Facing a speeding ticket in Tampa can be incredibly stressful. You might be worried about fines, points on your driving record, or increased insurance premiums. You’re not alone. Thousands of Tampa drivers receive speeding tickets every year, and many feel overwhelmed or uncertain about what steps to take next.

Attorney Ryan Sulte is here to guide you through this challenging situation. Ryan is a Tampa native with over 20 years of experience in traffic defense, having successfully handled more than 10,000 cases. He understands the local courts, judges, and prosecutors in Tampa and Hillsborough County, and he leverages that familiarity to seek the best possible outcomes for his clients.

At Sulte Law Firm, our Tampa speeding ticket attorneys approach every case with compassion, dedication, and aggressive advocacy. We know each ticket is unique, which is why Ryan personally ensures your defense is tailored specifically to your circumstances. Our primary goal is to protect your driving record, reduce penalties, and ease your anxiety throughout the process.

When you contact our firm, you will receive prompt communication. We offer free consultations, allowing you to discuss your case with us immediately and without financial risk. With our attorneys on your side, you’ll have an experienced advocate fighting diligently to safeguard your future.

Should I Fight My Speeding Ticket or Just Pay the Fine in Tampa?

Deciding whether to contest your speeding ticket or simply pay the fine is a critical choice. While paying might seem simpler at first, it is considered an admission of guilt in Florida and immediately places points on your driving record.

These points can have severe long term consequences, including higher insurance premiums and potential license suspension. In fact, nearly half of contested traffic tickets in Hillsborough County result in either no points or reduced penalties, making it worthwhile to challenge your ticket rather than accepting the consequences outright.

I understand the temptation to simply pay and move forward, but fighting your ticket can prevent significant financial and legal difficulties down the road. Our Tampa traffic ticket attorneys at Sulte Law Firm are ready to handle your case with care, aiming to help you avoid points, preserve your driving privileges, and keep insurance rates stable.

What Penalties Can a Tampa Speeding Ticket Carry?

The penalties for speeding tickets in Tampa depend heavily on how far over the speed limit you were driving and where the violation occurred. Understanding these consequences can help you grasp the importance of taking your ticket seriously.

• Fines
  Speeding fines in Tampa typically range from approximately $100 to $150 for minor offenses under 15 mph over the speed limit. However, fines increase sharply at higher speeds, especially in special zones like school or construction areas, where penalties often double. Extreme cases of speeding can result in fines exceeding $1000.
• Points on Your License
  Florida employs a point system for driving infractions. A speeding ticket can result in:
  
  • 3 points for speeding up to 15 mph over the limit.4 points for exceeding the limit by more than 15 mph.
  • 6 points if speeding caused an accident.

Accumulating 12 points within 12 months can trigger a 30 day license suspension, 18 points in 18 months can lead to a 3 month suspension, and 24 points within 36 months can mean losing your license for an entire year.

• License Suspension or Revocation:
  Excessive speeding (driving 30 mph or more over the limit) is classified as a criminal misdemeanor in Florida. Speeding at 50 mph or more over the limit is even considered a felony offense, bringing potential jail time and significant license suspension or revocation risks.
• Insurance Rate Increases
  A speeding conviction typically raises your insurance rates significantly. On average, drivers in Florida experience a 15 percent to 25 percent increase in their auto insurance premiums after just one speeding ticket, which could amount to hundreds of dollars annually.
• Other Consequences
  Multiple speeding violations could affect your employment opportunities, especially if driving is part of your job. Additionally, accumulating multiple offenses can result in being classified as a Habitual Traffic Offender, leading to extended license revocations.

At Sulte Law Firm, our Tampa speeding ticket attorneys understand how quickly penalties can escalate. We fight vigorously to protect your driving privileges, minimize financial consequences, and keep your record as clean as possible.

What Types of Speeding Ticket Cases Do We Handle in Tampa?

Our Tampa speeding ticket attorneys at Sulte Law Firm handle all types of speeding tickets, from everyday citations to highly unusual cases. Whatever your specific situation, Attorney Ryan Sulte has likely encountered something similar and can offer targeted, caring representation.

