Frequently Asked Questions

*I want to get the process started and hire the attorney.  What do I do now?

We thank you for your consideration and interest in our services.  To get the process started, please contact our office by telephone, email, fax, or drop by, as walk-ins are always welcomed, no appointment necessary.  Attorney’s fees may be paid by mail, in person by you or anyone on your behalf, or by drop box (Brentwood Office only).  We do not accept credit or debit payments.  To learn telephone numbers, addresses, directions, etc., please visit our “Contact Us” tab.  To learn cases we accept, please visit the “Practice Areas” tab, or just contact one of our offices with any questions. 

*What are the office hours?

St. Peters Office:  9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday (closed Saturday, Sunday, and most major holidays)

Brentwood Office:  10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday (closed Saturday, Sunday, and most major holidays)

*On which holidays are you closed?

New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and either the day before or the day after Christmas Day (depending on which day of the week Christmas falls)

*How do I contact your office?

Telephone, mail, fax, email, or in-person visits.  Walk-ins are always appreciated and welcomed, no appointment necessary.  Please visit our “Contact Us” tab to learn telephone numbers, addresses, directions, etc.

*Do I need an appointment to speak with the attorney or the office staff?

No.  Please call the office or drop by.  We believe in direct, easy accessibility.  Our staff has over 27 years combined experience working cases.  They have a wealth of knowledge to answer your questions.   

*Does your office handle tickets in States other than Missouri?

No. We handle tickets only in Missouri. At this time, we do not have referrals for attorneys in other states. We suggest doing a general internet search for attorneys in the county or city where you received the ticket. Or you can try calling the Bar Association for that particular state and perhaps they may provide a referral service.

*What types of cases does the attorney handle?

The quick answer is all traffic tickets, including tickets involving accidents, DWI/DUI/DUID, suspensions/revocations, warrants, criminal ordinance violations, criminal misdemeanor and felony cases, and personal injury cases, such as situations where a person is injured from an automobile accident.  Please visit the “Areas of Practice” tab for more information, or just contact one of our offices. 

* What is the benefit of hiring the Traffic Law Headquarters?

 After paying the attorney’s fee with your hard-earned money, you have the right to know what to expect.  Whether your case concerns a warrant, driving while suspended or revoked, a traffic ticket, DWI/DUI, a criminal misdemeanor or felony case, or a personal injury case, you can always expect and will receive the following services, including, but not limited to: a) diligent attention to the details of your case and the application of our experience; b) prompt and direct access to the attorney and office staff by telephone, fax, email, or visiting one of our offices - no appointment necessary; c) friendly and responsive staff, which means polite service, following through on our promises, answering your telephone calls and/or returning them promptly, and providing updates on your case; d) confidentiality.  Confidentiality means that your attorney and his office staff will not share, sell, or otherwise disclose any of your personal or case information to anyone or any business.  It is your attorney’s professional responsibility and privilege to keep all communication(s) private, within the office only.  What this means is that all communications from you to the attorney or his staff (i.e. questions, comments, letters, emails, faxes, etc.) will remain safe, secure, and confidential at our office – period. 

You will enjoy the confidence and peace of mind knowing that your private information and communication(s) with your attorney and the office will be protected – safe against intrusion from everyone, including prosecutors, courts, and judges.  You can speak honestly and freely to your attorney; he will not and cannot reveal your communications.  There is a lot of information about this topic.  We suggest a general internet search or by searching the Missouri Bar website (the key phrase is: “attorney/client confidentiality/privilege.”

 *What if I miss my court date - can you help with arrest warrants?

If you miss a court date, what happens next depends on the particular court; general consequences that may occur include, but are not limited to: a warrant for your arrest may be issued, your driving privileges may be suspended, and the court may assess additional fees to your case. In most instances, we can help you even if your case is in warrant status; we handle many warrant cases. Courts have their own procedures to address this issue. Please contact our office for help.

 *Why hire an attorney for my traffic ticket?

Don’t plead guilty!  $45 is the attorney’s fee for most minor traffic cases (no points on your record, no court appearance, no hassle).  You want to hire our attorney for your ticket for many reasons, but the bottom line is this: if you plead guilty to a moving violation or other type of “point producing” criminal offense, such as a DWI, points and a conviction will be assessed against your driving record and will remain there for at least three years, perhaps longer, depending on the nature of the violation.  This outcome is unwanted but usually avoidable.  At a minimum, points and convictions will very likely cause an increase in your insurance premiums.  It’s a fact.  Call your insurance agent and ask.  Several insurance agents, who work for large, well known companies, frequently refer their customers to the Traffic Law Headquarters and have informed our offices that insurance companies will increase your monthly premium payments 10% to 20% for each point on your driving record. 

