Sullo& Sullo Ready to Assist Those with Outstanding Warrants
HOUSTON, TX—The seventh annual Great Texas Warrant Roundup is here and the Law Firm of Sullo & Sullo, LLP is ready to help all of those who find they are on the list. Over three hundred jurisdictions across the state of Texas are taking part in the Roundup this year, up from approximately 260 in 2012. The City of Houston warns all those with outstanding warrants—largely due to unpaid traffic citations or failure to appear in court—to get ready, as the enforcement phase of the Roundup begins.
A “grace” period is given prior to the March 2nd enforcement phase during which notices are sent out through the mail, phone calls are made and, in some instances, notices are left on front doors to warn those with warrants to come forward and square their debt. Once the grace period expires, those with an outstanding warrant can be arrested at any time or any place, including work, home or school. Police officers in the greater Houston area are able to scan license plates with a special device which quickly tells them if the registered owner is on the warrant list. The theory behind the Roundup is to allow all those who have neglected to take care of their outstanding tickets to wipe the slate clean. Needless to say there is significant financial incentive from the viewpoint of city officials—in 2011 Houston and surrounding areas pulled in over two million dollars as a direct result of the Roundup. Unfortunately, there were also some 4,000 arrests made as well.
Naturally the greater Houston area officials encourage all those with outstanding tickets to simply come forward and pay up, however there may be a better option. Whenever a traffic ticket is received and the person mails in their fine, they have, in effect, pled guilty and are now convicted of the offense. While traffic violations are generally Class C misdemeanors, they are nonetheless considered criminal offenses. Every conviction for such an offense will garner the offender points on their driving record—generally two points per offense unless an accident resulted. Once points accrue to a level higher than six, the state of Texas will begin assessing surcharges which must be paid every year for a period of up to three years. These surcharges can be quite costly, depending on the level of points. Vehicle insurance rates also rise every time points are added to the driving record. Should the point level be high enough the offenders’ driver’s license can be revoked.
Rather than feeling frightened and helpless and simply paying your fines during the Roundup, it could be to your benefit to speak with a knowledgeable traffic ticket attorney from Sullo & Sullo, LLP. We can post a bond on your behalf which takes the threat of arrest out of the equation. Following this important step we can then evaluate your particular situation, establishing the best course of action. We may be able to have your original ticket dismissed, or negotiate a deal which will leave you in a much better position than having those convictions go on your driving record.
The lawyers of Sullo & Sullo work tirelessly to protect the rights of their clients no matter the level of offense. Our broad range of legal experience and comprehensive knowledge of cutting-edge technology allow us to more fully meet the needs of every client. Before you pay that outstanding ticket, talk to an attorney in our firm—we are compassionate to your plight while offering aggressive, zealous advocacy to our clients.
Contact:
Sullo & Sullo, LLP
Southwest Fwy, Suite 300
Houston, TX 77098
713-839-9026
Fax: 713-523-6634
Website: www.sullolaw.com