When Paying the Fine Isn't the End—It's Just the Beginning
At Scott K. Dillin, Attorney at Law, we frequently speak with clients who made one simple mistake: they underestimated the impact of a traffic ticket or DWI arrest.
For many, the thinking goes like this:
“It’s just a speeding ticket—I’ll pay it and move on.”
“It’s my first DWI—maybe I’ll just plead guilty and deal with it.”
But what many don’t realize is that those quick decisions can carry long-term consequences that far outweigh the initial fine or penalty.
As an experienced Asheville DWI Lawyer and Traffic Ticket Attorney in Asheville, I’ve seen firsthand how these decisions affect people’s licenses, jobs, insurance rates, and even their criminal records.
The Real Cost of a Traffic Ticket in North Carolina
More Than Just a Fine
Traffic tickets seem minor. But in North Carolina, simply paying a traffic ticket means you're pleading guilty to the offense. That guilty plea carries more than just a fine—it triggers:
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Points on your driving record
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Increased insurance premiums (sometimes for 3+ years)
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Possible license suspension if you’ve had prior violations
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Job consequences if your employment involves driving
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A permanent mark on your DMV and court record
Some traffic tickets—like reckless driving or speeding in a work zone—can even rise to the level of misdemeanor criminal charges, which are not expungable.
Common Mistake: Paying the Ticket
We often hear from clients who paid their ticket online, thinking it would be the fastest way to handle things—only to receive a notice that their insurance was going up, or that their license was suspended.
As your Traffic Ticket Attorney in Asheville, we help prevent that outcome by:
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Reviewing your full driving history
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Exploring eligibility for a Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC)
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Negotiating for a reduction to a non-moving violation
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Appearing in court on your behalf, in most cases
DWIs in Asheville: A Lifetime of Consequences for a One-Time Mistake
DWI Is Not a Traffic Ticket—It’s a Criminal Offense
Unlike simple speeding or stop sign violations, a Driving While Impaired (DWI) charge is a misdemeanor criminal offense in North Carolina. That means:
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You face potential jail time
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Your license will be suspended
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You could be required to install an ignition interlock device
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You must undergo a substance abuse assessment
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You will have a criminal record—permanently
Let that last point sink in: A DWI conviction cannot be expunged. It follows you for life, affecting everything from housing applications to job opportunities and even travel abroad.
Why You Should Never Plead Guilty to a DWI Without Legal Advice
Many people facing their first DWI think the evidence is stacked against them—so they plead guilty and hope for leniency. But there are often strong legal defenses available, such as:
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Illegal traffic stop
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Improper administration of field sobriety or chemical tests
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Faulty breathalyzer calibration
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Lack of probable cause for arrest
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Violation of constitutional rights
As a trusted Asheville DWI Lawyer, I’ve successfully had DWI cases dismissed or reduced due to errors made during the investigation or arrest.
The Insurance Impact: One Charge Could Cost You Thousands
One of the most overlooked consequences of a traffic or DWI conviction is how it affects your insurance premiums.
After a Traffic Ticket:
Depending on the offense and your record, your insurance rate could increase by 20–60% for up to three years. For younger drivers or those with prior offenses, it could be even worse.
After a DWI Conviction:
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You will be classified as a high-risk driver
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You may be required to purchase SR-22 insurance
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Your rates can double—or worse
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Some carriers may cancel your policy entirely
These increases often far exceed the cost of hiring an attorney to fight the charge in the first place.
CDL Holders and Professional Drivers: You Have Even More to Lose
If you drive for a living—whether as a truck driver, delivery driver, or rideshare operator—your job may be on the line.
Both traffic convictions and DWIs can result in:
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Immediate CDL suspension
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Disqualification from certain employers
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Loss of insurance eligibility
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Long-term career impacts
At our firm, we’ve successfully defended CDL drivers by identifying procedural issues or negotiating for reductions to offenses that won’t disqualify their license or livelihood.
Why Hiring a Local Asheville Lawyer Matters
Knowledge of Local Courts and Prosecutors
We’ve been practicing law in Asheville and Buncombe County for over two decades. That means we understand:
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How local judges interpret certain laws
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What types of plea agreements are possible
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How to communicate effectively with area prosecutors
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The local DMV process for license restoration
This local experience makes a real difference when it comes to reducing or dismissing charges.
You’ll Work Directly With Attorney Scott Dillin
When you hire our firm, you don’t get passed off to a junior associate. You get direct, one-on-one communication with me—Scott Dillin—throughout your case.
I believe every client deserves:
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Honest, straightforward advice
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Clear expectations about possible outcomes
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Aggressive, smart legal defense
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A partner, not just a lawyer
What to Do If You’re Facing a Ticket or DWI in Asheville
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Do not pay the ticket or plead guilty—that closes the door to possible defenses.
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Contact our office immediately—the earlier we get involved, the more we can do.
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Bring all documents related to your case—tickets, court notices, license info, etc.
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Let us handle the legal process for you—in many cases, we can appear in court on your behalf.
Contact Scott K. Dillin, Attorney at Law
Facing a traffic ticket or DWI charge in Asheville? Let’s talk before you make a costly mistake.
Visit: Scott K. Dillin, Attorney at Law
Serving Asheville, Buncombe County, and Western NC
Final Thoughts: A Ticket or DWI Doesn’t Have to Define You
Mistakes happen. But with the right legal guidance, one moment doesn’t have to cost you your license, your money—or your future. At Scott K. Dillin, Attorney at Law, we fight for your rights, your record, and your peace of mind.
Don’t wait. Call us today and let’s build your defense.