THETRAFFICTICKETMAN.COM ANNOUNCES STATEWIDE COVERAGE
Attorney Scott Markowitz is active in the Municipal Justice Bar Association of Texas (MJBAT). He has served on the board of directors and other positions. He will end his 3 year term as President in August, 2004. Its membership of nearly 300 includes traffic ticket defense lawyers, judges and prosecutors across the State of Texas. “If you receive a ticket in Texas,” says Mr. Markowitz, “I can find you a ticket lawyer in the area. Some places in Texas are so remote that it can be a challenge sometimes, but I will always be willing to try! MJBAT lawyers are dedicated to the profession of traffic ticket and misdemeanor defense and you can count on the very best representation available in the area.”

MJBAT is a non-profit association dedicated to addressing the needs of lawyers who practice in the municipal courts and the justices of the peace courts across the State of Texas. Many members, including Mr. Markowitz, are very active in legislative years in Austin, making sure that the rights of Texas drivers are protected.

Your License plate frame is probably illegal!
A new state law effective September 1, 2003, makes illegal any frame that "alters or obscures" your license plate. You may be ticketed and the fine could be as high as $200 plus court costs which average $90 or so. Whether you have a vanity frame or just the one the car dealership gave you, the attorney's advice is to remove them and throw them away! Traffic officers use this new law to stop you even when you have done nothing else wrong!

Surcharges and the new Texas POINT SYSTEM
As if the fines and insurance increases were not enough! Newly enacted section 708 of the Texas transportaion code allows the state to punish you again after you pay the fine on certain traffic ticket convictions after September 1, 2003. Additional surcharges may also be assessed if you get too many points on your record.

Highlights of this new money-making scheme include:
2 points assessed for any conviction of a moving traffic violation 3 Points assessed for any conviction of a moving traffic violation resulting in an accident. Collect 6 or more points in any 36 month period and you will be billed at least $100 per year to renew your license Convicted of a DWI? Pay $1000 to $2000 each year for 3 years. Driving without a valid license? Pay $100 each year for 3 years. Driving without auto insurance? Pay $250 each year for 3 years.

Failure to pay these surcharges will cause suspension and/or denial of renewal of your license to drive!

RACING Means You Go To Jail!
Before September 1, 2003, racing defendants faced a fine only. Not any more! A first offense is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by fine up to $2000, jail up to 180 days, or both. Aggravated cases involving prior convictions, alcohol or bodily injury may result in charges as high as 2nd degree felony punishable by fine up to $10,000 and jail of 2 years minimum up to 20 years in prison.

Passing Emergency Vehicles
As of September 1, 2003, in general, you must vacate the lane nearest the stationary emergency vehicle with emergency lights and equipment activated or slow down to 20 mph below the posted limit if you choose to stay in the lane. More detail Tickets may now be issued with fines and costs up to $290.00.

Check back here for updates soon!