Common Pleas. We know how to position your case for a reduction or amendment.
License-First Mindset: Our priority is avoiding points and suspensions, especially for CDL holders and young drivers.
Clear Communication: Two to three short calls often prevent big problems. We can protect you from missing appeal windows or paying the wrong thing online.
From Ticket to Appeal: If a hearing doesn’t go your way, we’re ready to take a de novo appeal and keep pushing.
Convenience: Our Beaver office is nearby and ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beaver County Traffic Tickets

Should I just pay my Beaver County speeding ticket?

Paying is a guilty plea that can add points to your license and raise your insurance for years. Many tickets can be amended to non-point offenses, especially with a clean history. It’s worth exploring your options before you pay.

How many points will I get for a ticket? Are points avoidable?

Most moving violations carry 2–5 points. We look for technical defenses and negotiate for non-point amendments when possible. Avoiding a points-assessed conviction is often the most valuable outcome long-term.

What happens at the MDJ hearing?

The officer testifies. You can question them and present evidence. Results range from dismissal to reduced charges to a conviction. If convicted, you have 30 days for a de novo appeal in the Beaver County Court of Common Pleas.

I missed my ticket deadline. Am I going to be suspended?

PennDOT can suspend your license under §1533 if you don’t respond after a notice. If you missed a deadline, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Many cases can be reopened or appealed to avoid a suspension.

I have a CDL. Can you keep this off my record?

No lawyer can promise results, but our goal is a resolution that avoids CDL-harming convictions. We pursue non-point, non-serious outcomes and craft a defense strategy with employer and federal rules in mind.

Ready to Take Action? Talk to a Beaver County Traffic Ticket Lawyer

A single ticket can snowball into points, higher premiums, or even a license suspension. Don’t let one mistake cause major consequences. Our Beaver County traffic attorneys understand the local courts and fight to defend your rights under Pennsylvania law. Call 724-488-7572 or contact us for a free, confidential consultation.