If you were ticketed or charged with a traffic offense, you’re likely worried about points, fines, and whether your license—or job—could be at risk. Our traffic lawyers in Butler County know the local courts and how these cases work in Pennsylvania. We may be able to protect your license and your record. Call 878-888-0311 for a free consultation.
What Traffic Violations Do We Handle?
Traffic tickets in Butler County range from minor summary violations to more serious offenses that can add points to your record, trigger suspensions, and increase your insurance costs. PennDOT begins corrective action once a driver reaches six points, with stricter rules for those caught speeding 31+ mph over the limit and for drivers under 18.
Even a ticket that seems small can create major problems depending on your circumstances. For commercial drivers (CDL holders), medical professionals, delivery drivers, or anyone who relies on their license for work, just two or three points can mean job consequences.
That’s why we take every violation seriously. Some of the charges we can help you contest are:
- Speeding (75 Pa.C.S. §3362): Points vary based on how many miles per hour you’re over. Work zone speeding can add a 15-day suspension on top of points.
- Red light/stop sign violations (75 Pa.C.S. §§3112, 3323): Running a red or failing to stop adds points and can impact insurance.
- Careless driving (75 Pa.C.S. §3714): A catch-all charged when police allege unsafe driving; it carries points.
- Leaving the scene: There are two charges for fleeing the scene, property damage (75 Pa.C.S. §3745) or with injuries (C.S. § 3742). Both of these offenses’ add points and can be a serious charge if injuries are involved.
- School bus violations (75 Pa.C.S. §3345): These carry five points and a 60-day license suspension.
- Driving while suspended (75 Pa.C.S. §1543) or without insurance (75 Pa.C.S. §1786): These can lead to suspensions and significant collateral consequences. (See PennDOT driver services for restoration and eligibility details.)
What Are “Points” in Pennsylvania Traffic Cases?
When you get a traffic ticket in Pennsylvania, the consequences often go beyond paying a fine. Most moving violations carry points on your driving record. These points are tracked by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
Here’s how the system works:
- Each moving violation has a set number of points, usually between 2 and 5.
- If you reach 6 points, PennDOT requires corrective action such as a written exam, driver improvement school, or a departmental hearing.
- If you continue to accumulate points, you can face license suspensions.
- Some violations, such as school bus infractions or work zone speeding, carry automatic suspensions on top of points.
- For drivers under 18, the threshold is stricter: accumulating 6 points or going 26 mph over the limit triggers a 90-day suspension.
Points also affect your insurance premiums. Even a single ticket with points can raise your rates for years.
The good news is that points are not permanent. For every 12 consecutive months you drive without a violation that adds points or a suspension, PennDOT removes three points from your record.
Penalties & Points for Common Butler County Traffic Violations
This quick guide can help you understand typical outcomes. Your actual penalties depend on your driving history, where the ticket was issued, and any aggravating factors (e.g., work zones, school buses, or crashes).
Charges from traffic violations can be contested. An experienced defense lawyer may help lessen or eliminate penalties.
- Speeding 6–10 mph over (§3362)
• Points: 2
• Notes: Higher tiers add more points. - Speeding 11–15 mph over (§3362)
• Points: 3
• Notes: 15-day suspension if in an active work zone. - Speeding 16–25 mph over (§3362)
• Points: 4
• Notes: 15-day suspension if in an active work zone. - Speeding 26–30 mph over (§3362)
• Points: 5
• Notes: 15-day suspension if in an active work zone. - Speeding 31+ mph over (§3362)
• Points: 5
• Notes: Departmental hearing & sanctions under §1538(d). - Red light — fail to stop (§3112)
• Points: 3
• Notes: Insurance impact likely. - Stop sign — fail to stop (§3323)
• Points: 3 - Careless driving (§3714)
• Points: 3
• Notes: Broadly charged for “unsafe” operation. - Leaving scene — property damage (§3745)
• Points: 4 - School bus — red lights flashing (§3345)
• Points: 5
• Notes: Mandatory 60-day suspension. - Under 18 — 6 points or 26+ over
• Suspension: 90-day suspension (first), 120 days (additional).
The Butler County Process for Traffic Tickets
Most traffic matters begin with a citation from a local officer or Pennsylvania State Police. You must respond by the date on your ticket, either by paying (a guilty plea) or by pleading not guilty to request a hearing at a Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) court. If you don’t respond or fail to pay, PennDOT can suspend your license under 75 Pa.C.S. §1533, after statutory notice.
Step-by-Step Overview
Ticket Issued
When you receive a traffic citation, it will list the exact charge(s), the location of the incident, and the Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) court where your case will be handled. Many people make the mistake of ignoring deadlines or assuming they have no defense.
If you have reason to contest the charge, you can contact us for a free consultation. We will review the citation for errors and outline your options for responding.
Respond or Plead Not Guilty
To fight your ticket, you must enter a not-guilty plea before the deadline listed on your citation. Doing so ensures your case is scheduled for an MDJ hearing. Missing this deadline can result in automatic conviction and additional penalties.
Our team helps you prepare and file your plea correctly. We immediately begin gathering evidence and planning your defense strategy.