Even more disturbing, in some cases your very privilege to drive may be in jeopardy because of too many points, missing a court date, failing to maintain insurance, DWI/DUI, Abuse and Lose, Zero Tolerance, Minor in Possession, certain misdemeanor and felony cases, and a host of other violations which will cause problems.  You may not even be aware of some violations which produce points on your record.  For example, “failing to operate (turn-on) your headlights at night” or “failure to dim” your headlights is two-points and the conviction!  We know the laws and will protect your rights.  Please visit our “Resources” tab to learn more information about traffic tickets, points, etc., or just contact one of our offices. 

*What happens after paying the attorney’s fee for a traffic ticket?

After we accept your case (correct attorney’s fee paid, usually $45), we notify the court promptly that you are represented by the attorney.  You do not have to attend court (most cases).  Throughout your case, you will be able to speak with the attorney or staff confidentially.  The attorney will work diligently to achieve the best result: your moving violation amended or reduced (“fixed”) to a non-moving violation with no points assessed against your driving record.  We have a very high success rate.  Soon after the court date, perhaps several weeks, our office will receive a document directly from the court.  It’s referred to as a “recommendation.”  The recommendation provides basic information concerning the result of your case, the total amount of the fine and court cost that’s due, the payment due date, and where to send the payment.  We notify you promptly about the result of your case either by mail, calling you to pick it up, or another method you prefer, such as faxing.  With the recommendation, we provide our own letter clearly explaining the outcome of your case and other important facts.  Some clients prefer that family members or household guests do not learn about their ticket; we honor your privacy requests and will protect your confidentiality.  For those situations, case updates would be accomplished by notifying you directly.  Please contact one of our offices with any questions.  Please know that attorney’s fees do not include fines or court costs.  

*What happens after paying the attorney’s fee for a DWI,DUI,DUID?

After paying the attorney’s fee for an alcohol/drug related offense, you will be informed about the status of your case, and you will be able to speak with the attorney or staff frequently and confidentially.  For many alcohol related cases, eventually you will likely have to attend court with the attorney.  If so, our office will notify you promptly about the specifics of the court appearance, such as the court address, time to meet the attorney at court, etc. 

DON’T DELAY!  Because of filing deadlines required for DWI (driving while intoxicated), DUI (driving under the influence), and DUID (driving under the influence of drugs) cases, quick response time is essential to protect your driving privileges.  Whether your case is timely filed or not may ultimately influence the outcome of the criminal case.  DWI, DUI, and DUID prosecutions have two separate cases: 1) an administrative case (concerning driving privileges); and 2) the criminal case (fines, court costs, probation, and potentially jail or prison).  Just like the subject of traffic tickets, in Missouri there is a tremendous amount of factual information as well as myths concerning arrests for DWI, DUI, and DUID. 

A popular subject concerns DWI/DUI/DUID arrests.  The question is whether to take the breathalyzer test or refuse it.  The attorney will consult with you about these issues.  He has successfully represented many clients throughout Missouri, from first-time offenders to individuals charged with felonies because of multiple prosecutions.  Call one of our offices immediately to discuss your case with the attorney.  Time is of the essence! 

*What happens after paying the attorney’s fee for a criminal case?

 After paying the attorney’s fee for a criminal case, you will be informed about the status of your case, and you will be able to speak with the attorney or staff frequently and confidentially.  For many criminal cases, eventually you may have to attend court with the attorney.  If so, our office will notify you promptly about the specifics of the court appearance, such as the court address, time to meet the attorney at court, etc. 

Because every criminal case is unique, it is critical to have an experienced attorney analyze the facts of your case in order to develop a winning strategy.  Throughout each step of the criminal justice process, the attorney will advise you and be your strong, confidential advocate.  Favorable outcomes in criminal cases may include, but are not limited to: outright dismissal, the prevention of the conviction on your permanent record, the charge being amended or reduced to a less serious offense, the prevention of jail or prison, etc.  Please contact one of our offices to discuss your case with the attorney. 

*What happens after hiring the attorney for a personal injury case?