Standard Speeding Violations (Civil Infractions)
These are common tickets for exceeding the speed limit, often occurring on major local routes such as I 275 or Dale Mabry Highway. Even minor tickets carry potential points and fines that our attorneys can help you minimize or avoid altogether.

High Speed Offenses (30 MPH or More Over the Limit)
Driving significantly above the limit in a 55 mph zone on I 75 is treated as a criminal misdemeanor in Florida. Our attorneys regularly defend these serious cases, seeking to reduce charges or penalties.

Super Speeder Violations (50 MPH or More Over)
Rare but extremely serious, exceeding the speed limit by 50 mph or more can result in felony charges. For instance, driving 100 mph in a 50 mph zone on the Crosstown Expressway carries severe penalties, and we provide aggressive, experienced defense to protect your rights and freedom.

School Zone or Construction Zone Speeding
Tickets issued in these special zones carry significantly increased penalties. Our attorneys frequently challenge these violations by questioning signage visibility, timing accuracy, or officer judgment.

Speeding Ticket from Camera or Radar Device
Automated speed enforcement, particularly around Tampa school zones, can lead to tickets mailed directly to you. Our attorneys often contest these citations by examining device calibration, timing of enforcement hours, and technical errors.

Out of State or Commercial Driver Violations
We handle tickets issued to out of state drivers or commercial vehicle operators traveling on roads like I 4. Recognizing that commercial drivers face stricter regulations and greater penalties, we diligently work to resolve these cases without requiring our clients to appear personally.

Speed Related Criminal Charges (Racing or Reckless Driving):
Speeding can sometimes escalate into criminal charges, including reckless driving or street racing. Our attorneys are experienced in managing these complex cases, providing comprehensive defense to mitigate serious consequences.

Regardless of your specific speeding violation, the Sulte Law Firm team approaches each case with compassion and determination, committed to achieving the best possible outcome.

What Are the Common Defenses Against a Speeding Ticket in Tampa?

Speeding tickets are not always straightforward. There are often several strong defenses available. Our Tampa speeding ticket attorneys carefully examine each case to identify the best strategy for contesting your citation.

Faulty Speed Measurement
Law enforcement typically relies on radar or laser devices to measure speed. However, these instruments aren’t always accurate. We frequently challenge the reliability of these devices by verifying maintenance and calibration records or questioning officer training.

Visual Estimation Errors
Officers sometimes estimate vehicle speed visually or by pacing from behind. These methods can be flawed due to human error or poor road conditions, and we actively contest tickets based on inaccurate visual or pacing assessments.

Incorrect Ticket Details or Procedural Errors:
Significant mistakes or procedural violations, such as citing the wrong statute or misidentifying your vehicle, may support dismissal. Our attorneys meticulously review your citation for substantial errors or oversights to build a stronger defense.

Speeding Out of Necessity or Emergency
In exceptional circumstances, speeding may be justified. For example, transporting someone to the hospital during a medical emergency. If you faced such a situation, we present evidence supporting the necessity of your actions to seek dismissal or reduced charges.

Lack of Proper Signage or Conditions
If you were cited for speeding in conditions with inadequate signage or confusing road markings, this might constitute a viable defense. For example, obscured or missing speed limit signs can render a citation unfair, and we regularly contest such cases.

Every speeding ticket has its unique circumstances, and no single defense fits every situation. At Sulte Law Firm, Attorney Ryan Sulte individually assesses each client’s case to identify and pursue the strongest available defense. Our objective is always to minimize or entirely eliminate the negative impacts of your speeding ticket.

Got a Speeding Ticket in Tampa? What Should You Do Next?

The most important step after receiving a speeding ticket in Tampa is to speak with a knowledgeable traffic ticket attorney. You don’t have to navigate this complicated situation on your own. Professional guidance is readily available.

Attorney Ryan Sulte and our team at Sulte Law Firm offer free consultations, enabling you to quickly understand your legal options without any initial cost or obligation. We’re here to answer your questions, outline possible strategies, and put your mind at ease.

Don’t let a single speeding ticket jeopardize your driving privileges or strain your finances. Contact the Sulte Law Firm today at (813) 223 4343 or visit our office located at 402 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33602.

We’re on your side, committed to protecting your driving record and securing your future.