MDJ Hearing
At the hearing, the police officer who issued your ticket will testify. You have the right to cross-examine them and present your own evidence. Depending on how the case is handled, outcomes can include a guilty verdict, a reduced or amended plea that avoids points on your license, or even dismissal of the ticket.
Our lawyers have extensive experience in Butler County MDJ courts and know how to challenge weak evidence, question the officer’s testimony, and argue for the best possible resolution.
If Convicted
A conviction isn’t always the end of the road. You have 30 days to appeal for a new (de novo) hearing in the Butler County Court of Common Pleas. At this stage, the case starts fresh before a different judge, giving you another chance to fight the ticket.
We handle the appeal process from start to finish—filing paperwork, preparing motions, and advocating aggressively in court to protect your license, your insurance rates, and your record.
What If I Missed a Ticket Deadline or Got a Suspension Letter?
If you missed the deadline to deal with your ticket, or if you got a letter saying your license will be suspended, the state can take away your right to drive. PennDOT can do this under §1533 if you don’t answer your ticket (for example, by paying the fine or telling the court you want to fight it).
Before your license is actually taken away, the court has to mail you a warning letter. That letter gives you a short amount of time to take care of the ticket. If you still don’t do anything, your license will be suspended.
The good news is that missing a deadline doesn’t always mean you’re out of options. Don’t risk driving while suspended. A traffic lawyer can help you ask the court for another chance, file the right forms, or appeal the suspension.
Butler County Courts, MDJs, and Driver Services (Addresses & Links)
If you’re dealing with a traffic issue, you may need to contact one or more of these local resources. Check the linked websites for more details.
- Butler County Government/Judicial Center (Clerk of Courts)
Address: 124 West Diamond Street, Butler, PA 16001
Phone: 724-284-5233.
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30–4:30
Website: Clerk of Courts - Magisterial District Courts
Notes: Your Magisterial District Judge depends on your location. A partial list is shown below. Visit the website for the full directory.
Website: MDJ Directory - District 50-1-01
Address: 530 Fairground Hill Rd., Butler, PA 16001
Phone: 724-284-5370
Judge: Hon. Kevin P. O’Donnell - District 50-3-04
Address: 9028 Marshall Rd., Cranberry Township, PA 16066
Phone: 724-772-1717
Judge: Hon. Kevin J. Flaherty - District 50-3-06
Address: 202 East Main St., Evans City, PA 16033
Phone: 724-538-3960
Judge: Hon. Amy M. Marcinkiewicz - Butler County Courts
Notes: This website contains info on Butler County courts, court rules, and more.
Website: Butler County Courts Info - PennDOT Driver License Center (Butler)
Address: Point Plaza Shopping Center, 158 Point Plaza, Butler, PA 16001
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 8:30-4:15
Website: PennDOT
Why Choose Worgul, Sarna & Ness for Your Butler County Traffic Case?
A traffic ticket may look routine, but the wrong move can lead to points, a suspension, or skyrocketing premiums. We handle traffic matters across Western Pennsylvania and understand how Butler County Magisterial District Judges address speeding, stop-sign violations, careless driving, and other common violations.
- Local insight: Familiarity with Butler County’s courts, prosecutors, and procedures.
- Point-focused strategy: We work to reduce points—or avoid them—through targeted negotiations and evidence challenges.
- Clear communication: You’ll know your options, costs, and likely outcomes at every stage.
- Full-case support: From the first court appearance to the last possible appeal, we keep working until your case is completely resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Tickets in Butler County
How many points do I get for speeding in Pennsylvania?
It depends on your speed over the limit. For example, 6–10 mph over is 2 points; 11–15 is 3; 16–25 is 4; 26–30 is 5; at 31+ you face a departmental hearing and sanctions. Work zone speeding adds a 15-day suspension.
Can I appeal a guilty verdict from an MDJ?
Yes. You typically have 30 days to file a summary appeal for a new hearing in the Court of Common Pleas. You must act quickly. Missing the deadline can lock in the conviction and points.
What if I ignore the ticket or forget to pay?
PennDOT can suspend your license under 75 Pa.C.S. §1533 for failure to respond or pay, after required notice. That suspension can cause major headaches until the case is cleared.
Do teen drivers face different rules?
Yes. If you’re under 18 and accumulate six points or are convicted of 26+ mph over the limit, PennDOT imposes a suspension (90 days for the first, 120 days for later occurrences).
Will a school bus ticket suspend my license?
A conviction for failing to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing carries five points and a mandatory 60-day suspension.
What Are Areas Do We Serve in Butler County?
We represent drivers in
- Cranberry Township
- Butler Township
- Adams Township
- Buffalo Township
- Fernway
- Slippery Rock
- Seven Fields
- Mars
- Saxonburg
- Evans City
- Valencia
- Harmony
- Prospect
- Connoquenessing
and throughout Butler County.
Traffic Violations Can Be Contested. Talk to a Traffic Lawyer in Butler County
If you’re dealing with a ticket in Butler County, speak with a lawyer before you pay or plead. The right plan can reduce points, prevent suspensions, and protect your future. Call 878-888-0311 or contact us for a free, confidential consultation today.