After hiring the attorney for a personal injury case, you will be informed about the status of your case and will be able to speak with the attorney directly and confidentially.  You will have direct access to your attorney.  The attorney has an excellent record ensuring you are justly compensated for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages as a result of someone’s negligence.  The attorney’s fee is contingent, which simply means that the attorney earns a percentage of the money awarded – no attorney’s fee until your case has been concluded and there is money awarded to your case.  You can expect to discuss your case frequently with the attorney from the initial free consultation to the conclusion of your case.  Please contact our office.   

*What forms of payment do you accept for the attorney’s fee?

Cash, money orders, and cashier checks - also personal checks under $100.  No personal checks for warrant cases, please.  We do not accept credit card or debit payments.   

*Money order, cashier check, or personal check payable to who?

Traffic Law Headquarters

*How soon before the court date do you need the attorney’s fee and my ticket?

In many courts (but not all) we can assist you even if the court date is the day of or the day before the court date.  However, if you are able, please provide your attorney’s fee and ticket (if available) as far in advance of the court date as possible.  We do recommend speaking with us on the telephone or visiting one of our offices before mailing your payment to the office.    

*Can I mail my ticket and attorney’s fee to the office?

Yes, you can mail your ticket (if available) and attorney’s fee to one of our offices.  To ensure the attorney’s fee is the correct amount, we do recommend speaking with us on the telephone before mailing your payment.  In many courts (but not all) we can assist you even if the court date is the day of or the day before the court date.  However, if you are able, please provide your attorney’s fee and ticket (if available) as far in advance of the court date as possible.

*How much is the fine and court cost once the ticket is amended?

If a prosecutor agrees to reduce or amend your ticket to a non-moving violation, such as illegal parking, each court will assess a different fine and court cost amount.  The range of amounts varies too extensively to note here.  The fine will be more than the amount if you had just accepted the points and conviction on your driving record.  Fines are a little more because of the normal plea bargain arrangement: no points in exchange for the higher fine.  Each case has a unique set of facts and circumstances, so even cases within a particular court may have varying fines.  For example, speeding in a construction zone may result in a higher fine than a “normal” speeding ticket in the same court.  Please call one of our offices with any questions.  Before you hire the attorney, we will gladly discuss typical fines and court costs assessed after a ticket is amended. 

  *How much time will I have to pay the fine and court cost (recommendation)?

Generally, you will have about one month or more (some courts less).  Payment due dates are set by the courts, not our office.  There are a few courts, however, that do not provide a lot of time to pay and will not extend the payment deadline.  That is why we recommend having money ready to pay the court – just in case.  So there is no surprise, we will advise you ahead of time if there may be a short amount of time to pay the court.  Again, however, most courts provide plenty of time to make your payment.

*If I can’t pay the court by the due date, will I be allowed to make payments?

Each court has its own specific rules and procedures; some allow it, some don’t.  However, just ask us and we will let you know if the court allows a payment plan. 

*May I get an extension on the payment due date?

In most cases, yes. After paying the attorney's fee, however, we do recommend putting aside money just in case the court gives a short deadline and will not provide another pay date. Please contact one of our offices with any questions.

*What happens if I do not pay the fine and court cost bill on time?

Courts take non-payment of cases seriously. The court may issue a warrant for your arrest, the court may suspend your driving privileges, the court may cancel the plea bargain the attorney negotiated with the prosecutor, and the court may assess additional fees to your case for non-payment. Please let us know if you will have trouble making the payment. We want you to be successful and enjoy the benefit of the attorney's work.

*How many points can I get before my license is suspended?

There is a lot of information about points and suspensions/revocations – too much to note here.  For a quick reference to answer these types of questions please visit the Missouri Department of Revenue’s website or you may refer to our “Resources” tab, or just contact one of our offices. 

*Will I have to go to court?

No – generally not.  For typical traffic violations, you will not have to appear in court.  Usually, an appearance in court is reserved for criminal matters or traffic tickets with unusual circumstances.  For example, a speeding case that is 99 m.p.h.  in a 50 m.p.h. zone may require a court appearance.  Much depends on which court the case is pending and the facts of the case.  In the very unlikely event an appearance in court is required for a traffic matter, the attorney will notify you either by mail, telephone, or both. 

*What if I already pled guilty to my traffic ticket?  Is it too late to do anything?

Even if you have already pled guilty to your ticket, sometimes the attorney is able to reverse the guilty plea and have the points and conviction removed from your driving record. However, there are factors influencing whether the attorney will be successful, such as how long ago you pled guilty and the specific court handling your case. Not all courts allow this action, so please contact one of our offices to learn if we can help you overturn the guilty plea. It's worth a call!